One of the best introductions to one of the best riding areas in the province (#4, to be precise, in the 2013 Top Ten) is the story of the now legendary tour tackled by eight women riders, all journalists, who came together in the summer of 2011 from a wide variety of backgrounds to conquer the Ottawa Valley. Taking "Champlain's Route" (see below for map) the riders also toured Algonquin Park, one of Ontario's premier tourism destinations.Their route also includeed the legendary Calabogie Boogie, a twisty ride that is known throughout the province.
For more on their trip, visit the official website. For the tour route, see below.
The eight riders on the Summer 2011 tour were:
- Debbie MacDonald
- Genevieve Schmitt
- Tricia Szulewski
- Christa Neuhauset
- Lesley Gering
- Pamela Collins
- Kristi Martel
- Liz Jansen
While in the area, the women stayed at the Calabogie Peaks Resort, the London House Inn and Spa, the Sands on Golden Lake Inn and Resort, and the Petawawa Quality Inn and Suites. The riders also visited the Bonnechere Caves, a true Ontario natural wonder, with literally thousands of fossils lining the walls of what is said to have been the bottom of a tropical sea almost 150 million years ago. To complete their visit, the riders explored Ontario's rich First Nations heritage at the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre and Trading Post.
View Champlains Route in a larger map
For routes to get in and out of the national capital region without subjecting yourself to the 400 series highways:
