North Gower

| Sarah Simpkin

[ This is part three of a three part series of my weekend bike tour to Manotick, Osgoode and North Gower. ]

Sunrise came early to my little campsite (late June will do that), so I was able to pack up and head out before most campers emerged from their tents and RVs.

I’m still impressed that this minimalist camping setup (perfectly adequate for a weekend) will fit in two panniers, a handlebar bag and back rack.

I rolled out of Rideau River Provincial Park and headed for North Gower along McCordick Road. There were some gentle hills along this route, and very little traffic early on Sunday morning. I really enjoyed this portion of the trip, which coincided with several cyclists’ morning rides.

Take me home, country roads!

After a few kilometres, I turned right onto Church Street to head into North Gower. There were a few signs indicating construction happening ahead, but I decided to chance it and try this routing anyway. I was glad to find a pedestrian/cyclist-width pathway left open at the bridge leading into town.

Construction didn’t stop me from crossing the bridge into North Gower, which was very sleepy on Sunday morning.

I rode along Fourth Line Road through “downtown” North Gower and reached the library after a couple of blocks.

Well, this was charming and delightful.

The North Gower Branch features some literary artwork and is neighbours with the Rideau Township Archives, located in the old town hall. After taking a moment to look around, and motivated by the promise of coffee for sale somewhere along the route home, I rolled out of town along Prince of Wales Drive.

Leaving North Gower, then crossing the 416 at Prince of Wales Drive. Finally, a view of the southernmost part of Barrhaven from Greenbank Road.

Prince of Wales Drive runs diagonally across the regular street grid, so I meandered north-east back into Barrhaven, then turned north onto Greenbank Road. There was a separated multiuse path along Greenbank, which was gave me lots of space to maneuver, and also a separated bike lane along Cambrian Road, which I rode to Longfields Drive and Chapman Mills Drive. This area is growing quickly and I was glad to see transit and bike infrastructure along the main roads.

Riding along the multiuse path on Greenbank Road, then in my own lane on Chapman Mills Drive.

I was, by now, desperate for coffee. Restaurants with outdoor seating are starting to provide sit-down service again, but my outdoor brunch options were limited. I opted for a breakfast sandwich and latte at Starbucks instead.

Mmm, caffeine and protein.

From the Starbucks at Strandherd Drive, I turned north onto Woodroffe Avenue to retrace my route home through the Greenbelt and the Nepean Trail.

The multiuse path running alongside Woodroffe Avenue is a nice alternative to cycling along the busy roadway.

In total, I cycled 100 km in two days, with all the gear. This felt manageable although my legs were wobbly like jelly for most of the day. I’m more confident that the next few loops (looking at you, Carp, Fitzroy Harbour and Constance Bay) will be achievable now that I know I can handle 50-60 km rides on the touring bike.

Thirteen branches down, 20 to go.