Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Jul 7, 2021
A gloomy Sunday. My legs are restless and I want to do something other than just lazing about in the back yard (we’ve had just about enough of the back yard by now), but the sky is grey and it is expected to rain later in the afternoon. “Just too bad!” my husband and I say to each other. As good family managers, we conclude that our “strategic planning” for the summer includes just a few weekends, so we might as well make the most of even the least sunny ones.
By Caroline Fontaine
We load the bikes, big and small, onto the car. We head to Ayer’s Cliff to ride the Tomifobia Nature Trail, a multifunctional path that runs along the river of the same name between Ayer’s Cliff and Stanstead. Developed in 1993 by Sentiers Massawippi, the trail is accessible to walkers (with dogs on a leash) and cyclists. Several ponds can be found on all sides of the trail, making it a great place for wildlife viewing. In winter, it’s also possible to snowshoe or to go cross-country skiing.
19 km for the outbound trip in family mode is a bit too much … especially when you consider that you have to come back! Looking at the route map, we decide to start at kilometre 6 and see how far our troops’ motivation will take us. The result? We’ll make it to kilometre 12 and have a great time. This is only my son’s second year of biking without “his little training wheels” and the twelve kilometres will have tired him out, but not too much. The trail is perfect for a family ride, as it was set up on an old railway track … so it’s perfectly flat! On the way back, we were afraid that we might have to deal with a slow uphill climb, but no, the trail flows gently, like the river that runs alongside us.
We make several short stops on the way, delighted by the landscapes … or because one of the children wants a sip of water. We stop on the impressive bridge that must have supported the trains of bygone days. A bit further, we spot a family of Canada geese, proud of their latest brood. At kilometre 12, where we find tables in a sheltered area, we decide to have a snack. It’s a good thing! The forecasted rain at the end of the afternoon had just begun. During our break, a ruby-throated hummingbird greets us and a small chipmunk comes to nibble some crumbs left by the last people who had occupied the space. Here, the wildlife is very present and can be easily observed.
We were glad to have brought our rain gear because the ride back was completed as the light rain falling on us felt somewhat chilly. The great thing about going out in the rain is that many walkers desert the trail and the landscape colours become more vivid!
To extend the pleasure, during the beautiful summer days, do not hesitate to combine your bike ride with a pause at the beach of Ayer’s Cliff or a well-deserved meal at Wood’s Snack bar.
Romantic Getaways
Scenic Routes for the Perfect Getaway
Family fun
Complètement Animal!
