Donald Teuma-Castelletti
PONTIAC July 27-29, 2018
Cyclists from ages four through 78 descended upon the PPJ this weekend, participating in all or portions of a three-day ride and hike meant to highlight the aesthetics of the Pontiac for locals and guests.
Designated the Jamboree PPJ, Les Ami(e)s du Cycloparc PPJ organized the 2018 edition, featuring four half day rides across last weekend.
Starting right at the end of the MRC Pontiac, riders enjoyed a staggered start from the trailhead in Bristol at chemin Gold Mine. This portion of the tour began around 4 p.m. on Friday and saw 10 riders hit the trail, with two finishing this leg.
Participants like Connie Renaud and Cliff Welsh described the trail as beautiful, smooth and well taken care of, making the ride much more accessible.
Welsh, taking his time on the route, finished in just over two hours. Along the way he managed to snap some pictures of a beaver and enjoyed the trail as he went at his own pace.
Saturday morning he was right back at it, meeting at the starting point of the trail parallel to rue Railroad in Shawville. While he was riding, his wife would be waiting at a further stop, as she volunteered to distribute water along the route.
The rest of the trip would bring riders from Shawville up to Campbell’s Bay on Saturday morning, before moving onto Fort Coulonge by that evening. Both starting points on Saturday featured a bike decorating contest, and participants could enjoy a lunch special offered at La Jonction Restaurant in Campbell’s Bay.
The ride finished Sunday with two more legs – from Fort Coulonge to Waltham in the morning, and then onto L’Isle aux Allumettes into the afternoon.
Remo Pasteris, one of the organizers, said advertising efforts had been pushed greatly along the outside of the Pontiac.
“We had lots of support from cycling communities in Ottawa and Gatineau,” he said. “A number of cycling stores said no problem for putting up our posters.”
Pasteris said these cycling stores and communities were enthusiastic about the length of the trail and the price point for the journey, which was free.
Organizer and Les Ami(e)s president, Tiziana Fortin-Rompelberg, said the ride is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors together, leading the example by bringing along her own children. She also highlighted the success of her volunteers, who have worked toward the weekend all year long.
Next up for the group is the moonlight ride from Shawville to Wyman on Aug. 25. Last year, this ride proved to be one of the most popular outings for the organized group ridings.
