Friday, January 10, 2014

Trois-Rivières to Québec City, 143km: History Galore




We were riding into Québec City which is the oldest city in Canada. I began the ride on my own because I wanted to see Des Forge du St. Maurice which was the first industrial settlement in Canada. The settlement was founded in 1730 by François Poulin de Francheville. For over 150 years the pig and cast iron produced from this settlement contributed to Canada’s development. Unfortunately I did not get to stay long due to time constraints but it was still neat to see the large white house which was used as a store, warehouse, and accommodations for the ironmasters; and the remnants of the bases of houses for  ironworkers, tradesmen, and journeymen.



Before leaving Trois-Rivières I visited Notre Dame-Du-Cap which is an impressive church. Upon arriving in Québec I have noticed that there are an incredible number of churches. Each town, no matter the size, has a church and they can be quite astonishing.



The route took us along the St. Lawrence River, which was beginning to appear quite grand compared to the section of the St. Lawrence River I am familiar with. 


Along the way I met up with Alain who got a flat tire. I helped him fix the flat and from there the two of us cycled together.

On the route there were rest areas along the river which provided nice picnic areas. Alain and I met Gee and Larry at one of them which was awesome because there was an annoying headwind and so forming a pace line with four people greatly reduced the challenge of the headwind.

The four of us stuck it together all the way the Québec City. Our destination was Laval University, another rest day with beds! :)

That evening a group of us ventured into Old Québec City. The city was beautiful, with a wall surrounding it and narrow cobble streets which can be quite steep. I was glad we did not have to cycle through Old Québec. Tomorrow I intended to venture into the city again to see it in daylight.

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