Guest Author - Erin Caslavka

While I'm certainly no Lance Armstrong, I do enjoy a bike ride every now and then. So during a recent trip to the Canadian border region of Monteregie just outside Montreal, I made a point of indulging in an idyllic ride along the shores of the Canal-de-Chambly.

My day began with a hearty meal of traditional New-France cuisine at Fourquet Fourchette (http://fourquet-fourchette.com/en/index.html), where beer ranks as one of the most popular items on the menu. In fact, it's a key ingredient in their dishes, and the restaurant itself is decorated with antique beer-related artifacts.

Overlooking the Chambly Basin of the Richelieu River, the brick building that houses the restaurant is inspired by the architecture of the 17th century, with period furniture, costumed servers and entertainment. After indulging in some grilled meats, vegetables, and cheeses, (plus a small sampling of "La Fin Du Monde" pale ale), I was ready to embark on my journey.

Renting a bike in the "petit" village of Chambly at Velo Chambly (www.velochambly.com), I jumped on my two-wheeled companion and headed across the street to pick up the trail that winds its way alongside the canal.

The area is a delight for cyclists, drawing more than 900,000 of them to the network of bikeways that wind through the Monteregie region. I, however, stayed on the Chambly Canal bicycle path that runs along the old towing path for about 20 kms, which in itself is a part of the "Route Verte."

Construction on the canal began in 1831, but was (according to an informational brochure on the area) "interrupted by financial problems, a cholera epidemic and the patriots' rebellion, thus delaying inauguration of the canal until 1843."

The canal has nine locks, and several bridges - including swing, slide and lift - and its primary function was to help boats avoid both the rapids, and a major elevation drop between the Chambly basin and the Upper Richelieu.

Fortunately for me, the level road that runs alongside the canal provided the perfect venue for sightseeing. At a leisurely pace, I rode my trusty rental, stopping occasionally to admire the magnificent houses along the pathway or to catch a glimpse of some local wildlife.

Though the path continued on, I pulled off across from Auberge Harris, located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Quaint and comfortable, the staff at the inn was welcoming and completely prepared to assist cyclists.

That evening, I was treated to a meal at the gracious Le Samuel II Restaurant in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, overlooking the water (291 rue Richelieu; 450-347-4353.) Across the street through an oversized window, I glimpsed the towers of an ancient building, dramatically lit against the darkening sky. I truly felt like I was miles away from the rest of the world, yet in reality Montreal was just a short drive away.

It may not be the Tour de France, I thought. But it for me - it was just as satisfying.