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Bicycling: Day Trips To Paradise

Program Number: 2760RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/30/2013 - 7/5/2013; 7/21/2013 - 7/26/2013; 8/18/2013 - 8/23/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/20/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Eastern Townships, Quebec
Price starting at: $998.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Bicycling Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Enjoy the way cycling was meant to be as you explore the exquisite natural beauty of quaint rural communities, rolling green hills, and the rich heritage of French Canada and Vermont along paved, idle roads. Ride over wooded hills and through charming towns, learn about the natural forces and the human settlement by the rugged colonists and French explorers, and breathe in the clean, crisp air. Experience the culture and delights along the way, as you pedal the unhurried, high-quality biking roads on both sides of the U.S.-Canada frontier.




Highlights

• Numerous riding options over quiet, paved rural routes and converted rails-to-trails offer scenic landscapes and easy access from base.
• Explore historic towns, French cafés, local cheeses and wines, covered bridges and the charm of lovely Vermont and Québec villages.
• Expert cyclists will provide instruction on bike mechanics, as well as insight into the history and natural wonders of scenic North Country.



Activity Particulars

Rides average 25 miles over rolling terrain; some do more, some do less. All cycling takes place almost entirely on pavement. Group will choose from 20 different day rides. Rentals available.




Date Specific Information

6-30-2013, 7-21-2013, 8-18-2013, 9-15-2013, 10-6-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Eastern Townships

The Appalachian foothills of southern Quebec contain some of the most fertile soil and bucolic scenery of the province, attracting visitors to its lakes, country villages, local gastronomical delights and Quebecois culture.
Accommodations
Comfortable lodging in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, in-ground pool.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Stephen Giesler
Stephen Giesler is an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor adventures, and along with his wife, Joy, is the host at Outdoor lodge in Glen Sutton. Since 1976, Stephen and Joy have been organizing outdoor adventures in the countryside of Southern Quebec and Northern Vermont. As a downhill skier since the age of three, multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, whitewater kayaker on four continents, distance cyclist and tennis instructing fanatic, Stephen’s love of the outdoors and the sporting pleasures found therein has been shared with tens of thousands over the years.
 
Stephen Giesler
Stephen Giesler is an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor adventures, and along with his wife, Joy, is the host at Outdoor lodge in Glen Sutton. Since 1976, Stephen and Joy have been organizing outdoor adventures in the countryside of Southern Quebec and Northern Vermont. As a downhill skier since the age of three, multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, whitewater kayaker on four continents, distance cyclist and tennis instructing fanatic, Stephen’s love of the outdoors and the sporting pleasures found therein has been shared with tens of thousands over the years.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
  Glen Sutton, QC 5 nights
 Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Type: Lodge
  Description: Our main building was constructed in 1900 and served for over half a century as the big wooden schoolhouse to the kids of the valley. Totally renovated and refitted with all modern conveniences, the Lodge has all the amenities of a home away from home. The renovated interior boasts an abundance of American chestnut and birdseye maple. Our various outbuildings, all within a short walk or drive from the main Lodge, are comfortable and well appointed. The building has a "great room" with fireplace, extensive libraries which include world-class films, wraparound porch, outdoor deck on 2nd level and nearby swimming pool. WiFi throughout the property.
  Contact info: 1351 Vallee Missisquoi Road
Glen Sutton, QC J0E 2K0 Canada
phone: 450-538-5816
web: www.outdoorlodge.ca
  Room amenities: Our rooms, officially designated as four star quality, regularly elicit pleasure for the ‘home comfort’ levels they deliver. All are nicely furnished with comfortable beds, private bath, quality linens and good reading lamps. NOTE: Aloe vera skincare products strictly a no! no! as they destroy linens.
  Facility amenities: All rooms are either on ground floor or one floor up (nearly all have private bath). Homestyle high-end cooking with all menus chef-designed by our chef and kitchen team. We provide three meals a day, unless otherwise arranged. Our Lodge takes pride in the quality of our kitchen fare and our commitment to healthy and nutritious dining. Many guests refer to our cuisine as Elderhostel gourmet. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that our dining team puts into all the ‘from scratch’ delicacies. Special needs diets can be arranged ahead of time. As our kitchen serves fixed menus we suggest you come equipped with some of your own specific food requirements should you have highly personalized needs (gluten intolerance, etc.) Thus you may supplement our house offerings.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Contact Lodge directly. Contact the Outdoor Lodge to enquire about availability and rates for additional nights. Stayover rates include breakfast.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Contact Lodge directly. Contact the Outdoor Lodge to enquire about availability and rates for additional nights. Stayover rates include breakfast.
  Check out time: 11:45 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to Glen Sutton. Check-in at 3:00 p.m. You will be staying at Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures after morning class or short morning ride (ends around 11:30 a.m.) A bag lunch is provided. You will be staying at Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for all travel to and from Canada (by air, land and sea) as of June 1, 2009. Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info.
  Parking availability:
Free on site.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Glen Sutton, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Sutton and Mansonville, Quebec
  Nearest highway: Autoroute #10 in Quebec and Rt. #105 in Vermont
  Nearest airport:  Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Dorval, Quebec
  From End of Program
  Location: Glen Sutton, QC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Montreal to Glen Sutton

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Veolia Transport/Montreal Bus Terminal
phone: 514-842-2281

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

approx.$20 one way, less if senior
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
   

Bus from downtown Montreal to Sutton (and return). Free shuttle between Sutton and the program site in Glen Sutton (12 miles each way). The bus leaves from the bus terminal in downtown Montreal at 505 de Maisonneuve East. Phone the bus terminal at 514-842-2281 for information, schedules, fares. Most participants take the 9:30 a.m. bus to Sutton. The phone number for the bus company Veolia Transport is 877-348-5599 (recommend that participants call the bus station for information).
 

Montreal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
747 Express Aeroport P.E. Trudeau/Centre-Ville & Veolia Transport
phone: 514-786-4636 x5148422281

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Express bus from airport $9.00/Coach to Sutton $20
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 hours (45 mins from airport) 
   

1. Take 747 Express bus from the airport to the bus station in downtown Montreal - 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Purchase tickets at the Arrivals Level at the airport or pay the fare in cash with exact change on board the bus. Only coins are accepted (no bank bills). OR Taxi from airport to downtown bus station - approx $40 - $50. 2. Take coach (Veolia) from downtown Montreal to Sutton; leaves from downtown bus terminal at 505 Maisonneuve East. Phone 514-842-2281 for schedules/rates.

 
Driving Directions
  From the North Take Autoroute 10 to Cowansville/Granby/Sutton exit. Proceed to Cowansville thence to Route 104. Continue on 104 until 139 South and onwards to Sutton. Continue straight through town and follow signs to Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the first building on the right as you enter town.
  From the South East Leave Vermont Interstate 91 at Newport. Continue on 105 West towards North Troy. Pick up 243N (north) to the Canadian Border. After Customs, proceed to Highwater. Cross railway tracks and two bridges and then take first left onto Chemin de la Vallee Missisquoi. Straight on for 11 kilometres to village of Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the last building on left hand side in the Village.
  From the South West Exit Vermont Interstate 89 at 104 E (St. Albans). Turn Right off 104E onto 105E. Continue through Sheldon Springs, Enosburg Falls and Richford. After Richford, stay on 105 East and then turn on to 105A and continue another two miles to Canadian Border. After Customs, continue 3 miles straight ahead to Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the first building on the right-hand side as you enter the Village.
Elevation Note: Rides vary between 600 feet and 2,000 feet.

Equipment Requirements: Bicycles with helmets are mandatory. Bicycle and helmet rental is available. Once enrolled, contact the coordinator to advise that you require bicycle & helmet rental. Cost is approximately $85.00 - $90 CDN + tax for the week (18-speed hybrids).
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation/Welcome Dinner
(Sunday, August 18)
   
 Arrive To: LODGE CHECK-IN Participants arrive independently in the afternoon to the Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. until 5 p.m. All levels of cyclists are welcome. REGISTRATION: Meet your hosts and fellow cyclists in the commodious Great Room with its fireplace and extensive library that provides a casual and comfortable spot for refreshments and lively conversation.
 Dinner: WELCOME DINNER: Dinner is at the lodge in the open format kitchen and dining room. Enjoy high-end homestyle cooking with menus designed by Chef Joy and her kitchen team. Dinner will consist of salad or soup, entrée, and dessert. NOTE: Most special needs diets can be arranged if requested in advance by noting on your Health & Safety form.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner, we'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. We’ll also discuss the logistics of the rides and look at the 20 different day rides we can choose from. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different routes and mileage depending upon ability. The lineup can vary depending on weather. Programs are planned far in advance. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements for weather or other circumstances.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Bicycling in Paradise Begins/Discover the Townships by Bike
(Monday, August 19)

Note: Daily rides average 25 miles, some do more, some do less. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different routes and mileage depending upon ability.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options: always a hot dish: eggs. oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: BICYCLING. Gather on the porch for the Tour du Jour Map at 9 a.m. We choose from 20 different day rides. Underway at 9:15 a.m. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different routes and mileage depending upon ability. Sag wagon always on patrol. Rides are 99 per cent of the time on pavement (good shoulders, very low traffic densities) which often sees more bicycles than cars on any given day.
 Lunch: We generally all gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch
 Afternoon: CYCLING CONTINUES. There is plenty of time throughout the day for museums, country stores, local swimholes, milkshakes, antiquing, etc. We are normally back at the Lodge between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. where there is plenty of time for a swim, a snooze or a snack.
 Dinner: Cocktails at 5 p.m. in our "Great Room" and dinner at 6 p.m. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that the dining team puts into their “from scratch” delicacies.
 Evening: PRESENTATION/LECTURE: Evening lecture commences at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include the following: Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution of the 60s, French popular song, or our resident mezzo soprano reeling off some arias. Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, play tennis on our lighted court or sample some local theatre.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Another Day of Bicycling in Paradise/Discover the Townships
(Tuesday, August 20)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options: always a hot dish: eggs. oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: BICYCLING: Gather on the porch for the Tour du Jour Map at 9 a.m. We can choose from 20 different day rides. Underway at 9:15 a.m. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different routes and mileage depending upon ability. Sag wagon always on patrol. Rides are 99 per cent of the time on pavement (good shoulders, very low traffic densities) which often sees more bicycles than cars on any given day.
 Lunch: We generally all gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch
 Afternoon: CYCLING CONTINUES: There is plenty of time throughout the day for museums, country stores, local swimholes, milkshakes, antiquing, etc. We are normally back at the Lodge between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. where there is plenty of time for a swim, a snooze or a snack.
 Dinner: Cocktails at 5 p.m. in our Great Room. Dinner is generally at 6:00 p.m. The kitchen is known in the Road Scholar world for its open format and use of the freshest ingredients. Many have called the results "Road Scholar gourmet.” Whatever the chef chooses for that evening, it promises to be delicious!
 Evening: PRESENTATION/LECTURE: Evening lecture commences at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include the following: Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution of the 60s, French popular song, or our resident mezzo soprano reeling off some arias. Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, play tennis on our lighted court or sample some local theatre.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Bike Rides Continue/Explore the Townships
(Wednesday, August 21)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options: always a hot dish: eggs. oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: BICYCLING: Gather on the porch for the Tour du Jour Map at 9 a.m. We choose from 20 different day rides. Underway at 9:15 a.m. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different routes and mileage depending upon ability. Sag wagon always on patrol. Rides are 99 per cent of the time on pavement (good shoulders, very low traffic densities) which often sees more bicycles than cars on any given day.
 Lunch: We generally all gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch
 Afternoon: CYCLING CONTINUES: There is plenty of time throughout the day for museums, country stores, local swimholes, milkshakes, antiquing, etc. We are normally back at the Lodge between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. where there is plenty of time for a swim, a snooze or a snack.
 Dinner: Cocktails at 5 p.m. in our "Great Room". Dinner at the Lodge provides yet another opportunity to enjoy more creative and heart-healthy cooking.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, play tennis on our lighted court or sample some local theatre.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Bike Rides Continue
(Thursday, August 22)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options: always a hot dish: eggs. oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: BICYCLING: Gather on the porch for the Tour du Jour Map at 9 a.m. We choose from 20 different day rides. Underway at 9:15 a.m. People cycle at their own pace in small groups and may do different routes and mileage depending upon ability. Sag wagon always on patrol. Rides are 99 per cent of the time on pavement (good shoulders, very low traffic densities) which often sees more bicycles than cars on any given day.
 Lunch: We generally all gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch
 Afternoon: CYCLING CONTINUES: There is plenty of time throughout the day for museums, country stores, local swimholes, milkshakes, antiquing, etc. We are normally back at the Lodge between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. where there is plenty of time for a swim, a snooze or a snack.
 Dinner: FAREWELL DINNER: Cocktails at 5 p.m. in our "Great Room" and our farewell dinner at 6 p.m. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that the dining team puts into their “from scratch” delicacies. All recipes are fully shared.
 Evening: PRESENTATION/LECTURE: Evening lecture commences at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include the following: Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution of the 60s, French popular song, or our resident mezzo soprano reeling off some arias. Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, play tennis on our lighted court or sample some local theatre.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Bicycle Mechanics 101/Departures
(Friday, August 23)
   
 Depart From: Independent departures from the lodge.
 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options: always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: PRESENTATION/LECTURE: Bicycle Mechanics 101. Gather on our wraparound porch at 9:00 a.m. for Bicycle Mechanics 101. We cover how to handle roadside emergencies such as flat tires, chains popping off, derailleur adjustments, etc. We field all your questions and also cover the specifics of taking good care of your bike throughout the year - proper maintenance. We cover what to look for when buying a bike, proper individual adjustment, gear ratios and tips for getting the best mileage out of you and your bike. Also, how to use your gears for maximum advantage while cycling. OPTIONAL BIKING: There is an option for a short morning ride, ending around 11:30 a.m.
 Lunch: Lunch is either eaten on the porch or in transit (bag lunch).
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Glen Sutton, QC Glen Sutton and Environs
Highlights include Benedictine Monastery with Gregorian chants (35 min. drive), antiquing, Quebec's wine district (30 min.), village of Lac Brome (35 min.), local museums, cycling, hiking, lakes and rivers for water sports. Shelburne Museum (1 hr. 40 min.) home to the largest collection of Americana in the world.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Traveller's History of Canada


Author: Robert Bothwell


Description: HISTORY, 2010, PAPERBACK, 220 PAGES An admirably concise march through Canadian history by Robert Bothwell, who has also written "Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories." Compact, easy-to-read and covering from prehistoric times to today, it's a useful introduction to the country, designed specifically for travelers. (CND82, $14.95)



History of the Eastern Townships


Author: C. M. (Catherine Matilda) Day


Description: Eastern Townships", is the name used for those townships in the province of Quebec lying south of the St. Lawrence River which were surveyed soon after 1791, to distinguish them from the Western Townships, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence and about the bay of Quinte, surveyed in 1783-4. In 1791 the English law of free and common socage was introduced by the Constitutional Act into Lower Canada ; and consequently the country south of the St. Lawrence was surveyed in townships, and granted in free and common socage, rather than in accordance with the seigniorial tenure that prevailed in the older parts of the province.



Pioneers Of The Eastern Townships


Author: C. M. (Catherine Matilda) Day


Description: In this book, Mrs Day describes the founding and development of the Eastern Townships in detail. The book also contains much biographical information about individuals and families who settled in the area. An invaluable reference for everyone with an interest in the early history of families of the Eastern Townships of Quebec (Lower Canada / Canada East).





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