CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network is a platform for young, diverse storytellers to create original video content for CBC, sharing stories from their unique perspectives. You can explore more stories from the Creator Network or pitch your own story to CBC Ottawa.
While many people find joy in cycling around their neighborhood or on local paths, for Gab Vaugeois, this is just the beginning of his cycling adventures. The 34-year-old has been cycling long distances in and around Gatineau, Quebec, since his teenage years. One of his early training grounds was the P’tit Train du Nord, a converted train track north of Montreal, which he describes as a must-visit for cyclists in Canada.
In a new short documentary for CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network, Vaugeois takes viewers on a five-day, 450-kilometer journey from Gatineau to downtown Montreal. He emphasizes the beauty of taking the longer, scenic off-road paths to experience diverse landscapes along the way.
Diane Pilon, a spokesperson for the organization maintaining the P’tit Train du Nord park, encourages cyclists to slow down and appreciate the surroundings, highlighting the multitude of sights to see. Vaugeois also suggests gradually expanding cycling routes, starting from local rides and gradually venturing into longer journeys.
Despite potential challenges like thunderstorms and flat tires, Vaugeois believes in the serendipitous moments that can occur while cycling, such as unexpected reunions with acquaintances along the trails. The Ottawa region offers numerous trails, serving as an ideal training ground for cyclists preparing for longer adventures in the future.