Hans on the Bike - Cycling in Ottawa and beyond

Reading Time: 6 minutesLast October, we visited Aveiro in Portugal, a lovely mid sized town with pleasant weather. It is known for its salt lagoons (birding) and its Arte Nova. Cycling might be a good third thing to enjoy in this flat town behind the Atlantic coast.

Reading Time: 2 minutesFor the longest time we were not able to access two important Dutch cycling websites, but this has now changed. And you can sign up for their newsletter.

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Canadian Urban Institute held its annual conference in Ottawa late 2024 and discussed the challenges of Canadian cities.

Reading Time: 5 minutesHere is the annual overview of the Merivale Food scene, already in its third year. More Indian food, more grocery stores and a few name changes. Check out the map with all the possible places to eat or take out food on the stretch of Merivale Road, Clyde and a bit of Baseline.

Reading Time: 6 minutesThis fall we visited Guimarães and cycled the local Ecopista to Fafe. Here is a short impression and pictures to give you an idea of the pathway in this pretty northern Portugal town.

Reading Time: 3 minutesThursday November 7 at 11 am, ride with councillor Troster in Ottawa

Reading Time: 5 minutesToday, we’ll protest against the new law that forces municipalities to ask permission to build a bike lane if it hinders drivers. And worse, to remove existing bike lanes.

Reading Time: 5 minutesAs we turn on the Thousand Islands Parkway from Gananogue, we notice two police cars with their lights flashing. One of the cops is walking in the grass. As we get closer, we noticed he has a carbon race bike in his hands, mangled. Was it a collision, or did a bike just fall off a car? We will never know.

Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen I was writing my blog post about the short lived Ottawa – New York Central Railway, I noticed that part of the former tracks were paved between Russell and Embrun, Ontario and baptised as the New York Central Fitness Trail. Time to check it out.

Reading Time: 7 minutesLast week, Maria, the owner of Escape Tours, invited me for a short kayak trip on the Ottawa River. Here are our experiences.