It may have been the last day of riding, but the day was hardly over when we arrived in Quebec City. After a quick change out of our armor (aka riding gear) and washing off the blood and guts of our enemies (read: "insects that committed suicide attacks against said riding gear") at our-class? anyone?-Best Western hotel, we jumped onto a shuttle bus to informally tour Old Quebec City. This is something not to be missed. Founded by the French in 1608, some of the original buildings still stand and it feels like being in an old European city, complete with cobblestone streets. The location was chosen for its steep, tall hill which overlooked the St. Lawrence River and provided a defensible location. That lasted until 1759 when a battle on the Plains of Abraham, adjacent to the walled city, resulted in the French surrendering to the British. Aside from the Old World charm of centuries-old buildings, it's also the capital of Quebec Province, with many government buildings, small hotels, fine restaurants, and its most famous feature, the hotel Fairmont Le Chteau Frontenac, towering over the Old Quebec City center.
Trompe-L'oeil of Old Quebec...
Trompe-L'oeil of Old Quebec City's important historical figures
And dinner to celebrate our successful quest? Our hosts treated us to one of the finest meals I've ever eaten. The restaurant, Aux Anciens Canadiens, is housed in a 333-year old building and specializes in game, fowl and fish. Naturally there is a French country element to many of the dishes and the restaurant has an extensive wine list. I had the escargot for my appetizer and it was superb. If you do get the opportunity to eat there, do not pass on dessert, though I doubt you'd have room to eat two.
Over the course of the trip, the bikes all ran great and were problem free, though some lack any options for attaching saddlebags or other luggage. And for those considering a Sportster 1200 Nightster, unless you're a masochist, don't even think about going on all-day rides, let alone a three-day tour. It was universally loathed by all present.
The only downside to the tour was that we didn't have time to see Toronto, Montreal or more than a smidgen of Quebec City. Adding one day for sightseeing in each city would make it an even more enjoyable trip. Enjoyable? You betcha-smooth roads, great riding companions, pleasant scenery, and welcoming accommodations. Most of all, the quest was successful and putin was devoured by all.
Vive le putin!
Sources
bestwestern.com
harley-davidson.com
kayaktouring.ca
auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca