Around Algonquin by bike.

Ten years ago this fall, at the age that men typically do crazy stuff
without thinking about what they have gotten themselves into, I decided to visit
a great friend of mine in Ottawa.  At the time, I was living in South River,
south of North Bay.  Now, this is generally a fun, normal idea.   By vehicle the
trip can be be done in about 5 hours, perfect for a nice, fall drive.  There are
many looong hills between Mattawa and Pembroke along the Ottawa River, and then
the Ottawa Valley takes over on the Ontario side of the river, while the
Laurentian Mountains continue southeast in Quebec into the Gatineau Region
across the river from Ottawa.  The Capital is a fabulous city, and then, when
returning to South River, one could take the equally scenic highway 60 through
Algonquin Park.  All in all, a round trip of roughly 1000 scenic kilometres. 

      I, however, been 25 at the time, decided that I could do this trip by
mountain bike.  I did not do any research about what such a trip entails: 
Breathable clothing?  What is that?  Proper rain gear for a late September trip?  Huh? 
Gel bike seat?  Full length padded biking pants?  Light weight sleeping bag? 
          
      Instead, I took heavy duty gear, which saw me through well enough, but,
boy, did I learn my lesson about preparedness!