Top twelve things to love about this Thanksgiving

Mother Nature has once again blessed us with impeccable weather this Thanksgiving weekend. I was lucky enough to spend three fun-filled days cycling in the Madawaska region. Based at Madawaska Kanu Center (MKC) about 16 kilometers from Barry’s Bay, we rode mountain bikes one day and road bikes the next two.

Although it was overcast on Friday, as dusk set in, the clouds moved out making way for clear skies which remained for most of the weekend.  

MKC is a pearl in the Madawaska wilderness. From May to September they offer canoe and kayak lessons as well as meals and lodgings for participants. They also host weddings, art shows and once a year cycling guests.

Here are my top 12 things to appreciate about this Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Sunshine and blue skies
2. Warm temperatures
3. Fresh air
4. Coloured leaves at their peak
5. Mountain biking in the Madawaska Highlands
6. Having lunch at Tom’s Lookout while taking in view of the colourful Madawaska Valley
7. Road biking on quiet roads to Elephant Lake
8. Riding by lakes made bluer by the contrasting colours of the leaves
9. Staying at Madawaska Kanu Centre
10. Someone else’s cooking
11. Fresh baked bread
12. Hanging out with good people

If you keep off the main highways, the road riding is amazing. There are no flat, straight roads. The terrain is challenging and always interesting: a balance of open fields and dense forests; The sunlight reflecting off the brightly coloured leaves; Numerous ponds and lakes.

The mountain bike trails are fun and fast with the occasional hard climb (read: steep!) or descent (also steep),  rocks and roots or sometimes grass and soft earth adding to the challenge. It's so peaceful in the woods. The only traffic we saw all day were two hikers and a dog and one noisy ATV.

Even the drive there and back was pleasant: Watching the terrain change from flat open fields to rolling hills to high peaks. The road winding and undulating; the scenery never gets boring. Old farms, unique houses, small towns, dot the landscape.

So much to be thankful for. And let’s not forget, good health and fitness to allow us to enjoy it all!