North Ottawa River Valley Tour
UMN
July 27, 2024
Twenty-two Miatas and 40 souls meet at the Loblaws in Bells Corners. This was a difficult trek for some as they had to navigate around the Hwy 417 being closed between Metcalfe and Carling. Nevertheless, all made it on time. After all the formalities and chit chat both groups left on time meandering our way to our Bio-Break at the MacEwen Gas Station in Arnprior. We travelled past such places as Kinburn, Galetta, Loggers Way, and Stonecreast Rd. From our Bio-Break we were getting closer to the Ottawa River on our right, we topped out at Storyland Rd and then starting dropping down on our way over the Chenaux Dam to Portage-du-Fort Quebec. From here we zoomed our way over some Quebec country roads going through Bristol and Norway Bay, cottage country, to eventually make it to our lunch stop at Gavans Hotel in Quyon. We all enjoyed the limited fare, but the hit was the Shamrock Smash Burger. The staff were great even thou there were a few hiccups. From here we hopped on Hwy 148 to Mountain Road where we skirted the Gatineau hills. On our last leg we went down Wellington, Rideau, Montreal Rd, Vanier Parkway, and to our facilities for next year’s C2M2 – 2025. We got a lot of stares and waves from the people. I would like to say a big thank you to Barry & Karen Rowsome, Ron Buck, Cindy & Steve McConnell, and Pamela Jones & Martin Labelle in helping to make this tour a great success.
Mike Bernier
Reposting event stories from our members.
Today we started in the Tuscany region and traveled cross-country on our way back to Rome. About an hour into the journey, we stopped for our first bio-break when a message came over the radio: “I think I left my phone at the hotel.” The voice, of course, belonged to the recently underwear-less Tom Montor. […]
Today was another beautiful day. It was 7 degrees when we get up but 29 degrees by Lunch time . We started early today to get ahead of the Labour Day weekend crowds – May 1st is a National Holiday in Italy. As per the norm – we switch cars each day. Today was our […]
Today was an early start so we could get ahead of the crowds and we headed to San Gimignano, a world heritage site that once was the “Manhattan of Italy”. It was a Center where taxes on goods were paid. Towers were the name of the game here! 72 Towers once stood on the site and […]
April 30, 2026
Driving Tours
We left the Collomedia resort and drove roads better than tail of the dragon! It is better because there is minimal to non-existent traffic. Early start! Today’s roads were unbelievable! Switchbacks and hairpin turns were the order of the day. Nausea was real as cars shifted back and forth with so many turns where the steering wheel […]
April 29, 2026
Driving Tours
Day 3 was a circle route visiting. Leaving the Collomedia resort travelling through Umbria region and the day was filled with amazing routes through spectacular scenery! The Afternoon was spent a local Karting track where the group held Kart racing competition. Ladie’s Cup was won by Bob Gauthier-later disqualified in gender testing 😉 . Suzie made a daring pass […]
April 28, 2026
Driving Tours
Our home for 3 nights is the Abbasia Collemedio Resort. A former Abbey in the Umbria region. Fantastic place with great views and excellent food. We started the day today on a round trip to Castelluccio di Norcia on Mont Vettore. We were gone all day travelling up to 2000 meters and almost up to the snow line. Fantastic, great roads! […]
April 27, 2026
Driving Tours
As excited children are unwrapping a gift, the UMN members were taken by limo from our spectacular Rome Hotel to the Miata Garage and found out what today’s car would be. The cars that we are driving range NA, NB , NC and ND along with a Fiata and a Mercedes convertible. Cars are changed […]
September 13, 2025
Driving Tours
By UMN
Our small group of 6 cars started in Manotick at The Clock Tower. Everyone was early and anxious to get going. So, after some banter we were off to the Boat House Cafe for a great breakfast. We arrived early so it was a perfect opportunity to chatter and take some pics. Then at 10am, […]
September 5, 2025
Driving Tours
Nine cars gathered in Manotick to voyage down and participate in the Watkins Glen Heritage Grand Prix festival. Travelling down secondary roads via Clayton NY to a waterside patio lunch, we dodged rain for a while, before tops up were required. The rain finally ended and one car put their top down before deluge rain […]
