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La
Traversée de Charlevoix
Mountain Biking in Quebec
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
With the growing popularity of mountain biking we soon find ourselves
searching for more challenging trails to exercise our skills.
Situated about 145 kilometers from Quebec City on highway 381
near St. Urbain is the starting point of La Traversée de
Charlevoix, the most challenging mountain biking trail east of
the Rocky Mountains
Charlevoix
was named a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1989 due to its rich culture
and its unique ecological diversity. The Charlevoix region covers
a massive 2300 square mile area containing magnificent forests
and the Laurentian Mountains.
The 100 kilometer
trail slices through the mountainous Charlevoix region and should
only be attempted by intermediate to advanced cyclists. You should
plan on at least 3 nights and 4 days to complete the trail. 
Six
basic huts are evenly spaced along the route. These are designed
for individuals or small groups of 6 to eight people who are self
sufficient with their own gear and food. If you wish to ride without
your equipment you can stay in the chalets adjacent to each hut
and have your gear and food shuttled to each destination. The
chalets have wood stoves, propane lighting, and furniture and
are close to drinking water.
Expect well
trodden but rugged trails as they are left unmaintained. You will
cross beautiful valleys which lay at 200 meters above see level
and climb to heart pounding peaks of 850 meters.
Autumn is
a nice to visit due to the cooler temperatures and unparalleled
splashes of color. La Traversée de Charlevoix is not for
the beginner but for the mountain bike adventurer that seeks a
definite challenge.
Special thanks
to Eudore Fortin (president of La
Traversée de Charlevoix) for supplying the excellent
photos.
For more articles
please view the archives.
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