This will be an epic 24 day tour from Quebec City to Moncton New Brunswick, around the famous Gaspe Peninsula.  The route  will follow the south shore of the St Lawrence River passing by picturesque villages, some of which date back to the early settlements in Canada of the 1600’s.  The ride continues along the Atlantic coastline with small coves, rocky capes and beaches and more villages, around the tip of the peninsula to Forillon National Park where the Appalachian Mountain range ends.  The route then turns westward past Perce Rock along the Bay of Chaleur to Campbellton NB, then down the coast of New Brunswick to the City of Moncton. 

The route is almost entirely along or near waterfront, on quiet secondary highways with good shoulders; one of the finest cycle touring routes to be found in Canada. Many club members who have ridden across Canada say that Quebec was their favourite province for riding conditions. It is also a chance to dust off your french and experience some of the Quebecois culture and hospitality.

This will be a camping tour in the traditional style of CCCTS  with a locally rented support van but with a smaller set of communal equipment, since the club equipment can not all be brought on the trip. Some equipment will be locally sourced and the cost is included in the tour.  Driving and cooking duties will be shared.  A few nights in hotels are planned, as are some rest days.

The locations for the start and end of the tour are well served by Air Canada and Westjet and Via Rail. Both airlines will transport bicycles for a nominal fee, or bikes can be rented in Quebec City. The van may be driven back to Quebec City if some riders wish to return bikes there. Bike boxes may be flattened and carried in the van for reuse at the end of the ride.

Accommodations will be mostly in private, municipal or government campsites, with showers and toilets, and in many case on the waterfront. There will be 5 hotels/motels nights, and 18 nights of camping.  The first 2 nights in Quebec City will allow time for evening arrival by air, and bicycle assembly and a visit to the Old City the next day. Their will be a waterfront motel at St Anne des Monts, and motels in  Campbellton and downtown Moncton the final night.

Riding will follow the Quebec “Route Verte” No.1 which includes secondary highways with good shoulders,  local roads, and bike paths.  In New Brunswick the route also follows  secondary highways with good shoulders and quiet country roads.

The total distance is 1360 km, with 10,300m of climbing.  The  average daily distance/ ascent is 72km/540m over 19 riding days. Most days are about 80km, and the longest is 89km. The route is generally fairly flat as it follows the shoreline, and becomes more undulating as it progresses on the north side of Gaspe and around the end of the peninsula.  There are 2 days in the middle of the ride that will include challenging hills , with 800 and 1200m of climbing, including some sections of up to 12% gradient. The first and last  third of the tour are quite flat.  The direction of the ride has been planned to be in the same direction as the prevailing wind along the St Lawrence. With luck we will have “le vent dans le dos”, wind on our backs. 

The support vehicle carries the driver and one passenger only and is not intended to be used as a sag wagon, but can carry a bike and rider in the event of an emergency or mechanical breakdown. Cooking and driving teams may also swap truck positions for part of the day with other riders needing a rest.

See the itinerary for full details of distances and climbing.

The fee includes all accommodation in campgrounds and hotel/motels, a support vehicle rental and fuel to haul the communal kitchen equipment and personal baggage, cooked breakfasts and dinners and bag lunch when camping, truck supported coffee breaks and snacks, happy hour snacks, and miscellaneous expenses such as propane, firewood, maps and cue sheets, etc.  Soft costs included are leaders fee, and a contingency allowance.  The fee is based on the minimum number of riders, so a significant surplus may result if the ride is fully subscribed.   Any surplus funds remaining after the tour are returned to the participants. 

The fee does not include airfare or taxis to and from the start and end of the ride, meals or drinks when staying in hotels, or rental bikes.  A beer and wine pool will be operated at cost.

Registration will be on the CCCTS website on the date shown. A  computerized lottery system and waitlist will be utilized in the event that the ride is over-subscribed.  A $50 deposit is required. The lottery signup will run for 3 days, after which time the leader will review the results.

The selection process will consider the following criteria in evaluating candidates:

• fitness and riding ability and experience required for the tour,
• a history of demonstrating safe riding practices,
• acceptable social behavior.

The leader may interview riders or others who know them to verify their suitability for the tour.   

The leader will notify registrants of their selection status and request the successful registrants make further payments. If the ride is not filled to capacity, registration will continue until the closing dates shown. Deposits and payments are considered non-refundable in the event of cancellation, unless replacement persons are found.

Payment Schedule:

Deposit when registering; $50, 

Second payment approx. Feb 24: $1,000 

Third and final payment May 31: $1,100     Total $2,150