The Veloroute des Bleuets (Blueberry Cycling Route) pannier tour is 256 km of pure cycling fun that loops around Lac Saint-Jean in Quebec’s Saguenay region (about 230 km north of Quebec City). We will cycle around Lac Saint-Jean over 4 days then drive to Quebec City for 2 more full days of riding. Information on the Veloroute des Bleuets is available at https://veloroutedesbleuets.com/en/

The drive from Ottawa to Alma is 670 kms, the majority of which is on a divided multi-lane highway. The Velouroute des Bleuets pannier tour starts and finishes in Alma and the remainder of the tour is in Quebec City which is 230 kms from Alma. Free parking is available in Alma and Quebec City.

Quebec City airport is the closest major airport and is 240 km from Alma. There is a scheduled bus route (Intercar Busline – intercar.ca) from the Quebec City bus terminal to Alma and will accept boxed bicycles.

There are bike rentals available in both Alma (Equinox –https://www.equinoxaventure.ca (they will also look after luggage transfer for those who prefer not to carry their own luggage) and Quebec City (Echosports – https://www.echosportstours.ca/en/). Other rental options may be available.

Each participant is responsible for making their own hotel reservations.

A block of rooms is being held for the CCCTS at each of our overnight stops. We will all be staying in the same hotel/motel. Once you are selected for the Tour you will be given the hotel list and will need to make your own reservations.  To get the group rate, mention that you are part of the CCCTS Tour.

Our overnight stays will be in:

Sept 8                         Alma

Sept 9                         Dolbeau

Sept 10                       St. Felicien

Sept 11                       Roberval

Sept 12, 13 & 14       Quebec City

The Blueberry Route is a 4 day cycling adventure on a well-established route that offers a gentle ride through farmland, forest, small towns, lovely beaches and many small tourist attractions. The terrain varies from flat to gently rolling hills occasional (with a few short climbs thrown in).

The route is about 45% dedicated bike paths. The rest of the route includes dedicated bike lanes (5%), paved shoulders (30%), and designated shoulders (20%).

We will divide into groups each day to accommodate different riding speeds and distances. Each will have a ride leader and sweep. Participants will be required to download the Ride With GPS routes from the CCCTS route library, and/or to print their own copies. Routes will be finalized and available to download a week before the trip.

There will be time to stop for coffee/beverages, purchased/picnic lunches and to enjoy scenic views.

• Organizational costs and supplies
• Tour leader fees, a portion of accommodation expenses for the 4 tour leaders (up to $300 each)
• Credit card stripe fee (3%) of tour fee paid via the CCCTS website

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Bike rental
• Personal expenses

Veloroute des Bleuets Pannier Tour

Day 1 – Sept 8

Arrive in Alma. A short warm up ride will be offered at 4:00 pm to explore Alma and make sure our bikes and riders are ready to roll the next morning.

A happy hour at the motel is scheduled for 5:30 pm where you will get to meet your cycling buddies and learn details for the coming week. Similar happy hours will be held each day following the rides.

Day 2 – Sept 9

79 km paved ride ride (400m vertical consisting of mostly gentle <2% grades) or a 96 km (81 km paved, 15 km unpaved hardpack gravel) ride (500m vertical, again mostly gentle grades) to Dolbeau.

Long ride gravel section through National Park

Day 3 – Sept 10

54 km paved ride (250m vertical with gentle grades) to St. Felicien.

Day 4 – Sept 11

48 km ride (235m vertical with gentle grades) to Roberval.

Day 5 – Sept 12

70 km ride (490m vertical) or 85 km (690m vertical) ride to Alma both with mostly gentle grades. After completing the Veloroute des Bleuets, we drive from Alma to Quebec City where we stay for 3 nights (Sept 12, 13 & 14)

Quebec City

Days 6 & 7 – Sept 13 & 14

Rides up to 80 km in the areas around Quebec City including along the St Lawrence River will be offered. Day 7 is the last scheduled riding day of the tour.

Day 8 – Sept 15

September 15th is a travel day to return home or continue exploring Quebec City. Our group hotel booking is for check-out on the morning of Day 8.

Registration will be on the CCCTS website on the date shown.  A computerized lottery system and waitlist will be used in the event that the ride is over-subscribed. A $125 CAD payment is required at the time of registration. The lottery signup will run for 5 days, after which time the leaders 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 behaviour.

The leader may interview riders or others who know them to verify their suitability for the tour.  The Tour Leaders will have the discretion to make the final decision on whether someone is accepted for a tour and may reject applicants after discussion with the Tour Director. The leaders also have the option to prioritize 30% of the tour applicants up to a maximum of 6 people.

• Tour member selection is done primarily by lottery results but the leaders will have the final decision on who is accepted or not for the tour.
• The leaders will notify registrants of their selection status. If the ride is not The leader will notify registrants of their selection status. If the ride is not filled to capacity, registration will continue until the closing dates shown. Registration Fee payments are considered non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Wait listed cyclists who don't make it to the Ride's "Go List" are encouraged to remain on the waitlist; alternatively they may request a refund of their registration fee (minus the stripe fee).