Fat Bike - The Eastern Townships, Quebec
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It wasn’t long ago that winter and cycling had a relationship of inconviniec made palatable thanks to the indoor spin class. Then along came the fat bike and things would never be the same, cycling became a year round activity. Things dide’t stop there, the mountain biking community was not about to give up their good times in the forest and the only thing standing between them and single track was a few feet of snow. Where there is a will there is a way and the effort to bring fat bikes In to the woods began. At first it was slow going, packing the snow down with snowshoes, dragging tiers trough the woods. Eventually machines took over the task, trail networks began popping up and fat biking was no longer just a way to get through winter but it became something to look forward too.
Fat bike tourism, not sure that it’s thing yet but if there is one place in Canada that the term can already be applied to it is Quebec’s Eastern Townships. With a handful of groomed fat bike trail networks already in existence and the area’s already established winter tourism infrastructure developed around skiing, the time for a fat bike road trip is now and The Eastern Townships are the place to be .
So where to ride ? Her are a few suggestions.
Plein Air Sutton - Sutton
When you think of winter in the Eastern townships you think of Sutton. The skiing, the village, the winter charm and fat biking? You bet ya. The Plein Air Sutton organization jumped head first into summer mountain bike trail development over the past few years and its no surprise the effort would cary over to winter fat biking. With a historic log cabin to hang out in, a Snowdog grooming the trail and a fleet of rentals at your disposal, all you need for an awesome day on the trails.
http://www.pleinairsutton.ca
Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
If you haven’t experienced the summer mountain bike trails at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook you are missing out. But as good as the trails are here in the summer I would say winter is even better. Another Snowdog roams the forest here, buffing the trails into a winter playground. Keep an eye out for the the annual La Creature fat biking festival, a good time to visit with guided tours, a cross-country race and a dual slalom event. Bike rentals are available and you can even spend the night in a heated tent or cabin.
Mont-Bellevue - Sherbrooke
Located in the heart of the city of Sherbrooke, Mont-Bellevue offers views of the city below and an amazing maze of snow trails for your fat bike enjoyment. Every thing from flowy single-track, to berms, jumps and a few spots left el natural to challenge our skill and studded tires.
https://www.ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca
Parc national du Mont-Orford
There is an adventurous feel to the fat bike experience at Parc national du Mont-Orford. While most trail networks are made up of shorter sections that you can link up for a longer ride, the the continues 10 kilometre loop at Mont-Orford definitely has a backcountry vibe to it. A couple worming cabins along its length offer a chance to rest, worm up and refuel. For the 2019 season Mont-Orford has expended it’s fat bike trail network to over 30 kilometres. Fat bike rentals are available.
Centre national de cyclisme de Bromont
With the Centre National de Cyclisme del with in its town limits, Bromont is a summer and now winter cycling hot spot. Start of at Mont Oak, a compact system of beautifully groomed single track with flow, berms and jump lines. Next, the trails bordering the Bromont ski resort offer everything on a grander scale, big ups, big downs and a few spectacular views as a bonus. Out here you will definitely benefit from some local knowledge to find your way around.
http://centrenationalbromont.com
There you have it, fat bike tourism, not sure that it’s thing yet but it should be and Quebec’s Eastern Townships are ready for it.
