Pit stops to add to your itinerary

Rédaction

Laura Martin, she shares her crushes and discoveries with us for our greatest happiness!

On a bike, do you feel “invincible, untouchable and immortal”, like Daniel Bélanger in his soaring song? I do. But even on the most beautiful of rides, in mild weather and on a deserted road, there comes a time when our primary and secondary needs bring us back to reality and bring our heads down from the stars.
Here’s a list of refreshment stops to pin to your itinerary.

Repairing your bike

A soft tire? A derailleur problem? A disturbing sound? Self-service bicycle repair stations are becoming increasingly widespread. They can be found in almost every municipality in Kamouraska, as well as in the heart of Rivière-du-Loup’s Parc du Campus-et-de-la-Cité, and on Rimouski’s sentier du Littoral, which runs alongside the river.

The Parc de l’Anse rest area, in Notre-Dame-du-Portage, and Parc Clair-Soleil, in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, will also enable you to sort out your mechanical problems on your own. Inflate and go!

Lieu d'accueil de PohénégamookVille de Pohénégamook

Filling up

Are you one of those who enjoy a little electric thrust on the trails? Before you run out of juice as you approach a steep slope, find one of the many charging stations.

The Témiscouata region is particularly well equipped, with charging stations at the Notre-Dame-du-Lac marina, Parc des Générations in Dégelis and the Pohénégamook tourist office. In other areas, check with your local municipality or specialized bike stores.

Take a break

If your calves are starting to feel the heat, it’s time to stop! Bas-Saint-Laurent’s six cycling circuits are dotted with soothing stops, where you can munch on an energy bar while marvelling at the scenery.

The view is particularly enchanting at Parc de l’Anse, on the banks of the river at Notre-Dame-du-Portage. Between Le Bic and Sainte-Luce, the Grand Circuit maritime also boasts a number of magnificent rest areas, complete with picnic tables and lookouts. Your greatest challenge will be to leave.

Eat

Not the type to lug around a cooler full of cut-up sandwiches and vegetable plate? There are plenty places to grab a bite to eat on our cycling routes. In Kamouraska, the Maison de Jean-Baptiste, in Saint-Denis-de-la Bouteillerie, and the comptoir Au Cabouron, in Saint-Germain, offer healthy snacks and lunches that are perfect for eating without weighing yourself down.

And, of course, microbreweries are always a welcome choice to round off a hike with friends or as a couple. Good news: Le Secret des Dieux, in Pohénégamook, La Baleine endiablée, in Rivière-Ouelle, and La Tête d’allumette, in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, are all close to the trails.

If you make it all the way to Saint-Luce, be sure to celebrate your achievement at the Bistro des Ancrés, overlooking the beach at Anse-aux-coques!

Getting some sleep

The sun has gone down, your legs are burning, it’s time to visit Morpheus. A number of campsites and accommodations in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region have earned the “Bienvenue cyclistes!” certification. These establishments ensure that they offer services adapted to weary pedalers, such as secure bike storage, pumps and tools for minor repairs, and covered shelters.

L’Auberge de la Pointe in Rivière-du-Loup is one of them, as are Camping Rimouski, Camping municipal de Trois-Pistoles and Le Martinet motel in La Pocatière.

See the full list on the Vélo Québec website.

Enjoy your sleep!