August 05, 2018 (Valcartier, QC) – Starting easy at the Quebec Singletrack Experience is not really an option. Today’s stage at Valcartier, a Canadian Armed Forces base about 20 minutes outside the city, may have looked tame on paper given that it was billed as one of the shortest stages, but it didn’t take long to figure out why it was short – it was technical and twisty with some exceptionally steep pitches.
While the Armed Forces aren’t generally associated with mountain biking, they have built a solid network of running trails on the base, many of which cut across the wider tracks used for biathlon and cross-country skiing. Even though they’re not purpose-built for knobby tires, if you love old-school, this is the place.
The riding was similar to what I typically do in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, so the rocks and roots felt like old friends, but there were few sections to relax over the first 19km of the stage. The timed ascent – the longest of the week at 1.7km – was relentless and had me wondering, briefly, if I’d made a mistake in signing up for this. Hell, no! There’s always a descent from the top, and Valcartier’s choppy and narrow downhill sections made every metre of climbing worth it. So did the lakeside finish, the pulled pork buns and the complementary beer from event sponsor Boréale.
Judging by the mood and comments at the finish, today’s stage received a resounding thumbs-up from most riders, even those unaccustomed to the technical features of the day. While my own finish time was in the bottom half of the pack of 112 registered riders, I was happy that I was able to pace myself with six days yet to come. Kudos go to the 20 or so riders who nailed the 25km course in less than two hours. A fantastic first day.
Technically speaking, however, this was our second ride of the event. Most of the riders joined our warm up yesterday – a stunning night ride through old Québec, complete with police escort, cheers from the crowds on the street and a short tour of the citadel overlooking the city and St. Lawrence river.
Sadly, this is to be the swan song for Valcartier as a stage for the QSE as we were informed by race organizer, Francois Caletta, during the opening meeting that it would be their final race there. There is always a question of whether a military situation might require the base to close to outside visitors on short notice, which does not make it the ideal location for a stage race. I’m very glad I was able to ride here but will also look forward to seeing what network of trails they replace it with next year. Just hope it’s old-school!
