August 09, 2019 (Saint-Raymond, Que.) – Already recognized by major bike magazines as one of the best trails in the world, today we experimented the Neilson! If you have not yet ridden the Neilson trail and others from the Shannahan sector of the Vallée Bras-du-Nord, this stage alone justifies the trip to the QSE.

We were really in for a treat, although the first drop of rain in the week made the trails slippery and muddy. After a spectacular start from Gouat lake, we headed directly to the Neilson.

Unfortunately, for safety measure, we could not ride the north section of the Neilson as originally planned. Because of the heavy rain, the river got wild and the evacuation raft could not cross the river, if needed. “At the QSE, safety is our number 1 priority. The decision was a no brainer. No evacuation raft, no Neilson North. Still everyone had a blast in the South Neilson” said François Calletta, GM of the event

The Neilson is a perfect blend of everything you could wish for from a mountain bike trail in a unique environment: wooden gangway, granite slab crossing, tight descent, technical climb, berms and so much more. All of this right on the shore of the Neilson river, with its spectacular waterfalls and cascades. Incredibly exciting to ride, and a delight for the eyes! On top of that, knowing the trail was built by a group of kids in a reinsertion program, makes it even more special.

If you have the objective to win, the Rocky Mountain Element is the bike to ride at the QSE but if you are here to optimize the experience fun wise, the Instinct and Thunderbolt have to be the choice. “For most of the riders at the start, to me the Instinct is the perfect toy for the type of terrain. It climbs so efficiently, and it is unbeatable in the descents,” says Jérôme Castilloux of Rocky Mountain.

The Shannahan stage is also la “Chute à Gilles”, the climb of the “Aurore”, the “Boréale” descent, the Grande Evasion and so much more. What a ride! The local trail builders are totally nuts! In the Aurore itself, in the upper section opened just over a year ago, they built more than 65 little wooden bridges. Everyone will remember this climb for the rest of their lives: very long, demanding, tight, spectacular but most important 100% rideable.

The last part of the stage was a cool mountain bike rollercoaster for adults. Tons of fast funky berms, jumps, in a 10km long snake of trails called “Beurre d’érable” (Maple butter). It really has a sweet taste. A perfect finish right on the shores of the river

A swim/wash in the river allowed everyone to get rid of the mud and to admire the glacial valley. BBQ, Boreale crafts beer and a live folk signer completed the experience. What a day! What an experience.

Shannahan is an MTB paradise for all types of riders. All were unanimous : “Can’t wait to come back and ride the other sections of the Nielson and the 100+km of trails offered”.

Both Amy McDougall and Tomi Misser got their 5th win in 5 stages. They both perfectly manage the effort in a very demanding and slippery terrain. Théo Gattuso, 17 years old from France, confirmed his second place where Sarah Kaufmann from Salt lake city Utah did the same in the women’s category. Kaufmann was the 2017 QSE overall winner. Both Amy McDougall and Tomi Misser got their 5th win in 5 stages. They both perfectly manage the effort in a very demanding and slippery terrain. Théo Gattuso, 17 years old from France, confirmed his second place where Sarah Kaufmann from Salt lake city Utah did the same in the women’s category. Kaufmann was the 2017 QSE overall winner.

Results here.

QSE 2020 registration : exclusive pre-sale
The QSE runs from August 4 to 9 2019. Presale registration for QSE 4 in 2020 begins on August 12, 2019 at noon. You can register for an all-inclusive 6-day package including lodging for as low as $ 1,399 CAD ($ 1,050 USD) + taxes.

Visit https://quebecsingletrack.com/en/registration
E-mail info@quebecsingletrack.com