For the last 20 or so years (since I started riding) I have been able to take advantage of the fantastic cycling in this area. For the most part roads are in good shape, not dead straight, have light traffic, respectful drivers and more and more, narrow paved shoulders. Like much of Quebec, towns are nicely spread out about 10-15km apart so the depanneur is never too far away. The terrain is varied in that you head north and you are in the hills, head south and its pretty flat, just like Ottawa.
The ride I will detail is a staple loop in this region. I alternate between clockwise and ccw; this last weekend it was ccw. The highlight is the 65km through La Mauricie National Park. This is similar to riding in Gatineau Park except there are less cars, it is not a loop and the hills are more challenging but nothing too extreme. I started from Grand-Mere and rode north on Rue Principal. This is a great road as it borders the Mauricie River and offers spectacular views. Also this road becomes the main road in the Park, all one has to do is stay on it. Basically, once in the Park one is climbing with a series of rolling hills culminating in going past the Le Passage Lookout which is where the two photos below were taken. Since this is one of the highest points in park it is all downhill from here, with a few uphills thrown in for good measure. (As I was starting my "descent" two riders coming up the other side were high-fiving so I guess this can be considered the "queen climb") The entire length of the road is bordered by forest with breaks thrown in for lakes, swamps and streams - it is truly a beautiful place to ride. It costs $7 to enter the park, even if you are on a bike. There are many scenic areas to stop for a rest and in a couple of locations (off the main road) one can buy something to eat but I typically load my water bottles at the gate and just ride through non-stop (with the exception this time so I could take the two photos); the bugs can be fierce!
The closest village after exiting the Park is Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc. The bakery is rarely open but when it is, its the place to get delicious fresh donuts. From here I rode toward my starting point via 351. This road is in good shape, a bit busier but with a nice shoulder. It is less picturesque than the others. I hop off the 351 in Saint-Gérard-des-Laurentides and take a back road to meet up again with the 351 through St-Flore (where I was married in the beautiful old church) and into Grand-Mere. The total loop is 115km. Here is a link on Google Maps (separate window) to the area http://goo.gl/maps/TKsER. Its easy to spot the road in the Park.
When I started riding here it was rare to come across other cyclists. This is starting to change now that the Defis du Parc (www.cyclomauricie.com) takes place each September. (I have come across a few local riders who have partaken. That weekend also includes several other events - running etc.) I saw more riders this last time than ever before ie maybe 25. I also saw, for the first time, a TT bike in the Park. It caught my attention because for years I have wondered why there aren't Trigeeks all over this area-its perfect. Lots of great roads to ride on, many running routes, both on road and trail and many open water swimming options in the various lakes and rivers that dot the region. For people who like the outdoors either passively or actively this area is fantastic. It is also home to a famous canoe race, the Classique internationale de canots de la Mauricie.
I highly recommend this area and I have ridden many of the roads. Mostly paved, some gravel. There are enough options to take up several days of good riding. (The road to St. Alexis to visit the micro-brewery is another beaut.) If ever anyone has any questions about this area feel free to email me.
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