posted by :Patrice Boudreau on Friday August 8, 2008

I thought I would inform of a couple of Raid ( mountain bike marathon ) I participated in in Quebec. The first was held in Carleton Sur Mer in the Gaspesie region on June 21 and 22nd. This place is situated 45 minutes outside of Campbelton. This is the Raid Transgaspesien, a two day race with the option of doing the second day ( half Raid ). The first day consisted of 105 km course with low to moderate elevations. The second day consisted of a 70km course with high elevations. I only took part in the second day. We were approximately 250 riders, about 50 less than last years race. Once again, this was a very well organized race and a very important event to draw tourist in the region for a weekend. A number of New Brunswickers attended, Denis Doucet, Donald Mallet, Ken Gauthier, Vital Melanson, Martin Pelletier, John Porter and probably a half dozen more I just got to know that weekend and forgot their names. The race started with fogy conditions but cleared up through the race and finished with sunny skies. For more info see raidtransgaspesien.com The other I attended was in Quebec City on July 12th. We wanted to head out to Quebec city this summer but chose this time so there was a little something for everyone in the family, dad included. This one was called Raid Velo Mag, a 77km course from the old Quebec to Mont St-Anne. This race kicked off the Velirium, Quebec’s Mountain Bike Festival held every year in Mont St-Anne featuring provincial, national and world cup races over three weekends. A total of 738 riders participated in this race, with 610 taking part in the 77km race and the remaining taking part in the 35 km one. We rode the tight streets of old Quebec for 3 to 4 km and rode our way up through the power lines after about 10km. A very well organized race with feed zones every 20 km with fruits, energy bars, sport drinks, water and lost of people to hand it over to you. Get this, after the race, Right Guard had shower facilities set up for us and supplying us with complimentary soap, shampoo, towels ( $1 ) and deodorant spray. For more info see velirium.com and 2008 photos are now posted. Also you can see us on two videos on Youtube. One consist of start and the other is about 6 to 7 km into the race. Just search for “Raid Velo Mag 2008” These are first class mountain biking events if you ever have a chance to participate in. Patrice