Forillon hosts Bouette et Bitume cycling festival

The Bouette et Bitume cycling festival will once again highlight the spectacular scenery of Quebec’s Gaspe region, including a Gran Fondo event in Forillon National Park. The festival takes place August 30-31, 2014.

The festival is headlined by the Gran Fondo Forillon, a challenge that will be held completely within the mountainous Forillon National Park, at the tip of maritime Quebec, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence river.

Parks Canada has teamed up with Club Velocipeg de Gaspe to put on the event.

“Parks Canada is very proud to be a partner of this event and is delighted that all of the road biking activities will start at Forillon National Park,” said Stéphane Marchand, Forillon National Park Superintendent. “Obviously, we will be very glad to welcome the participants, who will be able to fully enjoy the Forillon experience and discover different aspects of the park during the festival, by camping, for example.”

Routes for all of the events have been laid out to accommodate cyclists of all skill levels, though the Gran Fondo will be best enjoyed by those with riding experience comfortable with the prospect of riding a hilly 125km route.

The Medio Fondo (85km) and the Petit Fondo (50km) offer shorter alternatives that still offer the breathtaking scenery for which the Gaspe region is known. Kids can also take part in the Pico Fondo, a 2km ride designed for riders under 11 years-old.

Those more interested in riding on dirt trails will also enjoy the festival, which caters to all kinds of riders.

Registration for the festival opens on April 1, 2014.