Gravel bike adventure in Bellechasse: awe-inspiring!

Gravel bike fans know the Chaudière-Appalaches region well, and many describe it as the most beautiful place in the American Northeast to practice the sport. The imposing landscapes, the abundance of kilometers of trails and roads, the unique Parc du Massif du Sud and the impressive wind farm make this part of the country a dream destination. And what sets the area apart even more is the elevation gain, with a ratio of positive elevation gain per kilometer not found elsewhere.

La Buckland sur Gravelle must have something to do with it! Welcoming cyclists for the past 5 years, this event offers a major challenge to participants, while rewarding them to the full with its legendary after-race and incredible refreshments. Its unpretentious yet sizeable formula now attracts cyclists from all over, introducing them to new routes that the region has to offer.

To each his own style

We chose not to be intimidated by the region’s rugged reputation and ventured out on one of the routes recommended by the event organizers. Indeed, their website is a veritable bible of diversified suggestions, for all levels and interests, including technical data and downloadable itineraries.

Fun fact: there is, for example, ” La Ride des 3 micros “, which takes care to visit three refreshment points to quench your thirst… But beware! The route is 128 km long, with a vertical drop of over 1,600 metres, so don’t rely solely on hop-based beverages to meet the challenge…! Beginners can also covet ” La presque pas de côte “, a 60 km course with 773 m of positive ascent. Almost no hills… for the region, of course!

Our experience in a nutshell

A blend of travel, rejuvenation and self-improvement. We love gravel! It’s such a rewarding workout, given the gradient and the rock, yet it’s still very rolling, which is super encouraging in terms of pace. We recommend it!

Let's continue the adventure with gourmet stops along the way!

The ultimate joy in this kind of adventure is to take a moment’s respite and treat yourself to a taste of the terroir. Here’s a list of places in the heart of the two-wheeled paradise of Chaudière-Appalaches that are always happy to welcome cyclists from near and far. Believe us, you can feel it when you visit!

1. Fromagerie fermière Cassis et Mélisse

In Saint-Damien-de-Buckland, this organic goat cheese factory is a must. It’s a beautiful place, and the people here are extremely welcoming. The tour of their Economuseum is fascinating and well worth the detour.

The Jovial Café is also really nice, and the cold beverages served are tasty and thirst-quenching. A much-appreciated agri-tourism break through our leg challenge; we chose to refuel there and enjoy our picnic in the gardens in the company of free-range chickens… What a bucolic place!

Lunch on the outdoor terrace of Jovial-Café chez Cassis et Melisse in St-Damien-de-Buckland — ©Lunch on the outdoor terrace of Jovial-Café chez Cassis et Melisse|Alysson Gallant

Salad and fresh juice from Jovial-Café chez Cassis et Melisse in St-Damien-de-Buckland — ©Salad and fresh juice from Jovial-Café chez Cassis et Melisse|Alysson Gallant

Comptoir de la Fromagerie fermière Cassis et Mélisse | Saint-Damien-de-Buckland — ©Comptoir de la fromagerie|Alysson Gallant

Visit the goats at Cassis et Melisse in St-Damien-de-Buckland — ©Visit the goats at Cassis et Melisse |Alysson Gallant

Chickens in front of children's play area at Cassis et Melisse in St-Damien-de-Buckland — ©Chickens in front of children's play area at Cassis et Melisse|Alysson Gallant

2. Boulangerie Le Vieux Buckland & Épicerie-boucherie de Buckland

Located in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland, this bakery offers wow products ranging from multiple varieties of bread to sublime viennoiseries and decadent desserts. Their croissants are the best we’ve ever had! The perfect place to stock up for a picnic (open Wednesday to Sunday).

In the same municipality, you’ll find this grocery-butcher store, a solidarity cooperative that specializes in prepared meals. Yummy!

3. Pub de la Contrée, Bellechasse microbrewery

In the same village, at the foot of Parc du Massif du Sud, this microbrewery offers beers inspired by the villages of Bellechasse. Open Thursday to Sunday, it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat. See you on the charming terrace!

4. La Glace-Rit

Also in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland, it’s possible to sample one of this institution’s sublime frozen treats. Established over 20 years ago, this family-run business is a unanimous favorite, offering unrivalled value for money thanks to its quality ingredients and generous portions. We have no hesitation in recommending the Bateau Fruité: soft vanilla ice cream, topped with fresh local berries and a decadent house blend to garnish.

Terrasse du Pub de la contrée and Bellechasse microbrewery in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland — ©Terrasse du Pub de la contrée and Bellechasse microbrewery|Alysson Gallant

Nachos at Pub de la contrée and Bellechasse microbrewery in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland — ©Nachos at Pub de la contrée and Bellechasse microbrewery|Alysson Gallant

Côtes-levées at Pub de la contrée and Bellechasse microbrewery in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland — ©Côtes-levées at Pub de la contrée and Bellechasse microbrewery |Alysson Gallant

Ice cream at La Glace-Rit in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland — ©La Glace-Rit ice cream |Alysson Gallant

Fruity boat at La Glace-Rit in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland — ©Fruity boat at La Glace-Rit |Alysson Gallant

Ice cream and fruity cake at La Glace-Rit in Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice-de-Buckland — ©Ice cream and fruity cake at La Glace-Rit|Alysson Gallant

Where to sleep

Directly in the heart of Buckland, we discovered the Chalet des Orignaux, an impressive log construction. The spa on the terrace is just the thing after a sporty day, and the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Further afield, but well worth the trip, is Esker Nature Chalets & Resort. The magnificent cottages overlook the lake. On site, there’s a relaxation area with spa, sauna, Nordic shower, yurt and massage therapy. Boats are also available to enjoy the lake, in addition to swimming and a great children’s park for families.

Photos : Alysson Gallant