Mountain biking & Microbreweries : The Happy Combo!

Today, we’re taking you to the Etchemins area to get moving and drink well, while discovering some great new products that have us tripping. Combine mountain biking and microbrew beers… it’s a real treat, isn’t it?

There's no perfect weather for moving, but...

It’s true that when the days get cooler, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out into the open air and venture on escapades that are a little more physically demanding. And after the effort, what could be better than swapping fruity beers for stronger IPAs, browns and stouts? We call it living to the rhythm of Quebec’s cycles!

Au Québ - Mon week-end en Chaudière-Appalaches - Combo vélo/micro dans les Etchemins.

Mont Orignal: A playground made for mountain biking!

We begin our escapade at Sentiers du Mont-Orignal (SMO ), an ambitious project spearheaded by a gang of hard-core volunteers. And we’re not talking about a small project here… we’re talking about a network of over 10 kilometers of trails. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier. And we smile when we read the names of the trails (Ski Torche, Ski Réveille, etc.), all of which refer to the area’s typically winter vocation.

From Mild to Insane: Our top recommendations!

Are you in initiation mode and don’t feel like climbing the mountain? The “Skittle” is for you! It leaves from the chalets sector and winds its way around the Mont-Orignal range for almost 5 kilometers. It’s easy on the legs.

If you want to experience SMO as it should be, you’ll have to take the “Ski Fa Suer” ascent, since the chairlift isn’t in operation. But don’t worry, the mountain is easy to climb. Then it’s downhill mode on the “Ski Descend” or the “Ski Réveille”. For the more adventurous, there’s the “Ski Brasse” at the summit, which takes you through the well-known winter glades. On the menu: beautiful drops and rock slabs to roll or jump. As there are no intermediate-level runs from the top, we really recommend that you have a good gauge if you venture out.

As for the terrain, the trails follow the natural contours of the site perfectly. There are no “mountain bike highways” here, but rather a well-balanced route that combines well-sculpted turns and preserved sections for a more raw and authentic experience.

FOR REAL: Hats off to this initiative, which brings visitors to Mont-Orignal in every season!

AuQueb mountain bike outing in Lac-Etchemin at Sentiers du Mont-Orignal — ©AuQueb mountain bike outing |Alysson Gallant

Mountain biking trails from Mont-Orignal to Lac-Etchemin — ©Mountain bike trails|Alysson Gallant

AuQuebec on the mountain bike trails from Mont-Orignal to Lac-Etchemin — ©AuQuebec on the mountain bike trails |Alysson Gallant

Mountain biking to the summit in Lac-Etchemin at Sentiers du Mont-Orignal — ©Pause at the summit|Alysson Gallant

Two new microbreweries to discover!

It’s not just the après-ski at Mont-Orignal that makes you want to drink a good beer… the après-vélo does too! And just as well, since two microbreweries opened their doors just a few weeks ago, just a few minutes from the trails.

1. Microbrasserie Etchemin: Beer, food and a breathtaking view!

If you get hungry after pedaling, stop off at Microbrasserie Etchemin, a friendly brouepub on 2nd Avenue. Some fifteen beers are on offer, from light pale ales to bitter IPAs. We like the traditional selection, but also their more lively products, such as the fruity hazy or the raspberry sour. If you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic, the cranberry hibiscus mead is simply delicious! We also serve nachos (with or without lactose!), pizzas and cheese and charcuterie boards.

In terms of ambience, we’re particularly partial to the bar area and its impressive line of kegs, but especially to the huge rooftop terrace and its view of Lake Etchemin. Worth the detour!

AuQueb at Microbrasserie Etchemin in Lac-Etchemin — ©AuQueb at Microbrasserie Etchemin |Alysson Gallant

Beer tasting at Microbrasserie Etchemin in Lac-Etchemin — ©Beer tasting|Alysson Gallant

Barrel line at Microbrasserie Etchemin in Lac-Etchemin — ©Drum line |Alysson Gallant

Pint of beer on the terrace of the Etchemin Microbrewery in Lac-Etchemin — ©Pint of beer on the terrace |Alysson Gallant

Pizza and nachos served on the terrace of the Etchemin Microbrewery at Lac-Etchemin — ©Pizza and nachos served on the terrace |Alysson Gallant

Etchemin Microbrewery entrance sign at Lac-Etchemin — ©Entrance panel |Alysson Gallant

2- Verso Microbrasserie: reinvented location, great beers & relaxation by the water!

Have you ever partied at L’Excel, once the popular discotheque at Manoir Lac-Etchemin? If so, your first visit to Verso Microbrasserie, which now occupies this mythical venue, will leave you feeling quite overwhelmed. The team behind this new project has literally transformed the place!

Arriving at Verso is almost like walking into a speakeasy-style bar… You descend into the basement of the Manoir, walk down an unpretentious corridor, turn a corner and suddenly find yourself in an immaculate, modern decor blending wood and concrete. You’ll even find old remnants of L’Excel!

We liked their Don Pomelo IPA with just the right balance of aromas, as well as their fine selection of ciders. But it’s the view of the lake and the magnificent outdoor terrace that steal the show!

Photos: Au Québ x Alysson Gallant