We are now working on the fifth edition of the Jean D'Avignon Raid/Marathon.
To use the correct term, the raid/marathon should should only be referred to as the Jean D'Avignon Marathon. On the other hand, many people—and not just cyclists—think of a 42-km footrace when they hear the word "marathon." We believe that "marathon" is no longer perceived as appropriate for identifying our event. That is the reason that we have opted to keep "Raid/Marathon" for the fifth edition. We should add, however, that the strongest motivation for maintaining the term Raid/Marathon is the fact that we may, one day, go back to a two-day raid, even if it's only for a special edition for one year.
As for Circuits Frontières, it has been in existence since the early 1990s. Its history can be found on this site, a number of new things were introduced last year. Indeed, ADSVMQ has been working very hard—even more so in 2008—to develop mountain-bike trails in East Hereford. The short-term objective is to add more than 30 km of single-track trails to Circuits Frontières. Francis Harvey's and David Lauzon's people have their work cut out for them. We will keep you apprised of developmentson this site and the ADSVMQ site.
But back to the Raid/Marathon. Our main objective is to make this weekend the best mountain-biking event every summer in the Eastern Townships. With our family day on Saturday and the three Sunday competitions, the event has something for nearly every level of cyclist. As for raid/marathon enthusiasts from the rest of the province, we are confident that, once again this year, we can serve up a marathon route that is quite simply incomparable as well as acknowledged for its magnificent scenery and the scents of its Christmas-tree plantations.
I would like to extend my appreciation to all of the main stakeholders who lend their support to the Jean D'Avignon Raid/Marathon: Marc-André and Ginette; Daniel and Christiane; Philippe; Louis-Philippe; Francis and his shop "Le Foyer du Sport"; Clermont, Mayor of East Hereford; Richard Belleville and and his entire team; Rénald (Richard's brother); the people from our club CCS Dalbix; and everyone else who supports this great adventure that we call the Jean D'Avignon Raid/Marathon. I also want to thank Jean D'Avignon's family, in particular, his brother, Serge, for allowing us to use Jean's name for this event and for his encouragement in making it a resounding success.
I encourage you to read the text written by Denis St-Amand, available on the VMQCA site, that provides an account of the first edition of the Jean D'Avignon Raid/Marathon held in 2005 in Chroniques de Gilles Morneau . You can also read Denis's first text about our raid, following up our 2004 outing, during which all the hopes for having an event of this kind in East Hereford were rekindled.
