This will make the second consecutive year that we have opted for the "three races on Sunday" approach. As a result, there will be three races, three different distances, and, consequently, three different levels of difficulty.
The Jean (32 km)
This circuit serves up a variety of scenery. In fact, it will let you discover why East Hereford has become such a favorite for cyclists: crisscrossing fir plantations, mountains as far as the eye can see, and then the descent into the village. Two kilometers from the finish (the last 10 km are counted down), there is a breathtaking view of East Hereford and the finish line. Crossing the finish line gives a definite feeling of accomplishment. This 32-km challenge is nevertheless not overly demanding. The vertical drop is less than in the other two races, even considering the major ascent 12 km before the finish. The Jean is the same circuit as the Récréative the day before. You'll find a replenishment station on your way (Ferme Ancestrale), right before the hill that has been given a fairly significant nickname. You'll find it out for yourself in no time. Some of you may decide to do the Récréative the day before and then tackle the course again as a race on Sunday. You'll have two opportunities to take in this magnificent scenery. And who knows, you might even find your Christmas tree!
The D'Avignon (50 km)
Cyclists who tackled "The D'Avignon" last year will be pleasantly surprised with the major change made to this year's circuit. Last year, this intermediate-level trail was the first major loop in the Jean D'Avignon Marathon. This year, we will still start off with the first 37 km of the Marathon. Then, instead of turning left onto Belouin Road (as in the Marathon, towards replenishment station 2), turn right onto an unpaved country road and travel 2.7 km directly to the replenishment station at Ferme Ancestrale. From there, it follows the same path as the Marathon (second loop) and The Jean. If you are in fairly good physical shape and used to mountain biking for more than two and a half hours at a stretch, it's a challenge suitable for you. The route will give you a chance to view Mount Hereford from the upper portion of Côtes Road. Then, you'll experience the development of the ADSVMQ, speed down the l'Épicée descent, climb the major ascent with the well-known nickname, before heading on to the "Trial," finishing with the descent into the village. This route should be gain enormously in popularity this summer and in upcoming editions.
The Jean D'Avignon Marathon (distance to be determined; 75 km or more)
This route involves an impressive vertical drop (truly remarkable!): it will test the endurance enthusiasts among us. The area lies within the Appalachian Mountain chain. And the route will take you through, around, or near just about every kind of scenery. magnificent landscapes, the odor of fir trees, beautiful ascents, and, of course, some very nice descents, including l'Épicée (descent on Mount Hereford). As on "The D'Avignon," there is a certain number of single tracks. This year's Marathon will feature a change in single tracks. Last year, the portion of the course prepared by ADSVMQ was too fresh to be used for the competition. And the rain the week before the third edition certainly didn't help. Some will definitely have "muddy" memories of it. We therefore decided to change a technical section of the course (used in the first three editions) for the one prepared by ADSVMQ. The major difference with this technical section used in previous editions (located before replenishment station 2) is that the new section (Quartz) will be an integral part of the Circuits Frontalières. In other words, it will see a lot of wheel time during the summer. As a result, we will be venturing out on it more often and not just during the weekend of the Marathon. Replenishment station 2 will be accessible as usual. The family and friends of Marc-André and Ginette keep this slope as a little surprise for you as you leave the grounds. This is the exception that confirms the rule in the Marathon, because hardly anyone makes it up this hill on their bikes. That notwithstanding, the other hills in the Marathon all feature hard-packed ground and can be climbed on your bike. Some of them are pretty long but you can still make it up.
You might be interested to learn that the Quartz represents only be beginning of a major trail development project in East Hereford for Circuits Frontières and ADSVMQ. In the years ahead, there will be more than 30 km of single track in East Hereford, in addition to all the existing cycling roads.
The mountain-bike competitions we organize are sanctioned by the la Fédération Québécoise des Sports Cyclistes. As a result, cyclists must have permits in order to participate. Event permits will be available at the site in East Hereford on the weekend the event is held.
Stay informed! Visit this site often for other information about the East Hereford trails you will be traveling on this summer.
