Touring - Credit card touring along rivers in Quebec

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acantor
04-21-09, 10:45 AM
Over the years I have done several memorable tours in Québec, and am considering returning this summer.
Most of my previous trips have involved rivers -- primarily the St. Lawrence, but also the Chaudière. Has anybody travelled by bicycle along, say, the St. Maurice River (north of Trois-Rivières) or the Saguenay (north from Tadoussac or Saint-Siméon)?
Questions:
1. Which routes are suitable for credit card touring? I don't carry camping equipment, and count on staying at motels or B&Bs that I find along the way.
2. Which routes have you found particularly beautiful?
3. Which roads should be avoided? I try to stay away from heavy traffic, especially trucks, and most especially logging trucks!
You'd probably love doing the VéloRoute des Bleuets
http://www.veloroute-bleuets.qc.ca/indexeng.html
The Montreal-Ottawa run along the Ottawa River is pretty interesting. To avoid the traffic on the Route Verte, you may want to check out the Ontario side itinerary.
Ron
As well, the cycling along the Richelieu River is pretty interesting, including the run through Patriotes country (St-Ours, St-Denis, St-Marc, St-Antoine) and along the Chambly Canal. Plenty of interesting B&Bs along the way.
Cheers,
Ron
Erick L
04-22-09, 08:42 AM
Highway 155 to and from La Tuque has a constant shoulder except for 2.3km southbound. Traffic is fairly heavy with some trucks but I think it's worth riding. I know I will go back. I've never been north of La Tuque and understand there's no shoulder, more logging trucks cutting corners. I have no desire to ride there.
A short text (click the the flag on top if it comes up in French): http://www.borealphoto.com/gallery/4440564_xcfbN
Some photos: http://www.borealphoto.com/gallery/3686833_yJrDp
La Mauricie park is a nice ride too. No roof there obviously but you can ride through in a day. You can cross the river on a shuttle boat in St-Jean-des-Piles.
Both highway 170-172 on the Saguenay are nice too. Shoulders come and go and traffic is moslty mild except for a stretch between a pulp mill west of Cap Jaseux and Chicoutimi where traffic was pretty high with no shoulder.
The 172 is isolated with few services. Ste-Rose-du-Nord is a beautiful village with all services. Cap Jaseux (http://www.capjaseux.com/) has cabins. No RVs there because of the 20% grade access road.
Villages are evenly spread out on highway 170. It's hilly but there's usually a shoulder going uphill.
Photos of highway 170 and 172: http://www.borealphoto.com/gallery/3779204_x8dFn
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