The QSE in RACE mode attracts stage race regulars, who fight for the podium of each stage, both for the overall time and for the timed climbs and descents (King of the Mountain and Enduro).
Divided by age categories, in solo mode or in teams of two, competitors are able to push their limits by being confronted each day with the same group of athletes.
Live a similar experience to the event at any time of the year, in the company of our guides. We take care of everything to tailor a journey in our trails, perfectly suited to your tastes and abilities.
Incredible nature and singletracks near a historic city!
After breakfast, luxury coaches will take you to the stage site where your bikes will be waiting for you in preparation for departure. Transportation time from the base camp in the Old Port to the QSE stage site ranges from less than 30 minutes to 80 minutes.
At the end of the stage, after cleaning, preparing and storing your bike with the logistics team in preparation for the next day’s stage, a luxury coach will take you back to the base camp where you can relax and shower in preparation for dinner and evening entertainment. Your “beloved” will be in good hands with the QSE logistics team. From the night before stage 1 until the end of your experience, your bike will be handled by the logistics team.
In the morning, on arrival at the stage site, you will pick up your bike in preparation for the start. Lube, pumps and tools will be available with light mechanical service, if needed. Enjoy the ride!
At the end of the stage, near the finish line area, a bike-cleaning station will allow you to refresh your bike. Hoses, soap, brushes, pumps, lube and towels will be available. Once your bike is clean and all the necessary adjustments have been made so it is ready for the next stage, you will hand your bike over to the logistics team.
Exclusive to the full service package.
BIKE LOGISTICS
Bike transport
Your bike will be well taken care of by the QSE logistics team. From the day before the first stage until you have completed your experience, your bikes are taken care of by the logistics team.
In the morning, when you get off the bus at the stage site, your bike is waiting for you in preparation for the start. Pump and lubricant are available on site, as well as a light maintenance service if needed. Have a good ride!
At the end of the stage, near the finish line, a cleaning station allows you to give your bike a makeover. Hose, soap, brush, pump, lubricant and towels are provided. Once the cleaning and the usual adjustments are completed, if your bike is ready for the next day, you hand over your bike to the logistics team until the start of the next stage.
Bike logistics are offered exclusively to participants who have opted for the full service package.
Mechanical workshop
If your bike requires the assistance of a technician for any task, specialists will be waiting for you upon your arrival to assess the problem, evaluate the work and take charge of your bike. Your bike will then be redirected to the repair shop where the work will be done in the evening. You will get your bike back the next day at the start, ready for the next stage. A work order, attached to the bike, will indicate the work that has been done and the cost of the service that you will have to pay at the end of the QSE.
The workshop services are offered to all participants.
Wash and lube package
The mechanical workshop also offers a turnkey option for daily cleaning and maintenance of your ride. At the end of each stage, you entrust your bike to the technicians who will clean, lubricate and inspect it to make sure it will be in perfect working order for the next stage. Optional service.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
The QSE offers a private shuttle service between YQB (Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport) and the Base Camp at the Old Port.
Before the event: Thursday to Saturday inclusive. After the event: Friday night to Saturday night.
Reservation required at least 2 weeks before the event.
Base Camp
The Port of Québec Base Camp is now located at the marina of Bassin Louise, at the foot of the walls of the fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All services are grouped there: meals, animation, showers, first aid, massage therapy, yoga, camping, van life, parking, etc. It is also from the base camp that the buses leave to take the participants to the start of each stage, to bring them back at the end of the day.
After having toured the most beautiful trails of the region during the day, you will stay the rest of the time within walking distance of Old Québec. You can relax and enjoy the view or stroll through the picturesque streets full of restaurants, stores and museums.
Meals
The experience would be incomplete without a culinary experience. Quality, variety, ambiance and originality are key elements of such an experience. The meal package is undoubtedly the perfect nutritional complement to your sporting experience. The abundance of fresh local products will obviously be highlighted. A complete vegetarian menu will also be offered.
At the halfway point, a special themed dinner will introduce you to one of the city's many tourist attractions. Take a bite out of the experience!
Animations
In addition to the incredible bike rides you will experience every day, your evenings promise to be exceptional! Several activities and entertainment have been organized to bonify your experience, during the stages or after. Surprises await!
Yoga
Daily yoga sessions will be offered free of charge at the Old Port Base Camp.
Massages
Massage sessions are also offered at the base camp. You can book them on Day 0 during the welcome day or at any time by coming to the reception desk. The service is offered from Day 1 to Day 5. $40 for 20 minutes of massage. Relax and unwind!
Accommodations
Several accommodation options are offered, grouped around the Port of Québec Base Camp.
VAN LIFE
Van camping and mountain biking go hand in hand, now more than ever! Join the many enthusiasts who stay in their RVs in the camping area. Please note that there is no water or electricity supply on site and the use of generators is prohibited. Toilets, showers and lockers are available on site.
CAMPING UNDER THE TENT
We provide you with a double occupancy tent. You will be paired with the person of your choice or we will assign you a roommate.
You are responsible for bringing your own personal belongings to sleep on (mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, etc), but we provide the tent. Toilets, showers and lockers are available on site.
TENT-TRAILER
You like the outdoors, but with a little more comfort?
Opt for a tent trailer provided by the QSE. They are available in limited quantities.
You are responsible for bringing your own personal belongings to sleep in (sleeping bag, pillow, etc). Please note that the tent trailers are used for sleeping only (no electricity or water supply). Toilets, showers and lockers are available on site.
HOTELS
The list of official hotels and QSE rates will be communicated to you shortly. If you need to book immediately, make sure you choose a hotel near the Old Port of Québec so that you can walk to the base camp and take advantage of all the services offered with your package.
Mount Laura + Le Suisse Mountain = All you can eat singletracks! The singletrack party is on!
In this incredibly tight woven network spanning two mountains, the variety and quality of the trails is unique. You will endlessly climb winding and demanding slopes to then descend through berms, over giant gangways and on perfectly groomed flat rock paths. Say a prayer at the chapel atop Mount Laura before attacking the descent.
Mont-Sainte-Anne is where it all started for the UCI World Cup 30 years ago. All the great mountain bikers of the world have been there and continue to come there for the UCI World Cup year after year. Here is your opportunity to ride these mythical trails.
The day starts with a lift to the top of Mount Sainte-Anne, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the mountains of the Côte de Beaupré before launching into the giant turns of the Baptême, and a series of trails that are sometimes very fluid, sometimes rough and very demanding. A challenge awaits you.
Located just a few minutes from Québec City, EMPIRE 47 will leave its mark on your experience. The course leads to the top of the mountain more than once, only to come back down via the Belzébrute and Mirador, favorite trails of local riders. You also get to know another popular trail, the Zomby Woof, capable of taking you through a whole range of emotions. The stage ends with the obligatory passage under the plane wreck and the “finish” near the lake. Immerse yourself in the experience!
Already recognized as the most spectacular alpine ski destination in the eastern part of the continent, Le Massif now offers the most spectacular mountain biking trails in America and possibly on the planet! See for yourself on day 4 of the QSE. Ride exciting, perfectly groomed trails overlooking the St. Lawrence River. A thrilling ride with astonishing views. Le Massif: pure, raw fun!
Already recognized worldwide by the major mountain bike magazines, the famous Neilson opens up to you. The experience culminates.
If you haven’t ridden the Neilson and the other trails in the Shannahan sector of the Bras-du-Nord Valley, this stage alone justifies your participation in the QSE. The Neilson is a perfect blend of everything you’d expect from a mountain bike trail in a stunning natural setting. All this, right on the banks of the Neilson River, alive with multiple waterfalls and cascades. A great trail to ride and absolutely fantastic for your eyes!
The Shannahan sector is also the Chute à Gilles, the Aurore climb, the Legend descent etc. You will talk about it for hours after the stage, and probably for the rest of your life.
It promises to be rich in efforts and emotions! First, discover the spectacular Maelstrom sector, where the trails follow long granite sidewalks, connected by skillfully carved footbridges, leading to breathtaking views. Then tackle the SDM section, which will drain all your remaining energy with a succession of steady climbs and furious descents.
Raise your arms in the air at the finish. You have completed the Québec Singletrack Experience! You are forever a Qué-Biker !
In competition mode, it is possible to register as a solo runner or in a team of two. According to their age and sex, the racers are divided into the following categories
Solo Men 18-34
Solo Men 35-44
Solo Men 45-54
Solo Men 55+
Solo Women 18-34
Solo Women 35-44
Solo Women 45-54
Solo Women 55+
Teams Men
Teams Women
Teams Mixed
Ascent Men
Ascent Women
Descent Men
Descent Women
Age is determined on December 31 of the year of the race. 3 or more participants are required to validate a category. If a category has less than 3 participants, category groupings will be made.
In teams, the time of the 2nd cyclist crossing the finish line is recognized as the official team time.
The three fastest times for each category will be recognized after each stage and the overall leaders in each category will be awarded the leader’s plaque.
The overall champions will be announced at the final dinner following stage 6. Trophies will be awarded to the first three in each category.
CLIMBS (KING OF THE MOUNTAIN) AND TIMED DESCENTS (ENDURO)
Each stage includes a timed climb and a timed descent. The three fastest men and three fastest women for the ascent and descent of each stage will be recognized and trophies will be awarded to the champions following the cumulative ranking.
Class 1 electric assist bikes are accepted, but on a non-competitive basis. Participants must be registered under “ride” mode. They must avoid interfering with racers by excessive speed, derogatory comments or reckless or unannounced passing.
Each day, three times and four rankings will be compiled:
Your full stage time;
Your time for a leg identified as a timed ascent (ex.: km 5.1 to km 6.3);
Your time for a leg identified as a timed descent (ex.: km 12.8 to km 14.9);
Your general time, cumulated.
This way, you can compete with other Qué-Bikers in four different ways. The beginning and end of the timed sections will be clearly identified on the course as well as on the maps that will be given to you at the beginning of the experience.
General
The stage routes change with each edition, to offer you the best new trails in each of our networks. Generally, the stages vary between 25 and 45 kilometers, but these kilometers are demanding and require more effort and time in the saddle than most stage races that use more rolling roads. The Results page gives an idea of the time required for the different stages.
The trails chosen are either "Intermediate" (blue square) or "Difficult" (black diamond). Note that a "black diamond" trail in Québec is equivalent to a "blue square" trail in B.C.! Our trails require basic riding skills, but do not have any very dangerous sections or mandatory jumps. As we say in Québec, « Tout se roule » (Everything is rideable).
You can find this information on the page for that purpose. Basically, the registration is not refundable. In the event of a situation beyond your control forcing you to cancel your participation, two possibilities are available:
Transfer your registration to another participant.
Transfer your registration to next year.
You must immediately inform the QSE by e-mail at info@Québecsingletrack.com if you have to cancel your participation. Supporting documents may be required to justify the transfer. No cancellation or transfer will be accepted after June 1.
QSE Custom
Absolutely, this is the main concept of our package. You tell us your needs and we respond with a personalized, turnkey offer, ideal for a hassle-free mountain biking trip.
Rental is not included. We can of course add it to the package, at an additional cost. It is important you give us your size. Please note that the availability is limited on weekends and holidays.
*Subject to change according to current health regulations.
Transportation is not included. We can add it to the package without any problem, at an additional cost and depending on availability.
*Subject to change according to current health regulations.
For the 3-day and 6-day packages, accommodation is included, and we take care of booking the best location according to your itinerary. If you would like to take care of your own accommodation, this is also possible. The one-day package does not include accommodation, but if you wish, it is possible to add it.
The packages include a delicious lunch, carried by your guide and enjoyed during a break on the trail. We also offer you a local micro-brewery beer to finish the day in style. You are responsible for other meals.
Our restaurant partner will be informed and will design meals based on your dietary requirements / restrictions. (Additional costs possible)
Absolutely, the guide will escort you throughout the mountain bike trails.
No. Our guides are experienced, fit and skillful, but they are there to guide you, not to give you training lessons. They will give you instructions before you start the day and can share tips with you while riding. We take for granted that you have the minimum experience to be in good control of your bike and the physical fitness required to spend a day in the mountain trails.
Of course, with the cute Québec accent.
Absolutely, the safety of our customers is our priority. The guides carry a first aid kit. The destination centers have emergency plans and there are patrollers ready to intervene in the event of an accident requiring evacuation.
For an optimal, safe and personalized service, we have a ratio of 1 : 4, which means 1 guide for 4 people or less. For groups of more than 4 "riders", a second guide is present, allowing the group to split up in case someone gets tired or slightly injured.
Of course, our guides are equipped with the essential tools to repair a flat tire, a broken chain and make adjustments as needed.
We do not offer refunds. However, if you are unable to participate, you can postpone your package to a later date or transfer it to another person, for a fee of $ 100 CAD.
No. We recommend that you purchase insurance against accidents if your personal one does not cover this activity.
Yes, we are open to modify your package, in order to provide you with the best experience possible.
Accommodations
No ! Once your basic package is purchased, you can buy other options later. However, do not hesitate to buy a hosting option when you can. You will be able to upgrade your option… if places are still available.
To enhance your experience, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of a unique opportunity to camp in downtown Québec City. A first ! This unique opportunity is made possible by the QSE in collaboration with the Port of Québec. The tents are provided by the QSE and included in the price of the option.
Of course! Register using the camping option.
COVID-19
If the event has to be postponed due to the pandemic, your registration is transferred to next years’ event or any other future edition of QSE. Whatever happens with the measures related to the pandemic, here or in your country or province, know that you can always postpone your registration to the next event in face-to-face mode, or even later, at your convenience. This rule also applies in the event of an injury that could prevent you from participating, at any time.
The morning after this fantastic event. Sitting having a cup of coffee and relaxing.
Thinking back on all the hard work you folks put into this event. You have a winner.
Keep up the great work. From start to finish, there has been no errors in organization that I have heard of or seen. Just wow.
The trails chosen were perfect and challenging. I will recommend this even to all that will listen. I stayed off site and enjoyed Québec city living with my wife. Not sure what else to say. But thanks to all the event volunteers.
LEE HILL
COLLINGWOOD ONTARIO
I have ridden trails all over the world.
This was my best MTB week ever. Everything here is perfect: trails, logistics, vibe. More than impressive! I hope to be back with my boyfriend next year.
AMY MCDOUGALL
AFRIQUE DU SUD
Congratulations to the QSE team.
Everything here is perfectly groomed. The trails are amazing, and the vibe is simply magic. The QSE is the perfect summer camp for adult, in a unique and historical city!
JEAN-LOUIS PACTAT
NOUVELLE CALÉDONIE
BCBR was fantastic but for many reasons I preferred the QSE.
The QSE trails are as good as BCBR but the variety in Québec is unique. Because of the permanent base camp downtown Québec, there is no packing and unpacking every day. That simple and perfectly tight logistic transfers into huge time and money savings for the riders. The price is less than half of other races. The vibe in Québec is unbelievable both on and off the bike. To me, the opening night ride in Old Québec was a highlight.
GLENN POLSON
VICTORIA, COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE
Why am I coming back here every year?
First: quality of trails. Second: variety of trails. Third: amazing pricing for what is offered. On top of that, having a permanent base camp where we come back every day, gives you time to visit the oldest and only fortified city in America. It is a major advantage, compared to other races where you are moving every day. It leaves you no time to go around and visit.
Bevin Reith
Toronto, Canada
The eventRide Mode
August 14 to 19, 2022
Forget the stopwatch, ride the QSE at your own pace. Stop to take pictures, in short, have fun!
Live a similar experience to the event at any time of the year, in the company of our guides. We take care of everything to tailor a journey in our trails, perfectly suited to your tastes and abilities.
