Solo exploration North of the 49th parallel

Toulnustouc river region

Photos and Text by Taavi Rutishauser

 English version to come…

Destination pour la longue fin de semaine : région de la centrale Toulnustouc, et de la rivière portant le même nom. Je me mets en mode exploration, question de voir s’il n’y a pas une façon de déterminer une route potentielle de bikepacking dans cette région. Je ne m’attendais pas à autant!

Ce sont d’immenses terres de la couronne, donc libres d’accès pour rouler et camper. Les superbes spots de camping abondent sur les bords de rivières et lacs. Attention aux présences soutenues d’ours, loups, lynx et autres…alors les mesures préventives (bangers/spray/nourriture) étaient de vigueur!

On doit aimer les côtes pour aller là, parce que ce sont de vraies montagnes russes avec des pentes de 8-16% sans répits! Nul doute que c’est spécial de rouler en territoire si isolé, sans croiser quiconque, à l’exception de 2 couples en quad, qui avaient l’air aussi surpris que moi de croiser quelqu’un!

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  • panorama_katahdin
    panorama_katahdin

    Katahdin

    The first generation of the Katahdin has proven itself both in races, gravel events and in bikepacking trips. For its second iteration, the Katahdin gets a makeover with progressive gravel geometry and new features to make it even more versatile. A relaxed 70deg steering angle, longer reach, 75mm bb drop and 430mm chainstays increase the wheelbase of the bike and place the rider in a stable and comfortable position. The goal is less fatigue, and more speed for long outings and / or races. The internal cables for an adjustable seat post, the fork adapted to the use of a dynamo hub, a threaded bottom bracket shell and all the mounts necessary to install bags and accessories are among the features of the Katahdin. The frame is dressed with the Hunt wheels fitted with Maxxis Rambler tires, as well as the Shimano GRX 12 speed groupsets (offered in 1x or 2x), which make for a versatile and efficient bike.
    2,699$4,099$ (CAD)
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    Panorama backcountry cycling hat

    Backcountry Cycling Hat

    Why stick to the already known paths! #Backcountrycycling has become over time the mojo of Panorama Cycles. Make it yours with this unique cap!
    • 100% Cotton
    • Leather adjustment strap
    39.99$ (CAD)
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    panorama chic-chocs 2023
    panorama chic-chocs

    Chic-Chocs 2023 – New

    * Brand new bike, ready to ride. Few units still available. The Chic-Chocs has proven its abilities over the past few years in endurance races and winter expeditions. Whether it's for the Raid du Fjord, the Wendigo Ultra, or riding with confidence on groomed trails, the Chic-Chocs delivers. A stable geometry with a long wheelbase increases traction and flotation on soft surfaces. In addition, the Chic-Chocs is designed with a 205mm q-factor, the narrowest available for use with tires up to 5" wide. Not to be overlooked for an ergonomic position. Two Shimano drivetrains available with RaceFace cranksets and cockpit. Quality SunRingle rims and hubs (ready for -30degC!), and studdable tires that can be easily converted tubeless complete the package. Throw on some 29x3" wheels when the snow melts, and you've got a 4-season bike ready for backcountry bikepacking trips!
    2,699$2,799$ (CAD)
  • panorama torngat ti
    panorama torngat ti

    Torngat Ti

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    ***In stock. We ship everyday! The only one of its kind, the Torngat Ti is the first titanium fat bike to offer two crankset spindle length setups (Q-factor), to suit all your type of riding. A versatile model, both lightweight and durable, that can be used for a wide range of adventures, making it the perfect bike for both trail riding and expeditions during summer and winter. The Torngat Ti is ready to tackle any terrain, without compromise. By using one of the two crankset axle provided with the bike, you can configure it to minimize the Q-factor depending on how you want to use it:
    • 27.5'' x 4.5'' tires (the widest fat bike tires on the market) for soft surfaces: standard 205mm Q-factor.
    • 27.5×4'' tires for hard-surface fat bike configuration: narrow 185mm Q-factor for more ergonomic positioning.
    • 29×2.5''-3'' tires for mountain or all-terrain use: narrow 185mm Q-factor for a comfortable pedaling position.
    Our Torngat Ti, like all our bikes, is assembled to order and is therefore available as a frameset kit or as a complete bike with various customization possibilities. *Frameset includes carbon fork, headset, wheel axles and seat post collar.
    3,599$5,594$ (CAD)
  • taiga exp 2
    taiga exp 2

    Taïga EXP 2

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    ***2024-03-25 Update. Delivery of first production batch scheduled for early April. This batch has sold out in presale. A second production batch is expected in late April/early May. All sizes will be available. Pre-order your Taïga EXP using the promo code taigaexp at the time of purchase to proceed to the 50% reservation deposit. Selected as one of the best off-road touring bikes by the renowned blog Cyling About, the Taïga EXP 2 is the dropbar version of the Taïga mountain bike. This makes it ideal for long-distance off-road tours and mixed terrain bikepacking expeditions. It was also the bike that led Cory Ostertag to first place at the 2022 BC Epic, and the same bike that helped Marie-Pierre Savard and Cory Ostertag set new record times (FKT) at the 2022 Log Driver’s Waltz for women and men respectively. The Reynolds 725 frame is packed with useful features: adjustable rear sliding dropouts, seat stay opening for use with belt, compatible with 100mm suspension fork, compatible with dropper seat post. The carbon fork has internal cable routing for dynamo hub usage, and all the necessary mounts for your equipment. In addition to slight geometric refinements, tire clearance has been increased to easily accommodate 29x2.6'' on this second-generation EXP. The Taïga EXP 2 is equipped with the excellent GRX 12-speed groupset, and the frame now features flat-mount brake mounts. We offer 2 wheel options as well as an adjustable seatpost option. The Ritchey Beacon 52cm wide handlebar gives enough space for a bulky handlebar bag, while providing excellent stability when the terrain is more demanding. *Frameset comes with wheel axles, headset installed, seatpost collar and frame protectors.
    1,649$3,899$ (CAD)
  • Panorama boreal
    Panorama Boreal

    Boreal

    ***In stock, we ship daily! The Boreal is an all-terrain touring bike designed to carry its rider in a comfortable upright position on trips and expeditions. The frame and fork are sturdy, and the components are reliable and low-maintenance. Capable of taking loads, the Boreal is the perfect partner for your most ambitious projects. This bike share the same geometry and features as the Boreal-Pinion. Unlike the latter, which is equipped with an internal drivetrain, we build the Boreal with either a Shimano SLX 1x12 or a Shimano Cues 6000/8000 2x11 drivetrain. The 2x11 option offers a huge range of gear ratios, 669% versus 510% for the 1x12. Building the bike around the Rohloff Speedhub 14-speed hub is also available as an option. For half-road/half-off-road touring, 29×2.0 (700×50 equivalent) tires will provide an optimum ride. For off-road use, 27.5″ tires of equivalent diameter, i.e. 27.5×2.6, are the appropriate choice. The two 32-spoke wheel options (for greater durability) are offered with the purchase of the complete bike. In both options, no lack of mud clearance while the frame and fork can accommodate 29×2.8 tires. *** Refer to the specification list for component details. * The frameset comes with wheel axles, headset installed, seatpost collar and frame protectors. * Rohloff option comes with Speedhub 500/14 A12 DB PM black hub, 180mm rear disc, shifter. The chain option comes with a 34/16T chainring/sprocket and the belt option in 42/19.
    1,399$2,899$ (CAD)
  • Panorama Boréal Pinion
    panorama boreal pinion

    Boreal Pinion

    *** In stock. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery (custom paint). After conclusive tests on the 2500+km Baja Divide in Mexico and during the TransBoreale expedition (complete winter crossing of Quebec from south to north), the Boreal Pinion bike is offered in a limited series. Each bike will be painted to order, making it completely unique. The Boreal Pinion is designed to carry its rider with confidence on journeys and expeditions around the world. The frame and fork are robust, and the components are extremely reliable and low-maintenance. The highlight of the Boreal Pinion is the Pinion drivetrain. Combined with the Gates carbon belt, it is virtually maintenance-free and extremely durable. The performance of the Pinion internal gear system is unsurpassed, while the wide range of gear ratios is exceedingly large (600% for the C1.12 model - other models available on request) and each gear is evenly spaced. For half-road/half-off-road touring, 29x2.0 (700x50 equivalent) tires will provide an optimum ride. For off-road use, 27.5" tires of equivalent diameter, i.e. 27.5x2.6, are the appropriate choice. The two 32-spoke wheel options (for greater durability) are offered with the purchase of the complete bike. In both options, no lack of mud clearance while the frame and fork can accommodate 29x2.8 tires. *The frame/fork+Pinion set comes complete with Pinion C1.12 drivetrain, forged aluminum crank arms and shifter. Wheel axles, installed headset, seatpost collar and frame protectors are also included.
    4,399$5,999$ (CAD)
  • chic-chocs 2024
    chic-chocs 2024

    Chic-Chocs 2024

    ***Slightly used demo available! Check here for details. The Chic-Chocs has proven its abilities over the past few years in endurance races and winter expeditions. Whether it's for the Raid du Fjord, the Wendigo Ultra, or riding with confidence on groomed trails, the Chic-Chocs delivers. A stable geometry with a long wheelbase increases traction and flotation on soft surfaces. In addition, the Chic-Chocs is designed with a 205mm q-factor, the narrowest available for use with tires up to 5" wide. Not to be overlooked for an ergonomic position. Two Shimano drivetrains available with RaceFace cranksets and cockpit. Quality SunRingle rims and hubs (ready for -30degC!), and studdable tires that can be easily converted tubeless complete the package. Throw on some 29x3" wheels when the snow melts, and you've got a 4-season bike ready for backcountry bikepacking trips!
    2,299$3,734$ (CAD)