Photos and Text by Pierre Bouchard
English version to come…
L’hiver, sommes-nous confinés à rouler en rond, pédaler après notre queue sur les sentiers entretenus de centres de fatbike, ski de fond et raquette pour s’éclater du haut de nos roues surdimensionnés? Heureusement que non! Pas dans Charlevoix, en tout cas! Même que l’aventure, lorsque l’indice de « portaison » le permet et que nos amis les motoneigistes nous tapent la voie—sur des sentiers non-fédérés, bien sûr—sait se pointer, toujours prête à nous transporter, élever…exalter!
Explorant un univers capitonné strié de pistes et chemins forestiers immaculés, on peut évoluer au sein de cette planète blanche sidérante, l’arrière-pays charlevoisien l’hiver, pendant des jours et relier ainsi auberges des bois, chalets de la Traversée de Charlevoix et refuges du Territoire Libre de Pied-des-Monts.
. Appelons ce type d’entreprise « bikepacking ou fatpacking hivernal haute route ». Voici quelques scènes et moments d’une escapade qui nous aura vus, mon partenaire Antoine Dufour-Simard et moi, piloter nos Chic-Chocs du plateau avoisinant le massif du lac Jacques-Cartier jusqu’au fond du cratère météoritique de Charlevoix…un circuit fat intergalactique!
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Traveler Hat
ClothingSlip this cap into your bike bags, and keep it stylish around the campfire!34.99$ (CAD)- 6-panel cap, without structure (ideal to pack into bags).
- Blue color: fabric made entirely from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Each cap uses about 3 bottles, which have been recovered from our environment.
- Olive color: 100% ripstop cotton
- Adjustable strap and plastic buckle (convenient to be attached to a bag)
- One size fits all
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T-Shirt Slow Travel
ClothingSlow Travel is the state of mind we approach during bike journeys. It is taking the time to live each experience in its entirety, focusing on quality rather than quantity.17.50$ (CAD)- 100% Cotton
- Printed by hand in Montreal
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Katahdin
Gravel BikesThe 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) -
Sale
Chic-Chocs 2024 – Demo
Factory OutletSome demo units available. All in excellent 9-9.5/10 condition. 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!2,599$ (CAD) -
Touch up Paint
PartsBecause sometimes small scratches do happen... We want you to keep your bike for long and in good condition!14.99$ (CAD)- 5ml bottle
- High-quality all-in-one paint, no need to apply a clear coat
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Sale
Forillon
Factory Outlet* New bike. Only size small left. Please refer to the component list for specifications. The Forillon is your best ally for cycling around the world. It is designed to be ridden efficiently on a variety of road types, while remaining stable and easy to handle when loaded with all your luggages. It's easy to see why the family behind the Terra Tributa project made these their bikes of choice for their nomadic lifestyle. Strength and reliability are highlighted in the choice of components. The 36 spokes double walled with reinforced eyelets rims paired with 700x44mm tires and the Microshift transmission offering an immense speed range of 585% are perfect examples. The Reynolds 525 steel tubeset as well as the 4130 steel fork have been selected to maintain excellent stiffness once the bags and panniers are added. Features such as the addition of extra spokes mounts, integrated kickstand plate, multiple mounts for bottles, front and rear racks and fenders make this a true Swiss Army knife for on-the-go travel bike.2,039$ (CAD) -
Anticosti
Gravel BikesWhen you venture on the less traveled roads of the backcountry, sometimes, the beautiful road becomes much more bumpy than what was predicted. The asphalt becomes gravel, and the gravel literally becomes an off-road trail. It is for this kind of adventure that the Anticosti was created. The Anticosti bike is built with a custom selection of Reynolds 725 steel tubing, tapered where necessary to reduce weight. For this generation, the geometry has been revised (shorter seat tube length and slightly slackened steer angle) and the new shaped chainstays offer more clearance to the rear tire. This bike is ready for a quick gravel loop, or a more ambitious multi-day trip. *Frameset comes with wheel axles, headset installed, seatpost collar and frame protectors.1,649$ – 3,299$ (CAD) -
Thru axle – Rear
PartsThru axle for the rear wheel. Bolt-on type (no lever), install with 6mm hex key.40$ (CAD)