Planning a Route verte trip this summer

[DavidSims]

In June and July my wife and I are planning to ride the 'Montreal to Quebec City via Sherbrooke' portion of Route verte. This will take about one week.  If anyone has done this route, and would like to recommend restaurants, B&Bs or things to see, we'd be most appreciative.

David Sims
sims@upei.ca

[John Nettles]

While I have not ridden the route, I drove along portions of it two summers ago.  I was in Quebec and the sections I were around seemed to be piece meal, i.e. a string of route put together.  It was scenic in places but not usually on a separate bike trail like I had thought.  Sorry I am not of more help.  Perhaps, you can locate a local bike club up in the areas you are going and can ask them for info.

[geegee]

Most of your route via Sherbrooke will be on dedicated bike paths, some on old rail trails. One of the things about that route is it goes deep into "poutine country" and several towns along the way (Warwick, Victoriaville, etc) claim to be the origin of the greasy snack . I guess with all the riding you'll be doing, you can afford to sample and judge for yourself who makes the best recipe   There is also more refined cuisine to sample in this area -- it is home to many excellent artisan cheesemakers, and duck/goose farming. Look for local duck confit or foie gras.

[nancyr]

    I have a Route Verte Journal at crazyguyonabike.com/doc/nancyrouteverte with suggestions for lodging and sights.  There are other route verte journals there, too.
    I would highly recommend stopping by the Velo Quebec headquarters in Montreal to pick up a copy of their pamphlet of bike routes in Montreal (about $5) and see if they also have "Guide velo (bicycle guide) Claudiere-Appalaches."  The first is very helpful for exiting Montreal; the second for entering Quebec City.  These extra guides are needed because the 4th edition of the official Route Verte Guide lacked detailed maps, and not enough bike route signs are posted; most bicyclists get lost at these points.   

Nancy R.
   

[DavidSims]

Nancy,

  My wife and I thank you for posting the URL to your travel account.  Yours is a funny, thoroughly entertaining and informative read.  "The pen is on the table"  --- others will have to read it for themselves.  We anticipate this ride in July of 2009 all the more.

  My guess is that the rough parts will have been smoothed.  At least I hope so.

David