Mountain Biking Safely
The Gaspesia Mountain Bike Club aims to promote recreational mountain biking and foster a new generation of competitive riders among children aged 2 to 17. The club emphasizes teaching and practicing fundamental techniques to ensure safe and enjoyable mountain biking.
The Gaspesia Mountain Bike Club is powered by the non-profit organization Événements Gaspesia and is affiliated with the Quebec Cycling Sports Federation.
The 2025 season marks the club’s fifth year, with more than 60 young members!
Philosophy
The Gaspesia Mountain Bike Club’s activities focus on cross-country riding for all age groups and enduro for teenagers. While primarily recreational, the club offers children the option to participate in the Eastern Quebec Regional Mountain Bike Circuit races held in various towns, including Gaspé, or in stages of the Quebec Cup.
Here’s what we mean by cross-country and enduro:
Cross-Country
Cross-country is the most common and accessible form of mountain biking for men, women, and children. It involves riding on narrow, unpaved trails with numerous twists, turns, and elevation changes. Trail difficulty can range from very easy to very challenging.
Cross-country enthusiasts rely on their own strength to navigate the trails through the mountains, much like cross-country skiing.
This discipline has been part of the Olympic Games since Atlanta 1996 and is the main event of the Eastern Quebec Regional Mountain Bike Circuit and the Quebec Games.
Enduro
A hybrid discipline between cross-country and downhill, enduro (formerly known as “all-mountain”) provides a two-part experience.
- Climbing: Riders ascend the mountain or hill by pedaling on specially designed trails to reach the starting point.
- Descending: The real excitement lies in the descent, using dedicated downhill trails, without the aid of a mechanical lift.
This mix of effort and thrill makes enduro a unique and exciting way to enjoy mountain biking.
Equipment
The Bike
- A flat or slightly raised handlebar mountain bike is required for children in the U9, U11, U13, and U15 categories.
- Coaster brakes and single-speed bikes are not allowed for these categories.
- Ensure tires, gears, and brakes are properly adjusted before each session.
- A balance bike is permitted and encouraged for children in the U6 group. Since we believe all children can transition from a balance bike to a regular bike, bikes with training wheels are not allowed.
Accessories
- Wearing a certified bike helmet is mandatory.
- Gloves and long clothing are recommended for added comfort and protection.
- Knee pads, elbow guards, chest protectors, full-face helmets, clip-in shoes, and suspension systems are not necessary for the type of riding we promote.
Don’t Forget
- Each child must bring a water bottle or a hydration drink.
Member Benefits
Événements Gaspesia
- Access to promotional club apparel at the best prices.
- 20% discount on registration fees for major events we organize.
Nolin Vélo
- Proud partner of the Gaspesia Mountain Bike Club, offering members a 20% discount on regular in-store prices.
- High-quality bike rentals for the season starting at $150.
Join the club and enjoy these exclusive perks!
Age Categories for 2025
- U6: Born in 2019 or later
- U9: Born in 2017-2018
- U11: Born in 2015-2016
- U13: Born in 2013-2014
- U15: Born in 2011-2012
- U17: Born in 2009-2010
Mont-Bechervaise
- Categories: U6 to U17
- Dates: April 28 to July 20
- Sessions per week: 2 (1 session per week for U6)
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Total outings: 24 (12 for U6)
- Schedule: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (depending on the group)
To come…
To come…