Fall 2010 Tour of Quebec SUMMARY: Join us for a tour of Quebec province during fall foliage season. Enjoy French culture without the long flight to Europe. This tour is a repeat of trip in Fall 2009 In 2007 the 4000 km. Route Verte was officially inaugurated and it has been acclaimed as one of the top 10 cycling networks in the world. We will explore a section of this network starting and ending near Quebec City and visiting the St. Lawrence River (an estuary), the Saguenay River (a fjord) and Lac St. Jean. We will visit several of Quebec''s "Most Beautiful Villages" and sample local cuisine. There are 3 national parks, including a marine national park. We''ll have time for whale watching and a national park visit to observe the wildlife and learn about the history. The Route Verte network (http://www.routeverte.com) includes dedicated paved bike paths, dedicated unpaved bike paths (firm dirt), and dedicated bicycle lanes on paved roads, plus some sections labeled "Undeveloped Section". The route itself is rolling and averages 51 miles per day over 11 days of riding, plus 2 layover days. About 200 of the 560 miles are not in the Route Verte network. In the congested areas there are bike paths. Traffic was light in most of the areas using paved roads. The group will meet in Levis, QC, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, and start riding on Sunday, September 19, 2010. The last day of riding is Friday, October 1, 2010, with departure on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Levis is just across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City. DIFFICULTY: The ride is rated as 2B!, with several days of moderate climbing and 2 days over 60 miles. The average riding day distance is 51 miles, with distances ranging from 26 to 81 miles. OVERNIGHTS: Our stops include Levis, St-Jean-Port-Joli, Riviere-du-Loup, Tadoussac, St-Rose-du-Nord, Chicoutimi (part of Saguenay), Saint-Gedeon, La Baie, L''Anse St Jean , San Simeon, Baie St Paul and a return to Levis. Accommodations range from 2-star to 4-star inns/hotels/motels, with one night in St-Rose-du-Nord where we will be accommodated at several B&Bs (3-star). ADMINISTRATION: Maximum 20, minimum 16. Cost estimate of $2300 includes BAC registration fee of $50, 14 nights accommodations with 14 breakfasts, social hours, 12 dinners, whale watching excursion, fjord kayak tour with tip, ferry crossing, transportation to and from airport, as well as cue sheets and maps. The price is based on an exchange rates of $1 CAD equals $0.98USD. Ride co-director will drive the van. Singles should find their own roommates. The ride will be limited to 8 singles (with roommates) due to limits in accommodations. LOGISITICS: The closest airport is Quebec. Transportation will be available from the Quebec Airport to first hotel on September 17 & 18 and for return to airport Oct 2, 2010. CANCELLATION POLICY: If a rider cancels and the place is filled, deposits less the $50 BAC registration fee will be refunded. If the place is not filled, refunds will be based on the principle that the cancellation will not increase the cost to remaining participants. This would include deducting a share of van and bus costs and difference in cost for single room versus a double.