Camp Breakaway

The Breakaway is a cycling vacation camp certified by the Association des camps du Québec. Designed for 13- to 17-year-olds, the camp offers two destinations : Lower St. Lawrence, from La Pocatière to Bic National Park, or the Thousand Islands.

On the road
The young people taking part in the Breakaway ride together on daily roadway routes. They are accompanied at all times by bicycle escorts as well as by a guide in a motorized vehicle. The routes are not marked, but detailed maps are distributed to all participants on a daily basis.

To ensure that the teenagers can make the most of their bicycle trip, it is strongly recommended that their bicycles be thoroughly tuned up prior to departure. A bicycle in good condition is key to the success of any bicycle trip. If routine minor repairs are required (adjustments, flats, etc.), the guides will be able to help out and get the participants back on the road. In the event of a more serious problem, the bicycle will be transported to the nearest bicycle shop and the parents will have to pay for the repair once the camp is over.

Lastly, if participants are unable to complete the daily route due to fatigue, sickness or a major mechanical problem, the Vélo Québec Voyages vehicle will take them to the next destination.

Accommodations and meals
The camp participants will sleep in various types of dormitories: educational institutions, youth hostels, bed and breakfasts or camp shelters. They will also spend one night at a campsite, where we will provide the tents and all other necessary equipment. Also, the teenagers will have access to space in a secure location at each site to lock up their bicycles at night.

The menu was prepared with the assistance of a dietitian. All meals, snacks and bottled water are included. The participants will even get a chance to help prepare certain group meals.

Other activities
In addition to cycling the daily kilometres with their baggage, the teenagers will take part in workshops on various bicycle-related topics:
• Bicycle safety code
• Cycling as a group
• Fitting your bicycle to your body
• Road cycling techniques
• Bicycle anatomy
• Basic bicycle mechanics (adjustments)
• Reading various types of maps (topographical, road and regional maps, specialized guides)
• Nutritional requirements of cyclists (putting together a fictional menu based on the concepts learned).

Throughout the week, the teenagers will also have an opportunity to take part in other activities (hiking, swimming, museum visits, etc.) or informal workshops (warm-up and breathing exercises, board games, etc.).

Route rating and level of difficulty

The level of difficulty of each of our routes is rated from 1 to 6. These ratings take into account the terrain and the daily distances travelled. The proposed ratings and distances, established according to the basic route, serve as a guide only. Weather conditions (sun, rain, wind direction, temperature and altitude can also affect the amount of excursion required on a given day. To select the route that is right for you, contact one of our travel consultants.
1	Easy, flat route; presents few difficulties; from 30 to 60 km.
2	Relatively easy route; includes some gentle slopes; from 40 to 70 km.
3	Route of average difficulty; rolling, occasionally hilly terrain; from 50 to 80 km.
4	Relatively difficult route; rolling and hilly, with slopes that are quite steep; from 50 to 90 km.
5	Difficult route; repeatedly requires a significant amount of effort; from 60 to 110 km.
6	Very difficult route: requires constant effort, repeated climbs (passes) as well as advanced training; from 70 to 165 km.

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