Quebec's Classic Party Ride: OctobikerFest 2017 Recap

Everybody's welcome to the event. The trail network coaches organize group rides for kids, while parents can go and shred laps all morning!



Then right after lunch we headed into the woods for the Freeride Jam in the famous and technical freeride trail. Seriously, this trail might be the longest non-chairlift access freeride trail ever; it has more than 40 features.


Quebec’s legends gathered to enjoy the finest freeride trail with the finest people. Music was blasting, with prizes being given, including beer coupons, to riders that stood out. Dylan Bonneau did the absolutely craziest thing on the 8-foot drop: clipped-in one-handed wheelie on the bridge, dropping one handed and grabbing the bars back mid-air (see in video). He did it not once, not twice, but four times. The fifth time was a near miss as he could not keep his front wheel lifted to the lip, but fortunately, the wheel touched the last inch of ladder bridge so Dylan could rebound and drop evenly, saving himself from one of the worst faceplants imaginable. The dirt jump jam was next.


This year, a run in was added to the slopestyle kicker line, making it easier for the riders to show their sickest tricks. David’s Backyard, Quebec’s craziest BMX trails, was on point like never before. These insanely steep and big booters have what it takes to challenge the most hardcore of riders. The vibe was sick and riders were pushing it for the big crowd.



A couple of hard slams did not seem to cool the riders down too much, but it definitely reminded everybody of the risks of the sport. I had never straightened a pinky that was bent 90 degrees over the other fingers. Ask Marshall, he now knows what it feels like to break a pinky in 5 pieces.


Quebec’s BMX legends Compartino brothers were throwing classic tricks on the slopestyle booters riding their 27,5 enduro bike, to everybody’s pleasure. Style for miles! Young gun Maxime Chalifour was doing every barspin/tailwhip/no-hander combo you can think of, and The Rise’s Aidan Horn was sending flipwhips all afternoon.


Time for some hillbilly racing!


Around sunset was the Dual Slalom race, with an even sicker course this year made of pallets and picnic tables.


People were all smiles bombing down the hill and over the fire, racing hard and fast!


The track was so fast that the final picnic table jump would send the riders 35 ft + far! The crowd could enjoy their microbrewery beer, some amazing Trou du Diable on tap, while watching riders push it on the dual slalom course. A delight.


And after all of that riding, it was time for some proper Octoberfest partying with an awesome BBQ, amazing beer and Les Chiens de Ruelle live, a perfect band to really ignite a party. The night was young and mountain bike addicts drank until they were not thirsty anymore, free-camping on site.


This amazing event was made possible by Charles Hébert of Énergie CMB and all of the volunteers, as well as the many partners and sponsors. Good job to everyone!

Until next year!

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MENTIONS: @simondrouin

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