Ride 3
Beaumont Loops
Loop A: Up and over
Loop B: Outer loop
Scenic Beauty
The Memramcook valley is rich Acadian history and stunning scenery so take the time to check out the heritage sites and other off-the-bike delights, including coastal cliffs, brilliant views of the changing tides and a steep-sided quarry (requires a small hike). With the Memramcook River on one side, the Peticodiac River on the other and the Bay of Fundy at the tip of the peninsula, it really feels like you are riding out to the end of the world on this ride.
Safety
ATV riders flock to this area on weekends and it’s easy to understand why–so much variety in such a small space! And trails. Lots and lots of trails. And well, hunting. Sadly. So wear hunter orange in the fall, especially if you go “up and over” the mountain. Thankfully, almost every single rider that we’ve encountered over the years has been friendly, drives responsibly and respectfully shares the trails with vehicles, cyclists and walkers. But do keep your ears perked for their roar.
Fun Factor
Two possible options exist for this “choose your own adventure” ride. Loop A goes “Up and Over” the mountain while Loop B skirts along the bottom and makes an “Outer Loop”. If you lack good climbing skills, low gears and moderately-sized tires, expect to push your bike for a short section on Loop A–steep inclines and large rocks present a challenge here. If the possibility of a hike-a-bike is a deal breaker when it comes to your fun quotient, consider Loop B instead.
Driving directions:
Drive approximately 25 km south east of Moncton on HIghway 2 or Highway 106 to the village of Memramcook. A large parking lot for the Great Trail can be found on Rue Saint-Thomas (Highway 925) on the west side of the river by the bridge. Both Loops A and B start here. A clean port-a-potty has been located at this parking area each time I have visited.
Route description:
From the parking lot, cross over the road and enjoy the easy warm-up along the flat dyke trail. After 4.7 km, turn left onto a farm road. Respect the farmer who allows the trail to pass through their property. After roughly 600 m, the farm road will deposit you onto the paved road. Turn left and start up the hills. The pavement lasts a short while before the road turns rough and the pot-hole dodging begins. At KM 10, you must decide on Loop A or Loop B. Either way, don’t zoom past the scenic and historical sights, especially the view at Fort Folly Point, the steep-sided rock quarry on Beaumont Road, the Beaumont Chapel and the Monument Lefebvre. If riding Loop B, exercise caution from the Beaumont Chapel to the parking lot in Memramcook–vehicle traffic will start to increase.
Notes:
1. For information on all the historical sites in the area, check out the Village of Memramcook website.
2. To maximize fall colours and minimize quad traffic, pick a weekday in October.
3. The cold Fundy waters keep the natural air conditioning turned on during the spring and most of the summer. You may want to pack an extra jacket.
4. The Memramcook valley can be windy. If riding Loop B, you may want to let the wind determine whether you ride clock-wise or counter-clockwise. Once off the dyke trail, the hills and trees provide decent protection from the wind. If the wind is from the SW, ride clock-wise and let it blow you home.
5. Dramatic tides, moody weather, variable road conditions, and ever-changing colours of nature almost guarantees that no two rides will ever be the same.