I like the world of craft beers from microbreweries. The little ritual of the cold pint after cycling is always a peaceful moment after the effort. For more than fifteen years or so, I’ve been mountain biking. This sport has allowed me to find and explore the best destinations in Québec, British Columbia, Vermont, Utah and Arizona. The Laurentians are full of mountain bike trails of every level. No matter what the destination, I’m always on the lookout for a local microbrewery to wind up my day in the best possible way. This year, I decided to equip myself with a bicycle better adapted to travel and adventure. I challenged myself to explore our Québec bike-routes. What could be more practical than pedaling from village to village to discover our craft brewers?

When you mention good, thirst- quenching beer you’re also talking about eating well… locally.

In June, in Québec, the asparagus tips start to show.

Opportunities abound to create a seasonal menu and make an excellent beer food pairing. Time to bring out the inspiration and creativity. I decided to create a simple, refined menu that would allow some lovely discoveries. Pleasantly surprised by grilled or roasted asparagus accompanied by a good creamy stout, I decided to put together some asparagus roasted with toasted Camelina oil and a basil-scented asparagus milk. I placed the asparagus on a cake of roasted sweet peppers and Louis d’Or cheese and, because I couldn’t resist, added a few spring morels.

After work, I like to explore the Laurentians by bike. From Mont- Tremblant, taking the P’tit Train du Nord bike path southbound, one can, by taking a small detour, go taste the beers in the La Veillée microbrewery in Sainte- Agathe-des-Monts.

It’s a detour well worth a few extra pedal strokes!