Prior to the creation of the ADSVMQ, trail networks were often in danger of disappearing under the pressure of development projects or the exhaustion of the volunteers responsible for their development and maintenance. The creation of the association, and the repeated interventions of its members, made it possible to take an important strategic step: to interest municipalities in this practice and to make them aware of its benefits, thereby ensuring the development of the networks and contributing to the growth of companies specializing in their management.
From 2004 to today
The ADSVMQ was founded in 2004 around a kitchen table in Montreal's Ahuntsic district. A group of mountain bike enthusiasts decided to take charge of trail accessibility, whether near their homes or anywhere else in Quebec. At the time, many volunteer clubs, sporting event organizers and athletic trainers maintained trails for their activities, but there was no organization to oversee their development. Access to the networks offered was variable, and very often depended on verbal agreements that could be revoked at any time.
The ADSVMQ's main strength has always been its ability to lead by example, combining positive discourse with the encouragement of responsible cycling. Members of the Association used to tell anyone who would listen that «mountain biking, when done on trails designed to support it, causes no more damage than hiking».
To support its development efforts, the ADSVMQ has established a collaboration with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), which has enabled it to put into practice and popularize the various teachings of the IMBA, thus making mountain biking accessible and safe in Quebec.
This cooperation has enabled the ADSVMQ to acquire its credentials by offering technical resources such as its Mountain Bike Trail Development Guide - now distributed by Vélo Québec - and by offering technical training in the field and conferences designed to change mentalities and implement the right way of doing things. ADSVMQ members are also more closely involved in development projects, notably Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook in East Hereford, Parc du Mont-Bellevue in Sherbrooke, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville and Sentiers du Moulin in Lac-Beauport.
In 2006, a partnership with the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FQSC) provided financial support for the development of the ADSVMQ and increased its visibility. This partnership In 2010, a part-time resource was hired to carry out administrative and planning tasks. In 2012, the ADSVMQ hands over the reins to Vélo Québec to continue development efforts, and remains involved during the first years of transition. Recreational mountain biking is now one of the activities actively promoted by Vélo Québec.
Today, the challenges of trail development and funding are still with us, but Quebec can count on a large number of municipalities that believe in and collaborate in the growth of this sport. While the contribution of clubs to the development and maintenance of mountain biking activities is undeniable, the collaboration of municipalities also means greater stability over the years.
Ultimately, the 620,000 adults who practice mountain biking, according to L'État du vélo au Québec en 2015, without knowing it, owe a lot to the ADSVMQ.
