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7 cycling Circuits for Seasoned Cyclists

Published on Jul 14, 2020

Adepts of paved surfaces or fans of gravel roads, we offer you these seven circuits combining both elevation gains and long distances. If you’re looking for a cycling challenge, you’ll probably find it right here!


The Valley on a Gravel Bike

If you love riding on country roads, far from any car traffic, this 52 km loop with a positive elevation of 536 m was designed with you in mind! You’ll start out by the Parc de la gorge de Coaticook from where the route leads you through Hatley, Kingscroft and Ways Mills, all charming towns where you’ll feel time has stopped. A few steep climbs await, but the views are well worth your efforts!

On the way or nearby: The Holmes round barn, Laiterie de Coaticook Dairy, the Coaticook Microbrewery


The Sutton Mountains Maxi Tour—Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey

You must really be in great shape to take on the challenge of riding over these saw-tooth hills! Covering 101 km with a positive elevation of 1106 m, the circuit will lead you, among others, through the towns of Sutton, Mansonville, Bolton and Brome-Lake. Whether overlooking Lake Memphremagog or viewing the massif of the Sutton mountains, the landscape is always present to motivate you.

On the way or nearby: The Mansonville round barn, the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey, Spa Bolton, The Star Café, Douglass Beach, Vignoble Domaine Bresee, Le Cafetier.


From the Lake to Mount Mégantic Route

Here, the challenge is considerable because the route includes an ascent of Mount Mégantic, one of the most difficult climbs in all of Quebec! For 5.3 km, you’ll be riding up the mountain over an average 9.6% slope, and in some sections, 15%. But before starting this mythical climb, you’ll have enough time to warm up your calves because the route starts out in Piopolis, at about forty kilometres from Mount Mégantic.

On the way or nearby: Auberge Au Soleil Levant, the Parc national du Mont-Mégantic


Au Fil de l'Eau Circuit

This circuit is very well named: first, you’ll ride along Lake Massawippi in Ayer’s Cliff then Lake Lovering and after Lake Memphremagog’s Fitch Bay. A stop at Bleu Lavande will allow reenergizing yourself, and have a bite to eat surrounded by their fields of lavender. The rest of the route will take you up to Dufferin Heights and for, the last kilometres, you’ll end your excursion with a smooth descent. A loop totalling 60 km of completely paved roadways.

On the way or nearby: Café Folies, Béret Rouge, Auberge Le Sunshine


The 100 à B7 Circuit

Gravel bike amateurs will be delighted by this 64 km route of which 49 are completed on dirt roads. Initiated by Olympic cyclist Lyne Bessette, this circuit will have you discover our magnificent backcountry roads. You’ll park your car at the Centre national de cyclisme de Bromont and follow the route indications all the way to Knowlton. A short stop in this certified Cœur villageois town is a must, as much to admire its built heritage as for enjoying lunch in the park or in one of the town’s restaurants. The circuit then leads you on a few short but intense ascents of which one offers a 14% slope before you return to your starting point.

On the way or nearby: the Lake Bromont beach area, Balnea spa, Brome Lake Ducks, La Knowlton Co. Microbrewery


The Townships Crossing

From Sutton to Brome Lake, you’ll essentially be riding on gravel roads by following this 47 km circuit and you’ll see very few cars here! The interest points you’ll find on this route? Stagecoach Road offers grandiose panoramas of Sutton’s mountain massif, the village of Knowlton on the shores of Brome Lake and, of course, the town of Sutton with its two microbreweries, perfect for a well-deserved après-bike moment!

On the way or nearby: Vignoble Domaine Bresee, Auberge Sutton Brouerie, À L’Abordage Microbrewery and Auberge des Appalaches


©Jessie Jolin

La Grande Boucle de la Vallée

From Coaticook à Martinville, as you pass Dixville, East Hereford and Sainte-Edwidge, this 115 km circuit will have you take on some more isolated roads, at the limit of being ridable at times. You’d better be in great shape before heading out on this loop with its rugged relief, cumulating an elevation gain of 1,415 m! What should you expect? A succession of climbs and descents (of which one with a 19% slope), decors that alternate between farm valleys, Christmas tree plantations and mature forests as well as the pleasant scent of field flowers, conifers and wood throughout the circuit. There’s no doubt that you’ll be pedalling in a very tranquil environment.

On the way or nearby: Laiterie de Coaticook, Microbrasserie de Coaticook, Ferme les Broussailles, Ferme piscicole des Bobines

You should read

Cycling

Gravel Bike Routes to Try in the Townships

Nature, sports and outdoor activities

Mountain biking in the Eastern Townships

Cycling

Cycling in the fall

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