Ontario gravel cycling events you can ride in 2018

With gravel riding all the rage right now, cyclists are taking their bikes down roads they previously hadn’t explored. More cyclists have bikes they go adventuring on with the ability to mount thicker rubber and tackle varied surfaces with confidence.  Shop floors have more offerings specific for mixed surface riding and with the rise of gravel riding has come a greater selection of events to participate in. Ontario may be Canada’s most populas province but has a extensive network of unpaved roads that are worth exploring. The province also has a long list of gravel events to choose from from early spring right to autumn.

Hell and Heck of the North – Ballantrae – April 1

An early spring OCA santioned event where riders should be prepared to battle the elements. Over 90 km, riders tackle dirt roads, rail trails and off-road sections along with some tough little climbs. The 70 km Heck of the North ride doesn’t include any of the off-road sections.

Website: ontariocycling.org/event/hell-of-the-north/

Steaming Nostril and Runny Nose – St. Jacobs – April 8

A 65 km route in Pelham taht requires a cyclocross or mountain bike that is 60 per cent gravel, 20 per cent paved and 20 per cent held on farm tracks with flat and rolling terrain. A sorter 40 km ride will still challenge riders enough to earn the warm meal provided for all the participants. The event is OCA sanctioned.

Website: ontariocycling.org/event/steaming-nostril-3/

Tour of Pelham – Thorold – April 15

The third event on the OCA event calendar is 35 per cent grevale and 15 perfect dirt tracks including some single track. At 55 km the longest race may seem short but is still a slog. There’s also 35 and 29 km courses to ride.

Website: stcatharinescc.ca/httpwww-team905cycling-comtour-of-pelham-landing-page-html/

Paris to Ancaster – Paris – April 29

Celebrating it’s 25th year, the Paris to Ancaster is a must-do early season mixed surface event in Ontario with a rich history of grueling racing. Participants choose from the 70 km full course or the 40 km ride. The course features mud shoots, gravel, single track and an extremely challenging finishing climb.

Website: parisancaster.com/

The Ottawa Valley Paris-Roubaix – Almonte – April 29

On the same weekend as P2A, another event inspired by what is often regarded as the hardest day on the proffesional race calendar takes place. A cyclosportif with rides of 80 or 40 km, the course includes mud, gravel, sand, rocks, unmaintained roads, woodlots and even a switchback climb.

Website: ontariocycling.org/event/almonte-paris-roubaix-3/

Clarence Rockland Classic – Rockland – May 6

A 85 km cyclosportif ride which takes to the gravel and paved roads of Clarence-Rockland Township east of Ottawa.

Website: ridewithrendall.com/events/clarence-rockland-classic/

Outspokin Gravel Growler – Ilderton – June 10

This event in support of the Fowler Kennedy Clinic features rides of 40, 80 and 160 km featuring plenty of gravel near London. After the ride, participants get a complimentry beer from Muskoka Brewery.

Website: ridinggravel.com/event/outspokin-gravel-growler/

The Wild Rock Sportive – Peterborough – July 7

Fretori add a second event to their calendar in 2018 with a partnership event with Wild Rock Outfitters. The ride begins at 3 pm in the afternoon on a Saturday to take full advantage of the daylight hours at the height of summer. With routes of 90 and 130 km it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful gravel and paved rolling roads of the Peterborough—Kawartha region.

Website: fretori.com/wildrocksportive

El Bandito – Orono – July 21

A 140 km ride that will feature great scenery and sections of lesser known trails in and around Orono. With a lot of hills it promises to be a fun, beautiful and challenging ride. A 70 km ride skips two of the longer course’s hardest climbs but you can still enjoy the regions terrain and scenery but over the course of an easier day in the saddle.

Website: substanceprojects.com/portfolio-item/el-bandito-140-july-22-2017-stuporcross-1

The Noble Pursuit – Peterborough – July 22

A unique team event where the course changes every year but the opportunity to explore always remains. Self-supported teams of four must navigate the course and cross the line all together. The ride is long at around 170 km with a variety of road surfaces. Farm tracks, ATV trails, gravel roads are all fair game over the ride. The route is unmarked and teams only have a map to navigate by.

Website: noblepursuit.ca/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eager Beaver – Duntroon – August 11

A big 100 mile ride with a lot of challenging gravel sections over it’s length. A 100 km and 50 km route are also options for riders interested in a shorter but still good day in the saddle. Of the entire 160 km course, only 20 km was paved in the 2017 edition.

Website: substanceprojects.com/portfolio-item/eb2-0-eager-beaver-100

 

 

Growling Beaver Brevet – Collingwood – Sept. 29

A autumn event around Collingwood, the 2018 edition is already sold out. A testemant to the popularity of the ride. Riders can take on the 200 km route but there is also a 100 km and 40 km route. Proceeds from the event go to the Davis Phinney Foundation and Parkinson Wellness Project. It’s a social ride in Beaver Valley and a great chance to enjoy the fall colours. Only 200 partipants get into the event which promises to be a scenic fall day in the saddle.

Website: growlingbeaver.com/