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The Gravel Bikepacking Challenge 500 & 250 & 100 KM

For those who are more adventurous than the average person!

The gravel bike is a fabulous ways of discovery...

A colorful adventure!

The GBC 500 Vélo Café returns from October 4 to 7, 2025 during the most beautiful time of the year. The flamboyant colors and weather will make the adventure even more memorable. This new date gives you more time to prepare and ride your gravel bike in a spectacular autumn setting!

New for 2025: The GBC 100 km

In response to requests from many enthusiasts who found the distance too long, we decided to launch the GBC 100 km. This 100 km route is more than just a ride, it’s an epic adventure of breathtaking panoramas and challenging gravel sections!

The GBC 100, 250 and GBC 500 concept

The purpose of this challenge is for cyclists to discover the Eastern Townships through fabulous gravel roads Are you daring enough to line up at the start of the Gravel Bikepacking Challenge? Come and explore the hidden treasures of the Eastern Townships region, with its unique gravel roads, breathtaking scenery, charming villages and exceptional local produce.

Whether your goal is to beat the record over the 500-kilometre distance, to exceed your limits for 250 kilometers or to discover the Eastern Townships with the new 100-kilometre course, the GBC promises to be an enriching adventure where the spirit of mutual aid and the passion for cycling meet.

Presented by

Adjusting prices for greater accessibility

Some of you have suggested lowering the registration fee by removing the jersey and fleece given out at the event. We listened and adjusted the prices accordingly! For those wishing to wear the GBC Vélo Café colors, it will be possible to order clothing at a special rate reserved for participants.

Main partners 2025

Partner stores 2025...

Courses...

A few weeks before departure, we will send you the route in digital format. The start is in time trial format. Along the way, you will have mandatory checkpoints in unexpected places of exceptional beauty. You will have the opportunity to discover several shops and local products to taste on site. The route on the most beautiful roads in the Eastern Townships is 75% on dirt roads and gravel tracks, with a few sections on paved country roads (15%). The difficulty level of your challenge will depend on the choices you have to make when registering:

Some will be looking to set a personal record, while others will take up to 4 days to complete this cycling challenge. But no matter which category joins you, know that the Gravel Bikepacking Challenge will make you live an extraordinary human and sporting adventure, and this, in one of the most beautiful regions of Quebec.

How it works

You have 4 days (about 60 hours) to finalize the challenge, from Saturday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Start on Saturday, October 4, from 6 a.m. You can ride until midnight maximum, then dark zone compulsory until 6 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday, October 5: course opens at 6am until midnight. Dark zone compulsory until 6am the following day.
Official opening hours for Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 7 are 6am to 10pm. Dark Zone from 10pm to 6am compulsory.

4-day distances

m of D +

Rules

Follow the route provided and validate the checkpoints
Complete the challenge individually or with a partner
Respect road safety regulations
Respect zero footprint rules
Use existing campsites and accommodation
Being autonomous: repair kit, clothes, food...
Plan your places to sleep

Compulsory material

gravel type bike
Helmet
Basic first aid kit
Mobile phone
Red flashing light (rear) and white flashing light (front)
Headlamp or bicycle lamp (long lasting)
Suitable clothing for bad weather and cold nights
Refueling supplies and hydration to ensure complete autonomy.
Repair kit: tubes, pumps, keys, chain link..
Camping equipment, if applicable
Spare batteries or cell phone charger

GBC 250 & 500 KM results

A TV documentary on Mark Beaumont, the cycling adventurer

A video... what better way to get started!

REGISTRATIONS GBC500 GBC250 and GBC100

Registration opens: December 2025
Start date: October 4, 2025
Departure point: Downtown Magog
Place of arrival: Vélo-Café Magog
Bib ceremony: 5 à 7 at Vélo Café on Friday, October 3, 2025

Rates

$ 295

$ 560

$ 475

$ 895

tariff change

December 8 to January 1: 500 KM (Solo $475 Duo $895) 250 KM (Solo $295 Duo $560)

January 1 to March 1: 500 KM (Solo $495 Duo $950) 250 KM (Solo $345 Duo $655)

From March 1 to May 1: 500 KM (Solo 525$ Duo 995$) 250 KM (Solo 365$ Duo 695$)

May 1 to June 21: 500 KM (Solo $575 Duo $1100) 250 KM (Solo $425 Duo $810)

Refund policy*:
Until 31/12: 90% refundable
Until 28/02: 50% refundable Until 30/04: 30% refundable Until 1/05: Non-refundable *Trireg fees are not refundable.