Presented by
- 04/10/2025
- Magog, Canada
The Gravel Bikepacking Challenge 500 & 250 & 100 KM
For those who are more adventurous than the average person!
Results GBC Gravel BikePacking Challenge
EDITION 2024
EDITION 2023
EDITION 2022
EDITION 2021
The concept of GBC500 and 250
Presented by
The idea behind the challenge is to showcase the Eastern Townships region on some of the most beautiful and least-known roads in the world. 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, its unusual gravel roads, breathtaking scenery, charming villages and exceptional local produce.
Whether your goal is to set a new record over 500 kilometers, push your limits over 250 kilometers or experience your first adventure over 100 kilometers, the GBC promises you an unforgettable experience where mutual aid, surpassing oneself and a passion for cycling come together.
Major partners 2023
partner 2024
partner shops 2024
The gravel bike is a fabulous ways of discovery...
How it works
A few weeks before the start, you’ll receive the route in digital format. The start will be in time-trial mode, and along the way you’ll have to validate compulsory checkpoints, located in places as surprising as they are spectacular.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to discover local businesses and savour local produce. The route takes you along some of the most beautiful roads in the Eastern Townships, with 75% on dirt and gravel roads, and a few sections on paved country roads (15%).
The intensity of your challenge will depend on the choices you make when you register:
- Distance 100 km or 250 km or 500 km
- Solo or Duo
- The speed and intensity you decide to adopt
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.
A video... what better way to get started!
NEW EDITIONS 2025
For this 2025 edition, we’re expanding the Gravel Bikepacking Challenge adventure with an all-new 100 km format, in addition to the 250 km and 500 km routes! Whether you choose to ride solo or as a duo, on a traditional or electrically-assisted bike, each distance promises a unique experience combining challenge, exploration and discovery.
- You have 4 days (around 60 hours) to finalize the challenge, from Saturday October 4 to Tuesday October 7.
- Starting Saturday October 4 at 6am, you can ride until midnight maximum, then dark zone compulsory until Sunday 6am.
- Sunday, October 5: course opens at 6am until midnight. Then dark zone compulsory until 6am the next day.
- Official opening hours for Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 7 are 6am to 10pm. Dark Zone from 10pm to 6am compulsory.
Adjusting prices for greater accessibility
Some of you asked us if we could reduce the cost of registration, even if it meant no longer including the bike jersey and cotton fleece given out at the event. We’ve listened and adjusted the prices accordingly! For those who still wish to wear the GBC colors, it will be possible to order clothing at a special rate reserved for participants.
Distances over 4 days
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 500 REGISTRATION
- Registration opens: February 21, 2025
- Start date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Departure point: Downtown Magog
- Place of arrival: Vélo-Café Magog
- Bibs: 5 à 7 at Vélo Café on Friday, October 3
SOLO rates
Duo rates
tariff change
Until May 30 :
500 KM (Solo 415$ Duo 790$) / (Solo 415$ Duo 790$) / (Duo 790$) 250 KM (Solo $235 Duo $445) / 100 km (Solo $100 Duo $190)
From June 1st :
500 KM (Solo $500 Duo $950) / (Solo $500 Duo $950) / (Duo $950) 250 KM (Solo $300 Duo $570) / 100 km (Solo $150 Duo $285)
Refund policy*:
Up to 15/03: 90% refundable Up to 30/04: 50% refundable Up to 30/06: 30% refundable From July 1st: Non-refundable *Trireg fees are non-refundable Refundable
What your registration includes
- Course and digital roadbook
- Tracking live
- One GBC cup
- A post-race meal to get you back on the peak
- A beer
- Refreshments at partner retailers
Relive the emotions of the GBC500!
Preparation
To guide your preparation, here are a few interesting links:
Here is an informative report on how to prep your bike: https://youtu.be/wqgzoySu82s
Another article about the equipment used by the woman who holds the record for a bike trip around the world: https://www.apidura.com/journal/jenny-grahams-around-the-world-record-breaking-kit/
Contact us
Questions? We are available to answer any questions you may have.
