Presented by
- 13/08/2022
- Magog, Canada
The Gravel Bikepacking Challenge 500 and 250
How adventurous are you ?
Main sponsors
media sponsor
Partner
2022 Teaser
2021 Teaser
Take a look at the last GBC500 Editions
2021 MOVIE
Presented by
2020 MOVIE
Presented by
The course
This year, we are offering 2 new courses of 500 km and 250 km that will take you on the most beautiful gravel roads in Quebec located in the Eastern Townships. All courses have been ridden and approved by gravel freaks! The course will be known to participants on July 1, 2022.
Short ride
Long Ride
the concept behind the event!
The idea of this challenge is to discover the Eastern Townships region by its breathtaking paths less known to cyclists. These paths will lead you at the same time to discover villages, their communities and local shops who will be there to cheer you up during the event. It’s in a sharing spirit that the idea of the Gravel Bikepacking Challenge 500 was born.
What's awaiting for you:
- 500 km / + than 6500 m ascending elevation
- Or a new version of 250 km with 3250 m of E+
- Solo or Duo
- Robusto Self-Suported Category
- Exploring the Eastern Townships backyard
- A unique human and athletic challenge
- A single stage race
The course leads you along the most beautiful Eastern Township roads, 85% on dirt roads and gravel trails and 15% on paved country roads.
Checkpoints in unexpected places of exceptional beauty
Two challenges: 500 km or 250 km
A solo or duo challenge, in autonomy, without assistance, on the most beautiful country and gravel roads of the Eastern Townships.
Difficulty level: the level of difficulty of the course is matched only by its great beauty… and will depend on the speed and intensity that you decide to adopt.
Some will seek to set a personal record while others will take up to 5 days to achieve this great adventure on two wheels.
In any case, the goal of creating a great challenge for athletes and bike lovers while allowing them to discover our fabulous region that is “l’Estrie” and its inhabitants, will be achieved!
How does it work ?
categories
The Classic: You participate in the adventure using the feed stations on the route and you can use local accommodation in the region
E-Bike category: You participate in the adventure as “the classic” but with a pedal assist system (PAS) bike to complete the course.
Robusto: (new) You take part in the adventure using the feed stations on the official course. For the rest, you are in total autonomy. If you sleep during the race you must be independent (tent, sleeping bag, meal, etc.). You have no outside assistance (transport, food, etc.)
Registration
- Registration from December 1 2020
-
Start and finish line:
Boutique Vélo Café Endurance Aventure
1690 Cherry River Road, Magog, J1X 3W3 - August 13th, 2022, 7:00 a.m.
- Start in time trial format. (Individual or duo start)
- Maximum number of participants: 150
- Three sub-categories : Classic, Robusto, electric bikes
- Maximum time: 120 hours (5 days)
Start
- August 13, 2022, 7:00 a.m.
-
Boutique Vélo Café Endurance Aventure
1690 Rivière aux-Cerises Road, Magog, J1X 3W3 - Start in time trial format. (Individual or duo strat)
The Rules
- Follow the route provided and do the checkpoints
- Do the challenge solo or as a duo
- Follow road safety rules
- Observe zero footprint rules
- Use existing campsites and accommodations
- The start is in time trial format.
- Being independent: repair kit, clothing, food, sleep planning, first aid kit...
Mandatory equipment
- Gravel bike
- Helmet
- Basic first aid kit
- Cell phone
- Flashing red (rear) and white (front) lights
- Headlamp or bicycle lamp (long lasting)
- Clothes for bad weather and cold nights
- Supplies and hydration to be independent.
- Repair kit: tubes, pumps, keys, chain link..
- Camping equipment, if applicable
- Spare batteries or external battery pack for cell phone
Registration for the Gravel bike Challenge 500 includes everything listed below!
- Digital route and roadbook
- GBC 500 Hoodie
- GBC 500 mug
- $20 Vélo Café gift card
- A reusable bag to put all your gifts in
- A post-ride meal to get you back on track
- A post-ride beer from Bière Des Cantons microbrewery
- More than 10 local feed stations on the course
- And events promo gear
500 km solo rate
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Digital route and road book
-
Post-race meal
-
Live tracking
-
Snacks on the course
-
GBC clothing
-
Finisher photo
250 km solo rate
-
Digital route and road book
-
Post-race meal
-
Live tracking
-
Snacks on the course
-
GBC clothing
-
Finisher photo
500 km duo rate
-
Digital route and road book
-
Post-race meal
-
Live tracking
-
Snacks on the course
-
GBC clothing
-
Finisher photo
250 km duo rate
-
Digital route and road book
-
Post-race meal
-
Live tracking
-
Snacks on the course
-
GBC clothing
-
Finisher photo
Refund policy*:
Until 12/31/2021: 90% refundable
Until 02/28/2022: 50% refundable
Until 04/30/2022: 30% refundable
From 07/01/2022 Non-refundable
*service fees of $19.95 per person are not-refundable
By participating in the GBC 500 you encourage local businesses in our region.
Thank you!
More than 10 meals and snacks await you along the way
Preparation
To help you in your preparation, here are some interesting links:
Here is a very good video on how to prepare your bike:
Another article on the equipment used by the record woman around the world by bike:
https://www.apidura.com/journal/jenny-grahams-around-the-world-record-breaking-kit/
All bikepacking gear needed are available at the VéloCafé store in Magog
Contact us
Questions? We will be happy to answer them