Useful info for participants - Vélo Mag Eastern Townships Challenge
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Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Mont Orford
This page will be updated until the day of the event.
Meeting point and schedule
A beautiful Saturday in September to discover the Mont Orford region at your own pace. Choose between the road bike route (51, 89, 105, 119, or 135 km—elevation gains between 586 m and 1,300 m) or the gravel route (54, 68, 79, or 97 km—elevation gains between 727 m and 1,045 m), depending on your preference.
The departure will be from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is essential to respect the time chosen when you register. Refer to your transaction receipt or customer account.
Don’t forget to bring your identification bracelet received in the mail, which will give you access to the various services and your lunch.
Shuttle from Montreal
To make your experience even more enjoyable, we offer a shuttle service from Montreal:
Schedule: Departure at 7 am. The return shuttle will leave from the Mont-Orford ski resort at 3:30 p.m. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early each time.
Shuttle fare : $45 round trip
Easy transport : No need to worry about transporting your bike, we take care of everything!
Comfort: Travel with peace of mind and arrive ready for the challenge.
To book the shuttle, contact our customer service: 514 521-8356, ext. 504.
Getting your lunch
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the lunch stop. Starting at 12 p.m. at the finish site.
When you registered, you chose the place where you could get your lunch. The color of your bracelet corresponds to this choice.
Lunch stop (brown bracelet)
Finish site (grey strap)
Please note that the following routes do NOT pass through the lunch stop : 51 km road course and 53 km and 67 km gravel course. If you wish to ride one of these routes, come see us at one of our Info kiosks (start site or parking lot) before you start so that we can plan your lunch at the finish site.
Services access
At the departure site and at the lunch stop, you will have access to the following services: toilets, water, mechanical repair, first aid.
Your lunch will be served with a delicious BIO cheese made in Quebec from the Fromagerie L’Ancêtre. Enjoy!
Enjoy your chocolate milk, courtesy of Producteurs de lait du Québec. Plus, it’s packed with 15 essential nutrients. You deserve it!
Hit the road at your own pace! Depending on your energy of the day, take the route of your choice:
Road Biking:
Regular 88.5 km (+938/-938)
Short 50.5 km (+586/-586)
Optional AM 118.5 km (+1215/-1215)
Optional PM 105 km (+1027/-1027)
Gravel Bike:
Regular 78.7 km (+796/-796)
Short 67.2 km (+727/-727)
Shortcut 53.2 km (+623/-623)
A few tips for on the road
During the Challenge, roads are open to traffic. As a road user, you must therefore comply with the Quebec Highway Safety Code. In addition to the usual rules (traffic lights, stops, etc.), it is important not to ride four abreast, but in single file, on the right side of the road.
Turn your Challenge into a trip
Want to extend the pleasure of your event in the Eastern Townships? Take advantage of Vélo Québec Voyages’ one-night and two-night packages to turn your event into a tourist getaway!
Make sure your bicycle is in good condition to take part in the Challenge. In case of a problem, here are the services offered.
To reach Vélo Québec during the Challenge: 514 292-8356
On the road
Vehicles (mechanical, support, first aid motorcycle) will cover the course to assist you in case of a problem. You’ll also come across certified bike supervisors – certified in first aid and qualified to perform mechanical repairs.
If you need help, just give us a thumbs down.
Support vehicule
If you are not able to finish your day, you can get into a support vehicle with your bicycle.
Don’t hesitate to use this service if you have a serious problem, but note that it is an emergency service and not a cab.
Your preparation
The better prepared you are, the more fun you will have at the event. Go at your own pace and, most importantly, have fun!
Gear up adequately
Bring equipment for all conditions (raincoat, windbreaker, long shorts, shoe covers, sunscreen, helmet or cap, glasses, etc.). Even if you have to leave equipment in the car, it is better to bring more than less.
Get your energy up
Since the Challenge’s distances are relatively long, it is important to prepare yourself adequately. The night before, have a hearty meal, preferably carbohydrate-based (the famous pasta!). In the morning, don’t break your habits, have a good breakfast.
Eat and drink regularly before you feel hungry or thirsty: it’s your fuel and the secret to getting to your destination!
Don’t just rely on convenience stores on the course. Pack two water bottles and fill your pockets (or panniers) with snacks such as energy bars, cookies, fresh or dried fruit…
Go at your own pace
A minimum of stretching and warming up is beneficial for many people. Take a quick 10 minutes to loosen up your muscles. It can only do you good!
If you haven’t ridden in a while, curb your enthusiasm at the start and save it for the end. Start your ride slowly.
Of course, it is strongly recommended that you plan a few rides before the Challenge, including one of similar distance.
A few guidelines on the road
During the Challenge, the roads are open to traffic. As a user of the road network, you must therefore respect the Quebec Highway Safety Code. In addition to the usual rules (traffic lights, stops, etc.), it is important not to drive four wide, but to drive in a line on the right side of the road.
Cycling and Courtesy
Each year, many municipalities and their residents welcome us along our courses with warmth and enthusiasm. In order to leave them with a good impression, we ask you to be civic-minded, courteous on the road and respectful of private property at all times.
Signage
The course is marked with signs. These signs will also indicate the presence of the various service points (toilets, refreshments, lunch stop, water, etc.). Any last minute deviation will be indicated, if necessary, with the help of DETOUR signs.
Optional course closure
The optional courses indicate a closing time so that all participants can cross the finish line by 6:00 pm. In addition to being indicated on the course sign at the beginning of the optionals, closing time information is also provided on the maps, where applicable.
Thanks to our partners
Presented by
in collaboration with
Membership
Vélo Québec a besoin de vous
En devenant membre de Vélo Québec, vous appuyez notre mission de développer et promouvoir la pratique du vélo et contribuez avec nous à bâtir le Québec à vélo de demain.
Your lunch will be served with a delicious BIO cheese made in Quebec from the Fromagerie L’Ancêtre. Enjoy!
Enjoy your chocolate milk, courtesy of Producteurs de lait du Québec. Plus, it’s packed with 15 essential nutrients. You deserve it!
