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Useful info for participants - Vélo Mag Eastern Townships Challenge

Saturday September 9, 2023 | Sutton

All the information you need to participate in the Vélo Mag Eastern Townships Challenge can be found here. Enjoy the ride!

This page will be updated until the day of the event.

Meeting point and schedule

Un beau samedi de septembre pour découvrir la région de Sutton à votre rythme. Au choix, empruntez le parcours de vélo de route (70, 104, 119, ou 121 km) ou celui de gravelle (58, 75 ou 76 km), selon votre préférence.

Start information

Come to Mont Sutton on September 9, 2023, at the time you chose when registering. To plan your route to the start site, click on this link: 671 Rue Maple, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0.

Starting time will be from 7:00 am to 9:30 am. It is important to respect the time chosen when you registered. Please refer to your transaction receipt or your customer account.

Don’t forget your identification bracelet received in the mail. It is your access card to the different services and to get your lunch.

Vélo Mag Eastern Townships Challenge course

Ride at your own pace! Depending on your energy level, take the route of your choice: road bike (70, 88, 104, 119, or 121 km) or gravel bike (58, 75, 76 or 94 km), whichever you prefer. A week before the Challenge, you’ll receive an e-mail with updated route maps, including the presence of the rest stop and toilets. To download PDF versions of the routes, click here: regular route | gravel route

Mechanical assistance and support on the road

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

Mechanical assistance

At the starting site and at the lunch stop, a mechanical repair service is offered to fix minor problems (flat tire, adjustments, etc.) but not to make major repairs.

The cost of replacement parts, if any, is at the participant’s expense.

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.

Your course on Ride with GPS

To complete the planning of your Challenge, it is possible – using a phone, a computer or a tablet – to view maps and topographic profiles on the Ride with GPS platform.

This platform offers you an array of superior functionalities:

  • Voice navigation
  • Offline access to maps
  • Detailed maps and itineraries (cuesheets) in PDF format (data is provided for information purposes only)
  • Advanced course notifications with GPX (or TCX) files

If you wish to access these features, please follow the procedure below:
1. Register for the event on Ride with GPS.
2. You will be prompted to register if you are new to the site or to log in if you already have an account. It’s free. The event will automatically sync with your mobile and online account.

Do you have a GPS or a smart phone? Check out the short navigation guide to get you started with the Ride with GPS platform. Please note that the application is only available in English.

Check the Ride with GPS guide
Cycle through the Fall season

Getaway ideas

You want more opportunities to discover Quebec? Vélo Québec Voyages offers you a wide range of 3-day escapades throughout Quebec.

More info

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.

Plan a weekend in the area

Extend your stay in the Eastern Townships. See a choice of Bienvenue cyclistes accommodations!

Find an accomodation

Thanks to all

A big thank you to the volunteers and the cycling supervisors for their generosity and their smiles.

Thank you to all the municipalities on the Vélo Mag Eastern Townships Challenge route, especially to the Town of Sutton and Mont Sutton, hosts of the start/finish of the event, and to the municipality of Knowlton, host of the lunch stop.

Thanks to our partners

Gouvernement du Québec
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