This year, I made a pact with myself: step out of my comfort zone, ride longer distances, and shake up my early-season routine. Gravelooza, with its rugged Eastern Townships terrain and vibrant festival atmosphere, couldn’t have been a better choice. Scheduled for early June, it offered the ideal opportunity to test my stamina, pacing, and mindset right at the start of the season.
More Than Just a Race
Held on the historic Brome Fairgrounds, Gravelooza is more than just a cycling event. It’s a celebration of gravel culture, built around a long weekend of riding, running, camping, music, and community. From June 6 to 8, the festival featured a mix of gravel bike and running events, live music including a performance by P’tit Belliveau, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. With food trucks, an exhibitor village, and plenty of space to hang out, it was the perfect environment to disconnect from routine and reconnect with the riding community.
Friday Arrival: Smooth Setup and Friday Vibes
I arrived Friday afternoon and was relieved to find that the on-site camping setup was as good as promised. Real showers, clean bathrooms, and spacious lots made settling in effortless. That evening, Ian Boswell and Haley Smith led a relaxed shakedown ride—an ideal opportunity to loosen up the legs and chat with other riders. Afterward, the wood-fired pizza served on-site was genuinely excellent and a great way to wrap up the day.
The 150 km Challenge: Heat, Smog, and Managing the Effort
Saturday’s route, originally advertised as 140 km, ended up closer to 150. Combined with a blanket of forest-fire smog and soaring temperatures well into the 30s, it quickly became clear that this would be a race of strategy rather than speed. The front group set a blistering pace right from the start, and I knew early on that chasing a top-10 or even top-20 wasn’t realistic. My only goals became clear: finish in one piece, enjoy the ride, and make sure I didn’t come in last.
The first feed zone was impressively well-stocked, with cold water, electrolytes, fruit, and salty snacks. It was exactly what we needed. My only real criticism was that the second feed zone felt too far from the first, which was especially challenging given the day’s heat. Still, by managing my effort and staying consistent with hydration and nutrition, I rolled back into the venue feeling tired but satisfied.
Finish Line Rewards: Beer, Tacos, and Good Times
Crossing the finish line, I was greeted with a cold beer and a sense of accomplishment. I opted for tacos from one of the food vendors, and they did not disappoint—packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The post-ride celebration carried on well into the evening, with music, lights, and laughter filling the fairgrounds until around 10 p.m. A group ride was organized for Sunday morning, but unfortunately, I had to leave early and couldn’t take part.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Do Event
Gravelooza is the kind of event I would recommend to absolutely anyone. Whether you’re there to race hard or just to enjoy a great ride with a festival atmosphere, it delivers on all fronts. The beauty of it is that you can push yourself or hang back and party in the rear—the experience is just as rewarding either way. I’m already looking forward to returning next year, with great memories and a few more kilometres under my belt.
You can have more information about Gravelooza here:
A special thanks to Gregory Picard for the pictures.
