As part of my preparation for the Race Across Quebec, I decided to ride the full 200 km loop proposed by the organizers. Why? It offered the perfect opportunity to preview the elevation profile relative to the distance. It also gave me the chance to test my setup and nutrition on a longer endurance day.
The Route
The course covered 202.7 km with 2,078 meters of elevation, made up of roughly 92% paved and 8% unpaved roads. It started and ended at the GPAT parking lot in Terrebonne, heading north through a mix of rural and forested areas.
I knew pacing would be key. While I wasn’t sure how I’d handle that much climbing over such a long distance, my only goal was to finish. Most of the roads were in good shape, though some rough patches thanks to uneven rural maintenance served as a great test for my tire pressure and bike setup.
The Gravel Surprise
I wasn’t expecting gravel, so it came as a welcome surprise when we rolled into what I call my gravel paradise: the Parc du Corridor aérobique. The trail is rustic and scenic, and I slowed my pace to enjoy it. I was glad to be running 700×32 WTB tires, which handled the terrain comfortably. After rejoining the pavement near Lac des Seize Îles, it was back to steady road riding.
Lunch Stop at Biclo
Around the halfway point, I stopped in Sainte Adolphe d’Howard at Biclo boutique de vélo for a sandwich and a refreshing cola. It gave me the fuel I needed to tackle the next section of climbing and was a nice moment to reconnect with friends mid ride.
Mont Rolland Pit Stop
Passing close to home in Mont Rolland, I took a quick break to refill my bottles and splash some water on myself. Good timing since there weren’t many water stops for the next stretch, and I was surprised by how few convenience stores there were along the way.
Saint-Hippolyte
I had never ridden through Saint-Hippolyte before, and I was genuinely impressed by the scenery and how well maintained the streets were. The mix of elevation was also noteworthy, with a satisfying balance of climbing and descending over the distance. It made for a refreshing and dynamic section of the ride.
Sainte Sophie and the Final Push
With about 25 km to go and no climbing left, my energy began to dip. I stopped again for a cola and a handful of candy. That’s when David messaged me on Instagram to let me know a bridge was closed and I’d need to take a detour. I checked my Hammerhead Karoo, but the suggested reroute didn’t make much sense. Since I knew the area, I trusted my instincts and continued on the main road.
That choice added more than 10 km to my ride. My morale dipped, and I started managing a leg cramp. But that’s when the mental side of riding kicked in. I pushed through, held a strong pace, and made the most of the final flat stretch.
The Finish
Crossing the finish line felt incredibly rewarding. Despite the extra distance and fatigue, I wrapped up with 212.32 km and 2,222 meters of elevation. I finished feeling strong and proud, knowing I’d pushed well beyond anything I’d done before.
Final Thoughts
This ride was a solid test of my endurance, pacing, nutrition, and gear. The training I’ve done over the last few months clearly paid off. My setup worked well, with just a few bag tweaks needed before the big event.
This loop reminded me that long rides are as much about mindset as they are about watts. Every climb, detour, and moment of doubt became part of something bigger: a real sense of readiness.
If you’re preparing for a major ride or just want to test yourself, I highly recommend this loop. It’s a great way to measure your progress, both physically and mentally.
You would like to have more information about the Race Across Québec? It’s here
