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For Fall 2022, we have focused on the gravel experience, providing three routes that provide an experience for all types of riders who want to explore the backroads of Elgin County. Join Roady Groady.
Riders will be departing from the Ride HQ in waves according to the distances they have registered for. It is important that you attend your starting wave as we will be moving marshals and traffic control based on expected paces from the groups and course feedback. The tentative schedule is as follows:
Wave 1 – 100km Riders – 9:00AM
This route covers everything including some very challenging sectors. There is an expectation that if you are picking this option, you will have the stamina to finish the whole course within 4 hours (~25kph avg). The additional 25km are mostly open gravel roads that could be challenging solo in windy conditions.
Wave 2 – 75km Riders – 9:30AM
This route covers the majority of the sectors in a very condensed form. If you are looking for a rapid assault on your legs, then this route is for you. You will experience every 4 and 5-Star sector. The expectation is that you will be able to finish this whole route within 3.5 hours (~22kph avg).
Wave 3 – 45km Riders – 10:00AM
This route bypasses the hardest stuff. If you’re looking for a great gravel ride, without the added stress of the 4 and 5-Star sectors, then this is for you. The expectation is that you will be able to finish this route in 3 hours (~15kph).
TERRAIN
The ride has mixed terrain, but is predominantly non-paved surfaces. Those non-paved surfaces are typically different kinds of gravel roads with some farm roads and a bit of trail mixed in. There are no long climbs (welcome to Southwestern Ontario), but there are several ravine areas that the ride crosses. these are typically the areas where short, punchy climbs exist.
Routes will be signed on the roadside using the ride distance as the key. The signs will be large enough to spot from a distance and will be before and at intersections where the direction of travel changes. There are a few intersections where different distances will be taking different turns. Please pay attention.
This event occurs on open roads and falls under the Highway Traffic Act. This means that all road signs must be respected (e.g. Stop, Yield) and that riders should allow faster moving vehicles to overtake when it is safe to do so. Stay to the right on all roads (even gravel) to allow oncoming traffic to move without issue.
Some higher-risk intersections will have a presence from the Elgin County OPP, monitoring and directing traffic. These are the only intersections that you would be allowed to proceed through without stopping IF directed to do so by the officer.
Some intersections may have a marshal present to advise you of the presence of other vehicles. Marshals are not allowed to control traffic but may advise you that it is safe to make a turn. They also allow communication between riders on the course and Race HQ.
In the event of an issue on the course that requires first aid, please contact our Emergency Response team via the number provided at check-in. Provide them with the nature of the issue and your approximate location and either a marshal, our on-site first responders or the local EMS will be dispatched. Alternatively, inform a course marshal and they will arrange the dispatch for you.