5 Reasons You Should Sign up for The Voyageur 200 Gravel Bike Race This Summer

From post-race massages to fudge medals and locally roasted cold brew coffee, all set amid the glorious back roads of Northern Ontario, this gravel race is a one of a kind experience with heart. Literally.

After creator Jeff Miller had a stroke in his mid-30s, he knew it was time to get serious about his health, so he began riding the many trails in his backyard of North Bay. Shortly after, a race was born.

Put on partnership with Discovery Routes, a charity organization that promotes active use of the trail systems in the near north, The Voyageur 200 event highlights the unique scenery not seen in the southern part of the province. On the ride, you’ll see a former mining site, waterfalls and a historical waterway. Cycling alongside bucolic farms and wetlands, you’ll feel your stress melt away.    

Don’t let the “200” in the name scare you.

The ride is meant to cater to a variety of fitness and experience levels. Last year, they introduced a 30-kilometre option, alongside the traditional 60-, 100- and 200-kilometre routes.

“Maybe you come one year and finish the 30, then next year the 60 or the 100,” says Miller. “My goal is to have regulars where you’re going to meet new friends.”

It’s a challenging and rewarding event with good-hearted and like-minded people in an exceptional location. Here are five reasons to ride, or race, The Voyageur 200 on August 16.

1. You’ll be Contributing to a Good Cause

The money raised from The Voyageur goes to the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation, specifically for the care of patients with aphasia—a language disorder impacting communication and comprehension, which many post-stroke patients experience.

After his stroke, Miller turned to gravel riding to regain his physical strength, but also to heal mentally.

“My favourite thing is to explore the trails around here,” Miller says. “Riding such beautiful trails without cars, you’re really able to disconnect.”

2. You’ll get to Sample Incredible Local Food and Drink

As the race starts early in the morning, riders are treated to a special coffee. Locally owned and operated, Twiggs Coffee Roasters provides the beans, and First Gear Grinds (FGG) brews the coffee and delivers it to racers—by bike. Inspired by the Dickie Dee ice cream bikes, siblings Parker and Payton Sproul created a coffee station on a bike; they travel to various venues throughout North Bay in the summer, including the North Bay Farmers Market. Coffee is served both hot and cold, and always smooth. Thanks to a diffuser from California, nitro coffee means the bitterness is removed.

Beyond the start-line coffee, throughout the race, expect fun water and aid stations every 30 to 50 kilometres. These stations provide a chance to fuel up and also talk to local volunteers and other riders.

“Everyone has a story for coming to these rides,” says Miller.

The race ends, depending on your distance, by midafternoon. At the finish line, instead of receiving a traditional medal, you can sink your teeth into a medal made entirely of fudge from The Green Store, a multigenerational local fudge maker. The fudge is made in store and comes in 30 flavours, like orange chocolate swirl and grandma turtle.

Then, the fun begins. The first beer is free! There’s also a barbecue and live music.

“We’re all weirdos who do this, so I want the vibe to reflect that,” Miller says.

3. You’ll Ride Through the Most Beautiful Scenery in Northeastern Ontario

The race starts and finishes just outside North Bay at the Corbeil Four Seasons Club. No matter the course length you choose, all riders will cycle a mix of gravel farm roads, double and single track trails, and some asphalt roads. The ride weaves along the wild back roads of the Nipissing District, known for its thick, lush pine forests and wetlands. Watch out for turtles on the road!

All routes follow sections of the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System. Called VMUTS, the trails are mostly former logging roads that traverse small streams and bridges. The entire system is located between the ancient Algonquin Highlands and Laurentian Mountains, bordered by the Mattawa and Ottawa rivers.

The longer routes head into Mattawa, following the north shore of the Mattawa River. The 33-kilometre stretch of the race from the eastern end of Trout Lake to the western boundary of Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park takes place in Mattawa River Provincial Park, Ontario's first waterway park. This is also a portion of the Voyageur Cycling Route, which follows the waterways the fur traders used to travel across the province and Indigenous people used for thousands of years before that.

If you want to rest en route, you can take a peek into the old mica mine outside Mattawa.

“The temperature drops instantly and it cools you down on a ride,” says Miller.

The Eau Claire Gorge is also a nice stop. If you’re not in a rush, cyclists can walk the 1.9-kilometre path to the amazing gorge where the Amable du Fond River flows between steep rock walls; it’s a stunning waterfall with mini rapids.

4. You’ll be Rewarded by the Challenge, from Prep to Race Day

If you’re in the area, Miller has created a training ride series called Couch to a Voyageur. Miller leads beginners through the rugged gravel roads of the Nipissing area. From June 15 to August 10, local cyclists—or those able to make the trip north—can ride with locals and get some tips.

“Last time we had two flat tires along the way, so I taught everyone how to change a tire,” Miller says.

The race isn’t one huge climb; instead, expect a series of little punchy climbs that have you consistently pedaling, says Miller. Expect about 1,500 metres of elevation for the 200-kilometre route, 1,000 metres for the 100-kilometre, and 500 metres for the 60-kilometre.

On race day, bring a spare tire tube and a tire pump. More importantly, to avoid flats in the first place, use the most appropriate bike tire—40 to 50 millimetres—and a 29-inch wheel.

There are water and aid stations, even bike repair stations, but bring your favourite snacks and enough water, plus electrolytes to replenish your salts.

And don’t be scared of getting stranded.

“We sweep the whole race and if you have a mechanical problem, others will come out and save you.”

A support and medical vehicle are on call for the entire race.

5. You’ll get Extra Perks That are Unmatched by Any Other Race

It’s the little things that make races fun. The Voyageur 200 has many—starting with the post-race massage. Local CTS Canadian Career College students will be ready with their healing hands to provide first-come, first-served massages for race finishers.

Do you want photos of yourself racing to show off your feat to your friends? Photographers will be capturing photos and videos throughout the racecourse to capture your fresh, or not so fresh, face. It’s rare to have free photography during a race of this kind, but it’s always a special way to commemorate your effort.

Finally, the organizers have teamed up with local hotels to offer discounts on accommodations (details coming soon). Extend your trip and consider the amazing paddling on the province’s most beautiful lakes, or shake out the post-race pain by experiencing more cycling in North Bay.

Sign up for the fun

Race registration closes August 9, one week before the race on August 16. Costs vary for each category:

• 200 km: $140+ fees
• 100 km: $120+ fees
• 60 km: 110+ fees
• 30 km: $95+ fees

To register, go to The Voyageur 200 website and become part of the north. 

Showing 'Edited Body' is no longer supported.