Les 100 à B7

LOCATION Bromont, Que. DISTANCES 69, 100 or 120 km DATE Oct. 1 100b7.com

Les 100 à B7, Olympian Lyne Bessette’s fall ride in Bromont, Que., offers participants the option of 69-km, 100-km or 120-km routes, mostly on gravel. If one Olympian isn’t enough, Bessette brings in other high-profile riders. “This event is a really nice mix of fun, challenge and camaraderie,” said Léandre Bouchard, Olympic cross country rider. “The gravel roads used are so beautiful and feel really peaceful, even when we are pushing hard.” With plenty of ups and downs on course, finishers will be ready for something cold and bubbly after the ride. According to Alisée Giguère Johnson, sales and marketing co-ordinator of the ride’s former beer sponsor, Glutenberg Craft Brewery, there’s a great fit between breweries and cycling events. “There is and there will always be a natural link between beer and sports,” she said. “Not only is it a tradition while watching sports, a post-workout beer is also very satisfying.” Giguère Johnson said Glutenberg was eager to make a connection with cycling. “It came naturally because a few of our employees are passionate about it and we felt like it was a sport that inspired freedom and passion,” she said. This year, the ride is sponsored by Siboire, a microbrewery with three Quebec locations that welcome cyclists post-ride and with staff connected to cycling, according to Bessette. “Siboire is a great place with a great vibe – and they’re cyclists, too,” she said.