Grinduro
LOCATION: Saint-urbain, Que. DATE: Aug. 29 DISTANCES: 100 km COST: $175–$225 depending on registration date WEBSITE: grinduro.com/canada
The Grinduro is part of a global series that aims to put a big emphasis on the fun of the ride. Held in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, the ride is billed as an “intergalactic loop” in part because the course snakes to and through an crater left by a meteor that landed eons ago. In the Laurentian Mountains, expect substantial elevation changes – organizers promise 1,800 m over the 100 km day. Throughout the event, there are four main challenges, including a timed sprint and a hill climb up with grades as steep as 20 per cent. Bring a sense of fun, but bring your legs and lungs as well.