My Favourite Cycling Route

Every cyclist has that one route — the one that reminds you why you started. Mine is a 75km loop through the hills south of Montreal that climbs 840m, passes through three small towns, and ends with a 12km descent that feels like flying.

The Route

I start from Brossard, cross the Champlain Bridge, and head south toward Chambly. From there it's a steady climb into the Montérégie foothills — rolling terrain with one sustained 8km climb that sorts out who's been training from who's been coasting.

Why This Route Works

It has everything: a warm-up flat section, sustained climbing, technical descending, and a final flat stretch home. For triathlon training, it mirrors real race demands — variable terrain, sustained effort, and a finish when you're already tired.

"The ride that made me fall in love with cycling wasn't my fastest. It was the one where I stopped halfway, sat by the river, ate a banana, and thought: I could do this forever."

Best Time to Ride It

Early Sunday morning, June through September. The roads are empty before 8am, the light is extraordinary, and the temperature is cool enough for strong performance. I've done it in rain twice — it's actually beautiful.

Nutrition for 75km

• Pre-ride: oatmeal + coffee, 90 minutes before
• At 30 min: first gel or date bar
• At 1h15: real food (banana, rice cake)
• At 2h: second gel + electrolytes
• Minimum 750ml water per hour in summer