Loops West of Sherbrooke
Today, the Grand Tour explores a little-known corner of the Eastern Townships: the northern part of Mont Orford. Nestled between forests and vineyards, you’ll pass through picturesque villages known for their culinary delights.
We have several recommendations for you, some of which offer pickup options: deli meats, beers, and sweets.
Highlights of the Day
On the cycling front:
On this beautiful Sunday, we set off on our first loop. Actually, a few loops, if you choose one of the two optional routes. We head out of town into the forest, toward Brompton Lake and the village of Racine.
After the bike ride:
After a great outing, there's nothing like a yoga session to stretch your muscles!
We will also be hosting two conferences:
5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.: Julien Puget from Vélo Québec will give a presentation on the brand-new “Le Québec à vélo” platform, a tool to inspire and help plan your bike rides.
6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Jonathan B. Roy will host a live recording of his podcast on the topic of cycle touring: tips and tricks for traveling independently. He will answer questions from the audience.
For any emergency, please contact us at 514 292-8356.
Day-by-day cycling itinerary
View today's routes on Google Maps
View today's routes on Ride with GPS
View today's topographic profiles (PDF)
Standard route, 87 km
Between Sherbrooke and Racine, a route that’s part urban, part rural awaits us today. We’ll ride through the rolling forests of northern Orford, passing through picturesque villages that are definitely a foodie’s paradise!
Plan on making several stops if you want to try a little bit of everything: breads, soy products, wines, beers, chocolates, and deli meats—there’s so much to choose from today!
View the route on Ride with GPS
Refreshment Stop 1 - km 24
Fill up your water bottles and grab a snack at Parc Municipal de l’Érablière.
Shortened route, -38 km (49 km total)
Today's shortcut will take you back along a section of the route in the opposite direction after Brompton Lake and will loop back to the Village.
With this shortcut, you won't stop for lunch; you can eat at the Village instead. Stop by the INFO booth before 9 a.m. so we can transfer your meal if you're taking this route!
View the route on Ride with GPS
Optional Route 1, +16 km (103 km total)
Are you running early for dinner? Take this leisurely loop through the forest to Cherry River to work up an appetite. You can stop at Au Vignoble d’Orford (318 Chem. Bice, Orford, QC J1X 6X4) to sample their wines, produced using sustainable farming practices.
View the route on Ride with GPS
Lunch Stop - km 51
Have dinner at the Racine Community Center (136 QC-222, Racine, QC J0E 1Y0) before hitting the road again for the afternoon. (Air conditioning and Wi-Fi are available.)
There are several culinary attractions in this village—be sure to stop by and discover the wide variety of local products.
The lunch stop is open starting at 10 a.m.
There, you'll find sports therapy ( free) and massage therapy.
Massage therapy rates: $20 for 10 minutes, $26 for 15 minutes, and $33 for 20 minutes (taxes included)
Optional Route 2, +12 km (99 km total)
Need to walk it off? Take the optional route right after the lunch break and head over to Côte-Saint-Joseph before rejoining the regular route a little further on.
View the route on Ride with GPS
Refreshment Stop 2 - km 62
Meet at the Brompton Lake Hunting and Fishing Club. Snacks, drinks, and access to the water for swimming.
Please note that the sections of the route that run along bike paths are not accessible to our vehicles, including support vehicles. Course marshals will be patrolling the bike paths to assist cyclists who need immediate help.
Attractions along the route
Here are some of the day’s highlights—and there are plenty more to discover! This year, you can shop on-site, and we’ll bring everything back to the Village for you at the end of the day, thanks to a pickup service designed just for you! This service is marked with this symbol 
The Round Pigs
192 QC-222, Racine, QC J0E 1Y0
The Beautiful Market
435 QC-222, Racine, QC J0E 1Y0
Lory's Sweets
149 QC-222, Racine, QC J0E 1Y0
Activities and Services
At Le Village, in the heart of the beautiful city of Sherbrooke, you’ll find all kinds of activities to enjoy. Whether you want to unwind, have a drink, or take your mind off things, we’ve got just what you need!
Morning
6 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Festidouches
6 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Café Espace
6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Bike maintenance (free) and bike cleaning by Vélonette ($12 fee)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Yoga (yoga mats not provided)
At the diner
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Sports therapy (free) and massage therapy ($20 for 10 minutes, $26 for 15 minutes, or $33 for 20 minutes; taxes included). To make a reservation, text Alexandre at 450-578-5015 and indicate your preferred time slot.
At all times
6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Information Booth and Gift Shop
7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.: First aid
6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.: E-bike charging
2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: Hotel shuttles
Afternoon
When you return to the village, enjoy a delicious chocolate milk to help you recover from your activities, and discover the surprise of the day, courtesy of Lait!
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Movie theater
2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Bike repair (free) and bike cleaning by Vélonette ($12 fee)
2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Outdoor games
2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Festidouches
2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Massage therapy ($57 for 30 minutes, $103 for 55 minutes; taxes included). To make a reservation, text Alexandre at 450-578-5015 and indicate your preferred time slot.
3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Board games – Social games
3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Drinks at the bistro, including Siboire, the official beer of the Grand Tour
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Presentation: Discover the platform Quebec by Bike with Julien Puget from Vélo Québec
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Yoga (yoga mats not provided)
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Podcast recording with Jonathan B. Roy on the topic of bike touring: tips and tricks for traveling independently. He will answer questions from the audience.
At Your Own Pace: A Tour of Sherbrooke’s Murals
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Live music
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: "Less Toches" Show
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: DJ set
One-day tour
Have you decided to come ride with us on this beautiful Sunday? Please arrive early in the morning at our Sherbrooke Village (École du Boisjoli: 6403 Rue du Président-Kennedy, Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2P5). Parking is available on-site or on the adjacent streets. The wristbands you received in the mail grant you access to all Grand Tour services for the day (including lunch and dinner). You can then hit the road at your leisure.
