DAY 1
From Mont Rigaud to Saint-Zotique
Today marks the start of the 2026 Petite Aventure , presented by Lait! We hope your chains are well-oiled, your cycling shorts fit just right, and your tires are inflated—because today, we’re riding! Want a hot drink before the start? Don’t miss theEscape Café truck at the starting line at Mont Rigaud, which will be serving up caffeine from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at the village from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.!
Start whenever you'd like between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Bring the kids' swimsuits: there are water games set up at the lunch stop.
Highlights of the Day
Our Partners' Activities
Vélo Québec is proud to have Le Lait as a presenting partner for the Petite Aventure. Enjoy a delicious chocolate milk to help you recover after your ride when you arrive at the Village.
- Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities (pump track, ping-pong table, tennis courts, and basketball court)
- Come enjoy a deliciousSiboire beer, the official beer of the “ Petite Aventure.”
- At the finish line, enjoy a well-deserved glassof chocolate milk, courtesy ofLait.
Other Important Information
- Pick up your" Petite Aventure " jerseysorVélo Québec apparel at our Village Store between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- If you'd like to book amassage after your day of biking, stop by the INFO kiosk to reserve a time slot; space is limited. Rates (taxes included): 30 min: $57; 55 min: $103.
- Are you planning to have dinner in the village on the loop day (Day 2) instead of at the lunch stop? You’ll need to pick up a wristband to get your meal for the next day in the village , at the information kiosk, the day before (Day 1), before 8:00 p.m. Wristbands will also be distributed at the entrance to the evening dining area. This will help us ensure we have the right number of meals available in the village and at the rest stop.
- Are you traveling by van? Arrive at Mont Rigaud before 7:30 a.m . to drop off your bike and your fellow cyclists, then drive your van to the village of Saint-Zotique. A shuttle will depart at 8:30 a.m. to take you back to Mont Rigaud so you can start your " Petite Aventure" ride.
If you have any questions, encounter any unexpected issues, or need to make a last-minute change, please stop by the Vélo Québec information booth. The information booth at the starting line at Mont Rigaud will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The one at Le Village in Saint-Zotique is open from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For emergencies, please contact us at 514-292-8356
Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary
All the routes for this event are on Ride with GPS.
All the daily sections (including both regular and optional—long and short—sections) are listed in the blocks below if you'd like to download them.
Map of Today's Routes
Standard course, 49 km, +118/-111
Meet at Mont Rigaud for the grand start of the “ Petite Aventure ”! Then, take the peaceful trails to the lunch stop in Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, followed by the finish in Saint-Zotique at the end of the day.
This first day begins in the shade of the trees before giving way to the wide-open farmlands of the Montérégie region. You’ll ride along the magnificent Chemin de l’Église, a winding road lined by a river, and tackle a few short climbs before enjoying a long descent toward Saint-Zotique. A varied route that combines nature, rural scenery, and the joy of cycling.
Points of interest along the route:
- Cafitni
- Schoune Farm Brewery
- Le Mouton Café & Co
- The Pioneer's House
See the regular route at:
Shortened Route, 42 km, +75/-68
Are you eager to explore the village of Saint Zotique? This shortcut cuts down on today’s mileage and lets you reach the day’s final destination in 43 km.
This route avoids the two hills (at the 12th and 20th km) on the regular course.
See the shortcut at:
Optional Route 1 AM, +15 km, +152/-146
No hills and very flat.
Points of interest along the route:
- Le Mouton Café & Co
See Optional Track 1 at:
Lunch Stop
Come to the Sainte-Justine-de-Newton Community Center for a well-deserved lunch break!
Optional Route 2 PM, +22.5 km, +182/-176
A quiet stretch through the fields. The last part of the route on Route 325 has a bit more traffic.
Note: 50% of this section is located in Ontario.
See Optional Track 2 at:
Please note that the sections of the route that run along bike paths are not accessible to our vehicles, including the support vehicles. Support staff will be patrolling the bike paths to assist cyclists who need immediate help.
In the village
Once you arrive at the Village in the small town of Saint-Zotique, 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!
Tonight in the village, you can:
- Head to the AdoZone entertainment area, where you'll have access to video games, board games, a foosball table, and a lounge area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- A pump track, ping-pong table, tennis courts, and a basketball court will also be available in the village. Just stop by the Ado Zone container to borrow the equipment of your choice: BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters, soccer and basketballs, and racquets.
- Enjoy a massage therapy session between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Have your bike serviced at the bike repair booth between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Relax at the LE LAIT Relaxation Area: bean bags, beach umbrellas, and beach flags
- Watch the 1-hour puppet show *Alix and the Wolf*. Several performances at 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
- Have a drink (or two, or three…) at the bistro between 3:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Enjoy live music from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Jeff’s DJ set from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the bistro
- Relax and watch a movie from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Schedule to be announced.
