Rediscovering passion

The story behind Parlee

Parlee drew inspiration from a place steeped in history. North of Boston, in the county now known as Essex, the parish of Chebacco was one of the first European settlements in the mid-1600s. Today, centuries-old roads, paths, and trails make it a great place for adventurous rides – provided you have the right bike, of course.

It was in this spirit that the very first Chebacco was created; a tribute to the history of the playground surrounding the Parlee factory. With it, the challenges of the road are transformed into adventure.  Whether you're planning to rack up the miles on gravel roads, participate in cyclocross races, brave the urban jungle, or simply embark on a weekend adventure, there is now a no-compromise bike that will allow you to do it all.

The Chebacco XD

With the incredible versatility that the Chebacco demonstrates, you also find the exceptional ride quality of Parlee from the very first pedal strokes.  Rather than following the traditional cyclocross bike model, Parlee aimed to create a premium riding experience with almost limitless capabilities. The new Chebacco XD boasts wider tire clearance than its predecessor and a multitude of mounts on the frame and fork for loading your bike. This carbon fiber frame allows you to expand your riding possibilities without sacrificing lightness and ride quality.

The new Chebacco XD shares the same DNA as Parlee's Z-series road bikes and the Altum and RZ7 models. The frame is handcrafted from the same materials and finished entirely in Essex, but with geometry and design features specifically engineered to push the limits and be comfortable off-road. The bottom bracket is slightly lower than traditional European-style cyclocross bikes, and the head tube angle is a bit slacker. This gives the Chebacco a smooth and stable ride at any speed, especially when riding on gravel, dirt, or uneven road surfaces. You no longer need three different bikes for cyclocross racing, road and dirt rides, or winter road riding—you only need one Parlee Chebacco XD.  Don't just take our word for it, come see us in store and try it out!

Now that snow has finally blanketed the city, it's the perfect time to take a fond look back at our excellent 2020 gravel biking season! We're offering a retrospective of the exciting photo contest launched at the beginning of summer by MTL Gravelle. The organizers invited all members to submit their best photo, one that perfectly captured the spirit of adventure cycling and Montreal. No fewer than thirty submissions enlivened the Facebook group for a few weeks. Let's take a look at some of them!

On the agenda here: a little more on the top participants of this edition, their cycling journeys, their favorite spots, and/or their photo concept. Part one of two, in no particular order!

Marie-Pierre Savard

An inevitable preamble: Marie-Pierre is a seasoned adventurer. You can find her photo stories and blog at filledebois.ca . She was also the grand prize winner of the contest, chosen by popular vote. Her photo almost instantly became a classic! In fact, she won a weekend gravel bike rental package to introduce a friend to the sport, generously provided by Maglia Rosa !

Photo credit: Marie-Pierre Savard

" The Montreal Seaway Park is definitely my favorite place to ride in the city! Close by, yet wild at the same time. I always take the singletrack trail to ride to the Recreation Park." For me, gravel biking and bikepacking paradise is the less crowded and the wilder it is, the better!!!

So tell us a bit about your bike? It seems you like big tires.

" It's a 2018 Salsa Vaya. As for tires, being a contemplative and relaxed adventure cyclist, lightness or speed isn't an important factor for me. What I want is to explore as many trails as possible. I find that my 50mm tires (admittedly super comfortable and suited to the wildest terrain) are still a bit of a hindrance when I want to go for rides around town where I also have to ride on pavement. But having also tried 40mm tires, I didn't feel as comfortable and stable on certain trails. Eventually, I think 45mm tires will be perfect on my Salsa! " - MPS

Étienne Poirier

Photo credit: Étienne Poirier

" Pointe-aux-Prairies: a ride right on the doorstep awaits you, not complicated and quickly into the woods, no gas-guzzling machines, a deer along the way. Yep, you're really on the island! Go early, the trails are even more inspiring when you can go all out! "

...Étienne is one of the administrators of the MTL Gravelle group, considered by many to be a pioneer in the exploration of urban gravel riding in Montreal. He also rides a gravel bike equipped with a controversial mustache handlebar (!). He defends it: according to him, it's " the perfect handlebar for my transition from mountain biking to gravel biking. With just one finger on the brake, you can handle some pretty tricky sections! " - EP

He is also known in the community for his vocal affiliation with the informal group of Maxxis Rambler tire fans, #TEAMRAMBLER.

Thomas Seth Blondy

Photo credit: Thomas Seth Blondy

Hi Thomas. Who are you, and what do we see?

“ Thomas, originally from Martinique. Fell back into the world of cycling 8 years ago, when I moved to Montreal. Gravel biking has been a great discovery for me. I've ended up with a fantastic Bombtrack Hook EXT, the fabulous Shimano GRX groupset, and a *fancy* dropper post...!!!

A gravelbike dropper post, WTF!

" The dropper post was a pretty decisive choice for my needs. I mainly use my gravel bike on singletrack trails of varying technical difficulty. The dropper post gives me a bit more peace of mind! "

Okay, okay.

" The photo was taken at Domaine Vert Park in Mirabel, on trails I discovered by chance one weekend with a friend. It's become a little routine to go there after work at least once a week. There you have it! " - TSB

Audrey Bergeron

Photo credit: Audrey Bergeron, collaborative submission with Hervé Lasbats

So, tell me everything!

“ I do gravel biking occasionally. At the beginning, let’s just say that my boyfriend, who is a crazy enthusiast, STRONGLY ENCOURAGED me…! And last spring, I took the plunge, I invested in my first real gravel bike: a Devinci Hatchet.

The photo was taken at the beginning of the season, in a country road in Laval, while we were on our way to the TransTerrebonne — it was magnificent! However, on the way back, after nightfall, I was still following those two guys who were kicking up a huge cloud of dust behind them, and despite my headlight, I couldn't see a thing! At one point, as if blinded, I crashed at full speed into a rut that I didn't see coming! Thankfully, there wasn't a scratch on the bike or on me. But I won't soon forget that day! - AB

WOW!

***

Stay tuned for the second part of this series, coming very soon.

Hey there, real ones. A blog by Pierre Gravel.

The author has been passionate about cycling since childhood. A former bike shop worker, he is now finishing his studies in communications. This blog reflects his independent opinion.

Important note: This article and video were produced before COVID-19. We adhere to health and safety guidelines and social distancing measures for positioning.

Expectations for a bike fitting can vary depending on your needs, your experience as a cyclist, and your goals. In this article, we'll break down the definition of bike positioning and some realistic expectations for a quality fit.

First, where are you able to find a positioning service?  Although the practice is becoming increasingly common in Canada, it's not that simple. Some bike shops offer the service, as do some physiotherapy clinics, kinesiologists, and trainers.  In short, several individuals with different experiences and training, who will use different tools and processes and who will very rarely achieve the same result.  Therefore, what you should expect will vary from place to place.  to the other.  In the following lines we will try to help you see things more clearly.

What is bicycle positioning?

The act of adjusting the bicycle to the cyclist's needs according to their morphology, experience and objectives in order to reduce the risk of injury, improve their comfort and performance.

Let's start with you. The adjustment concerns only you; the individual and your body is unique (height, weight, flexibility, physical activity, injury(ies), asymmetry… etc).

Next, what are your objectives following the positioning?  Here are a few examples:

• Solve my problem of recurring pain in the back of my knees after every outing.
• Reduce the numbness in the hands that occurs after a few kilometers.
• Improving the aerodynamics of my position before my next triathlon.
• Optimize my position to improve my energy expenditure during races.

Finally, what will my cycling look like in the future? This is where the individual's "need" or goal plays an important role in the adjustment process. To understand what we mean by "need," think about the results or goals you want to achieve, and combine that with your type of cycling.

Here are some examples:

• Finishing my first Gran Fondo
• Participating in an Ironman
• Traveling 20km every day to get to work
• Participate in Lachine Tuesdays
• Crossing Canada by bike

In these examples, there may be some variability in your needs depending on the distance you will be covering, the frequency of your outings, and your expectations regarding competition.  As pain is intensified by duration, it is also worth mentioning that the more time you spend on the bike will dictate how much a full quality fitting will help you.

That being said, what are the essential components of a complete and satisfying positioning experience?

1. The interview: Your positioning expert needs to know your background as a cyclist, what your goals and expectations are for your consultation.  What will your practice look like? What other sports do you participate in? What type of work do you do? What is your injury history, including current problems, medical conditions, and areas of discomfort? Have you consulted a positioning expert for similar pain?  All these questions are important and will influence the approach taken by your positioning expert.
2. The evaluation: This step varies considerably across the spectrum from one expert to another.  This assessment can be done by observing your pedaling pattern as well as your body movements during the warm-up phase, which takes on average 10 to 15 minutes.  In some cases, a postural analysis focusing on stability and flexibility is highly recommended to achieve precise adjustments and better tailor the necessary corrections. Unfortunately, many bike fitters are not qualified to assess your flexibility by grasping your leg and checking its range of motion. If a bike fitter incorporates off-bike assessments, they should explain the purpose and how they affect the fitting. If you are not entirely comfortable with the process, mention it immediately.
3. The fitting: It should focus on the 3 contact points. Whatever your objective, riding style or reason for getting fitted, you can expect a competent fitter to examine and possibly adjust the 3 contact points which are: The saddle, the pedal and shoe interface as well as the cockpit (stem, handlebars, grips and brake/gear levers).  If your technician does not spend enough time on each of the contact points, you have not benefited from a complete positioning.
4. Reporting or sharing measurements: Throughout the fitting process, bike fitting experts use various note-taking methods to document changes in bike and posture. This is a crucial part of the fitting and information that, in our opinion, should be provided to the cyclist at the end of the session.

Here is an approximation of the relative durations of a complete positioning session including the 4 steps mentioned above and provided by a positioning expert with more than 200 sessions to his credit.

• Complete positioning with dynamic assessment of posture and pedaling pattern: 1:30 to 2:00
• Complete positioning with postural analysis for stability and flexibility: 3:00 to 3:30

All that's left for you to do is pedal. While the goal of a fitting is to provide the cyclist with the desired results, this isn't always the case. If, for any reason, your fitting isn't helping you achieve your initial goals, we always recommend returning to your fitter to inform them of the issue. As with any other product or service, you would return if the results weren't what you expected, so why should it be any different here?  The only way to learn how to solve the problem is to know that there is one.  Since every individual is different and their body may react differently, at Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa , the positioning service is guaranteed and we are always willing to go the extra mile to solve your discomfort problems.

We often encounter cyclists on social media and blogs asking the community: what is the best saddle? The real question should rather be: what is the best saddle for me? Fortunately, there is a huge selection of saddles on the market and each of them has technical features that can suit different cyclist body types.

So, where do you start to choose the right saddle? We will try to answer this question while shedding some light on the subject.

Adjusting the saddle height of a bicycle

3 POINTS OF CONTACT

For an urban, road or mountain cyclist, when the ideal saddle height is reached, the knee angle is around 30˚.
Let's start with the fact that there are three points of contact on a bicycle: the saddle, the pedals and shoes, and the cockpit. That said, the saddle is the cyclist's first point of contact with their bike, and even the slightest change in its position will influence the position of the joints relative to the pedals, as well as the cockpit layout. Choosing the right saddle is therefore the first step towards optimal bike fit.
We can define the function of the saddle as follows: to provide optimal comfort to the cyclist by offering adequate support at the ischial tuberosities, promoting high pedaling efficiency and minimizing pressure on the perineum, thereby promoting good blood circulation to the genital organs.

In fact, several factors will influence the choice of saddle:

1. First, your sex (1) , indeed, given the different shape of the pelvis of men and women, manufacturers offer comfortable saddles for both women and men – this is often a good starting point.
2. Next comes the practical aspect (2) . It goes without saying that a mountain biker will choose a different saddle than a road cyclist or triathlete, for example. There will be a tendency to opt for a saddle with a little more padding in the mountains than on the road.
3. The aggressiveness (3) of the position and the flexibility (4) of the cyclist are both factors that should not be overlooked. Indeed, the more aggressive the position, the more your pelvis will rotate forward, which will have the effect of sitting on a narrower part of your ischial tuberosities.
4. Finally, the width (5) of your sit bones should be taken into consideration and can serve as a reference. However, it would be wrong to believe that this measurement alone will allow you to choose your saddle correctly, much like the inseam measurement when discussing bicycle size – these are good starting points to consider among a set of equally important factors.

The positioning of the levers affects the pressure points felt on the saddle.

Signs of wear in a particular area of ​​the saddle could indicate, for example, that it is crooked or that there is a misalignment of the cyclist's knee trajectory.

What you need to understand is that your saddle, while still aesthetically pleasing, will tend to sag over time, which can cause pain because you'll no longer be supported in the right places. A saddle has a lifespan of approximately 400 hours, though this varies depending on the cyclist's weight and the type of cycling. For the average cyclist, this could represent 3 to 5 seasons.
Your cycling shorts , too, will lose their density and muscle support over time. If you only have two or three pairs of cycling shorts, you may well be using them more than once a week and therefore need to replace them every two or three seasons.

A little tip: for your next purchase, opt for bib shorts – they often have a higher-quality chamois, and the bib straps help keep it securely in place, providing real protection where you need it most. A good product to add to your collection is chamois cream ; it will improve your comfort during rides and soothe any irritated or chafed areas.

Let's talk practical matters

We regularly see customers who try two, three, or even four or five saddles before finding the right one. Don't settle for the status quo, as the process can be lengthy but incredibly rewarding once you find the perfect saddle. That said, whenever you try a new saddle, the most important thing is to have it fitted for you. You can't just remove your saddle and install another one and expect to be successful. Even as a saddle fit expert, I don't adjust my own saddles. Since they all have different lengths, widths, and profiles, every time it's changed, the saddle height, angle, and setback must be readjusted. We also suggest always trying out and making adjustments in your most comfortable cycling shorts; this will give you the best possible chance of success.

To simplify the process, you can book time with a consultant and use the fitting room to optimize your saddle trials. Choosing the right bicycle saddle is crucial to the quality of your riding position, and at Cycle Studio Maglia Rosa , we dedicate ample time to ensure you select and adjust the saddle correctly. You'll have the opportunity to try several saddles, confident that each one will be properly fitted and perfectly suited to your riding style.

In addition to a large selection of models in store, Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa has the expertise to guide you towards comfort.

Book a saddle fitting session with a positioning expert here .

Available saddle manufacturers:

• Fi'zi:k for men
• Fi'zi:k for women
• Prologo
• Selle Italia
• SMP

Images courtesy of bikefit.com , our supplier of positioning gear.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, we've seen a surge in the popularity of urban cycling. People living in major urban centers are abandoning public transportation in favor of active transportation to avoid close contact and the risk of contagion. Some organizations in New York City report a 25% increase in cycling trips. There's no better way to practice social distancing than on a bike—unless, of course, you're on a tandem!
Some cyclists practicing voluntary simplicity will tell you that all you need is a bike and a helmet, but as you rack up the kilometers, you will realize that you need a minimum of accessories to have an optimal experience.

In short, if you're thinking of taking up urban cycling, here are five essentials to consider:

Padlock

In addition to the pandemic, Montreal is also suffering from a surge in bicycle thefts. It's generally recommended to invest 10% of your bike's value in security and to ensure that all easily removable parts are locked. Therefore, consider using a main lock and a cable lock for your wheels.

Mudguard

Spring is a nasty business. The grey snow melts, giving way to slightly muddy water. If you don't want to arrive at work stained or soaked at the beginning or end of the season, mudguards are a very worthwhile investment.

Lights and reflectors

Not only does the law require you to have reflectors and lights at night, but your safety depends on it. Make sure you are seen by other road users when cycling by adding reflectors and lights to your bike.

Bags and backpacks

Whether you need to carry your lunch , a change of clothes, your laptop, or other personal belongings, a backpack or removable bike bag that is relatively lightweight, highly waterproof, and durable is highly recommended. Since there are options to suit all tastes and needs, speak to one of our advisors on social media, by email, or by phone to find a solution tailored to your professional and personal requirements.

Tools for basic repairs or maintenance

While it's always a pleasure to see you, it's a bit of a hassle having to go to the store for every little problem. Here's a list of essentials to get for basic maintenance or repairs (in order of importance according to your humble columnist):

• A pump (to inflate your tires every week)
• Tire levers (in case of a puncture)
• An extra inner tube (for a puncture)
• Lubricant for your chain (when your chain is squeaking).

In short, I'm putting out a call to cycling enthusiasts and club members. What are your essentials for getting around by bike: the 5-7 items you wouldn't part with for anything? Feel free to share this valuable information in the comments section.

I recently told a friend I was going to try out a Norco bike. He immediately replied, "Huh, Norco? I had an old 10-speed steel bike when I was young. Isn't that a bit outdated?" Anyway, times have changed. Credit where credit is due. If I were to buy a new fat bike, in the $2,500 price range, the Norco Bigfoot 1 would be one of my top choices.

Before explaining why, I would like to dedicate this article to my friend who doubted the quality of the Bigfoot 1 2020 due to his 90s bike.

Here are four reasons why I loved this bike so much that I'm considering it as my next fat bike.

New geometry

The 2020 Bigfoot 1 is a new version of the famous model designed by the Canadian brand. The 2020 model is more aggressive and stable than its predecessor and many competing models.

The new geometry distributes the cyclist's weight more effectively. It provides a pedaling position that generates more power and, consequently, offers better traction.

Small gestures

Norco gives us our money's worth with the Bigfoot 1 2020. Although the frame is made of aluminium (which may be a drawback for some), it comes equipped with a carbon fork for greater comfort, lighter weight and stiffer ride.

It also comes with an X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost, offering downhill and thrill-seeking enthusiasts a saddle height that is always ideal.

Another simple detail that can save you a lot of headaches: the cables are routed internally through the frame, protecting them from the elements. A branch caught in a protruding cable can abruptly end your ride… Been there, done that.

Well shod

Unlike some fat bikes offered by the competition, the 2020 Bigfoot 1 comes equipped with a pair of Terrene Johnny 5 (26 x 5.0) tires, which have a soft compound (ideal for our cold winters) and are studdable. Studs are definitely a welcome feature these past few winters, given the freeze-thaw cycles we've been experiencing, which too often leave behind a nice little patch of ice.

The bike also comes tubeless ready, all you need is sealant and rim tape to make your bike a few pounds lighter, reduce your chances of punctures and ride at the lowest pressure you can imagine.

Equipped for late nights

Finally, on the mechanical side, the bike is equipped with SRAM Level hydraulic brakes offering increased braking power, as well as a SRAM NX 12-speed transmission.

The Bigfoot 1 also has the option of having a suspension fork (front), a feature that may interest anyone who wants to ride fat bikes during the summer.

In light of all this information, I challenge you to find better value for money in this price range! In short, to see this beauty, test drive it, or even buy it, come visit us!

Anyone who has ever visited Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa knows that the shop is a friendly, welcoming place where you can experience a sense of community. Yannick's mission for the store is to offer a unique shopping experience with a precise and personalized approach. Customer needs are at the heart of the qualified, passionate, but above all, honest, consistent, and transparent advisors.
The best example is Yannick, who preferred not to sell me a product, as it would not have been useful to me, rather than let me leave and ensure that I was not 100% satisfied.

Source: Instagram Parlee Cycles
To avoid selling products that do not meet the highest quality standards, Yannick tests as many products as possible and surrounds himself with suppliers and equipment manufacturers who share the store's values.
This brings us here today: to talk about Parlee Cycles and the company's values. Last November, we had the opportunity to visit the factory, test their bikes (the Parlee Chebacco), but above all, meet the founders Bob and his partner, who shared their vision and philosophy with us, which are very similar to those of Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa.

Spoken

Bob founded Parlee at the dawn of the year 2000 with one goal in mind: to build the best bikes in the world. Many would say mission accomplished, given his roadmap and his clientele. His secret weapon was his 20 years of experience in the shipbuilding industry, which had introduced him to carbon fiber. A material that wasn't as common at the turn of the millennium. He developed a way of layering the carbon that reduced vibrations, made the bike stronger, and lighter. In short, everything the world is fundamentally looking for: more comfort and more speed. His vision led him to create the first frame under 900 grams (2004) and the first under 800 grams (2010), in addition to winning numerous awards, including Bicycling Magazine's Editors' Choice, Race Bike of the Year (Cycling Weekly), and Eurobike Design awards.

Today, all brands offer carbon models, but many only see the design potential, adding shapes that don't necessarily serve any purpose other than aesthetics (oversized downtubes, for example). Bob focuses on design and engineering to develop according to his vision, creating bikes that are fast, light, durable, and fun to ride. The guiding principle at Parlee Cycles is efficiency. Therefore, carbon fiber must be used strategically to improve performance, not just for looks.
Rather than trying to ride fleeting trends, the team at Parlee Cycles prioritizes innovation and makes the changes that truly matter. As a result, the bikes are just as beautiful (they also offer custom paint jobs for a bike that's 100% yours and completely unique) and they perform better. In short, stop by the store to see Parlee Cycles' range of bikes and find the model that meets your needs.

In this article, we will demystify a new category of bicycle that is increasingly present in catalogues and in the Quebec cycling landscape.

If you plan to travel here or elsewhere; leave for the day, for a few weeks, or even a few months; go to work by bike, this new feature will undoubtedly appeal to you.

Whether you prefer asphalt, gravel, or even lichen; whether you want to ride fast sometimes but also take it easy at other times, or you simply want to stop wondering and discover a bike that would allow you to go in all directions, whatever your mood or need at the moment.

This Swiss Army knife of pedals – which would allow you to climb the forest roads of northern Quebec, travel the west coast from Vancouver to San Diego with your equipment or simply do a 100 km ride with friends in the Joliette area – exists!

Semantics

It is sometimes called an "adventure bike," sometimes a "gravel bike," others refer to it as a "light touring bike," but the result remains the same: a bike whose only limits will be those you set for yourself!

Why bother?

The demands of road cyclists have shifted in recent years, with the majority now viewing the sport as a recreational activity – their priority is enjoyment. As we know, comfort is an integral part of that enjoyment, unless one has masochistic tendencies (which we respect), hence the growing popularity of endurance road cycling.

Then the term versatility appeared: people wanting to be able to ride both on the road and off the beaten track, with the same bike.

Budget and materials?

Depending on your budget, you can get an adventure bike in most known materials, whether it be steel or titanium , aluminum or even carbon.
Maglia Rosa offers 4 options in this area: Cannondale Slate – GT Grade – Norco Search – Felt V

Yes, it's now possible to get a high-performance adventure bike with disc brakes that weighs less than 20 pounds! That's a far cry from the heavy triple-chainring touring bikes made several years ago!

What are the differences compared to a road bike?

Defying all conventions governing the style and design of road bikes, the adventure bike offers possibilities that no other bike has been able to offer until now.

Technically, this type of bike shares the geometry of an endurance road bike, with a slightly more upright cockpit, longer chainstays to increase comfort, and a relatively low center of gravity to increase stability.

Also, the traditional rim brake system is being replaced by the disc brake inherited from mountain biking.

For two reasons: the first is physical – a tire wider than 28mm would not fit in a traditional brake caliper; the second is environmental – the increased dust in off-road riding would accelerate the wear of the brake pads and rim.

Since the disc is less sensitive to these elements, it is ideal in these conditions and also offers powerful braking with very high modulation.

This modification also offers the possibility of installing wider tires, from 28mm to 40mm, smooth or semi-knurled, which allows a higher air volume, thus making it possible to ride on irregular surfaces without suffering excessively.

Finally, the overall robustness of the bike is calculated to meet the specific constraints of off-road riding: more robust wheels, tear-resistant casings for the tires and a frame more resistant to impacts.

It's like cyclocross but with slick tires?

Not quite. The geometry of a cyclocross bike is generally much more aggressive and wouldn't usually allow for pain-free long-distance riding. While some do use them for that purpose, the emergence of adventure bikes makes them much better suited to long distances.
Confusion ?

Accessories, light touring?

As for gear, forget heavy and cumbersome luggage racks; now companies like Arkel , which manufactures its bags right here in Quebec, or Apidura , offer lightweight and durable self-supporting bags, so you can bring all the necessary equipment for multi-day trips without excessively weighing down your bike.

So, if you have plans for a two-wheeled trip or want to go on an adventure this summer, come see us for advice, a bike and/or the best equipment on the market to make your journey a success.

Finally, remember that the journey is always more important than the destination!

The advantages and disadvantages?

The most appreciated aspect of this discipline is the contact with nature and the absence of traffic, a real breath of fresh air, plus the variety in the courses is easier to obtain.

However, finding water or supply points is less easy, so plan accordingly. Access for emergency services in case of an accident can also be difficult, so extreme caution is advised.

Where to do it?

It is a discipline in its early stages, the network of trails is still to be discovered, word of mouth is essential to find your next weekend destination, searches on Strava or RidewithGPS can also help you, or there is always the option of trying blindly with google maps.

There are more and more events with a high percentage of gravel roads, with conditions that put the human body to the test.
Here is a mini list, some of them are very far away, however the first on the list is local and very well known.
100 B7 – Battenkill – Rasputista – Dirty 40 – Grinduro

1. Bring your bike to your workshop during the winter, you won't have to wait for it when the nice weather returns.

In Quebec, cycling is a seasonal sport for most cyclists, which is why bike shops are busiest from March to July. Take advantage of the winter months to bring your bike in and avoid the spring rush. You can even use the opportunity to discuss with the technicians the various components that could be improved to enhance your cycling experience.

2. Have your positioning checked and start the year off on the right foot.

Proper positioning is a major factor in the success of your season because it will help prevent injuries, ensure your comfort, and optimize your performance. Your flexibility level may have changed during the winter depending on your level of physical activity or other sports you may have participated in. Furthermore, your goals and experience may be different from those of the previous year.
You can now reserve your place .

3. Set yourself achievable and motivating goals.

Like everything in life, set yourself measurable and achievable goals, but also realistic ones, without neglecting your abilities. Indeed, our bodies are capable of great things if we stay motivated and keep our focus on the goals we set for ourselves! For example, having traveled 5,000 km from March to September or traveling from Montreal to Quebec City in less than 8 hours…

4. Start the season in the heat with a training or development camp.

Cycling 500 or 600 kilometers in a week in a southern country in March or April is a fantastic way to kick off your cycling season with a bang. Several destinations like Cuba, Florida, or Arizona are available at competitive prices, and you can be almost guaranteed good weather!
Examples: Pop Tours or Ekilib cycling trips

5. Vary your sports and training methods during the winter.

A great way to stay motivated to get back on your bike in the spring is to vary the sports you practice during the winter. Take advantage of the winter to try yoga, snowshoeing, and/or cross-country skiing—three sports that will contribute to the success of your next cycling season. You can also treat yourself to spinning classes and gym workouts to develop specific physical characteristics relevant to cycling.