Recently named on the New York Times’ list of 52 places to go in 2023, the Véloroute Gourmande is a remarkable 235km cycling adventure connecting Montréal and Sherbrooke.

Part of the Route Verte and Trans Canada Trail, the journey allows you to discover Quebec’s fabulous regions of Montérégie and the Eastern Townships.

Take time to explore close to 130 epicurean stops including breweries, restaurants, wineries and gourmet shops. Enjoy the many activities, attractions, historical sites and museums found throughout both regions.

New this year are e-bike recharging outlets along the route that can also be found on the website via an e-charging symbol.

The Véloroute is divided into four sections, varying in length from 45km to 70km, but you can explore at your own pace. The first section is from Montréal to Saint-Jean-sur- Richelieu (45km) where you’ll find the Fort Chambly National Historic Site, built in 1711.

As you ride along the Chambly Canal, you can enjoy the view of boats sailing alongside you. Once in Saint-Jean-sur- Richelieu, you can discover the local flavours while you enjoy the summer entertainment at the Place publique du Vieux- Saint-Jean.

Head out across the region’s farmlands for the next segment from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby (50km), where you can meet creative artisans who will be happy to share their know-how. Visit the Farnham Ale & Lager

Microbrewery and the Fromagerie des Cantons for everything needed for a picnic at one of the designated areas along the way.

Enjoy a morning coffee in Granby before taking on the next 70km to Orford. Make a pit stop at one of the relaxing swimming areas that offer watercraft rentals. History buffs will want to explore the Chemin des Diligences, the first public road in Quebec linking towns in the Eastern Townships in the 18th century.

Enjoy the scenic charm of Lake Memphremagog and Lake Massawippi en route from Orford to Sherbrooke (60km), and stop by the Capelton Mine to learn how Georges Capel discovered copper in 1863. Enjoy a delicious cold beer at Le Lion d’Or, Quebec’s first microbrewery where they still use a traditional hand-brewing method. When you arrive at Lac des Nations in Sherbrooke, discover all the best the city has to offer.

With close to 80 lodging options, from campgrounds to hotels, motels, inns and B&Bs, you can enjoy the comforts of home after a day in the saddle.

Travel light and let Voyager à Vélo transport your luggage. Véloroute Gourmande also offers a first-rate, door- to-door shuttle service. For those who prefer an all-inclusive trip without having to book it themselves, there are packages on the website — rentals are also available.

For a cycling journey of a lifetime, the Véloroute Gourmande is full of memorable moments.

Nestled between Lake Tahoe to the north and Yosemite National Park to the south, Alpine County in the Sierra Nevada mountains boasts some of the best riding and trails in North America in the so-called California Alps.

One of the region’s crown jewels is Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride® celebrating its 44th anniversary this year.

Welcoming 1,500 riders from all over the world, the 103-mile course is not for the faint of heart — participants tackle a massive 14,000+ feet of climbing all in one day.

With the start/finish at Turtle Rock Park in Markleeville, the route covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4), and the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4) for a total of six (6) HC Alpine climbs. These passes are part of the rich history that led to California’s statehood.

The event allows Class 1 & 3 e-bikes for riders 12 years and over and encourages their use given the daunting course.

The ride is fully-supported and the course is on 90% closed roads with more than 250 volunteers.

Those who complete all of the climbs and return to the finish line within the event time frame may purchase the sought-after Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride® Finisher’s Jersey. E-bike riders are not eligible for the all-pass Finisher perks (jersey, pins, poster signing, etc.)

All athletes, their families, and spectators are welcome to the finish line festival for food, photos, camaraderie, and to visit our expo booths and sponsors. The quaint town of Markleeville offers several accommodation options, including the Creekside Lodge and Carson River Resort.

Cyclists ride through two national forests, Humboldt-Toiyabe US Forest on the east slope and Stanislaus US Forest on the west slope. There are many Forest Service and State Park campgrounds, as well as private campgrounds at Desolation Resort or Carson River Resort.

After a day in the saddle, the town also offers some great places to refuel including the Stonefly Wood-Fired Restaurant with outdoor seating, the Mad Dog Cafe at Woodfords Station or the Cutthroat Tavern.

A national treasure, Spain’s truly incredible Via Verdes (Greenways) are for riders who want their adventures to include exploring new areas with lots of history and great scenery.

This repurposed network of abandoned railway corridors offers 3,400 kilometres of extremely varied trails spread throughout every corner of the country.

Glide 58 kilometres downhill from Olot, a village bordering the Pyrenees in Catalonia, to famous Girona. Fuel up on sweet Xuixo pastry, a local specialty, before continuing another 42 kilometres to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Costa Brava — all on the Via Verde del Carrilet.

For local expertise and guiding, choose a tour specialist like Matarraña Aventura located near the Via Verde del Val de Zafan in the province of Teruel. They’ll lend you a quality e-bike, provide any gear you might need, and take you to all the best sections of the Via Verde.

This top-rated journey threads 140 kilometres through mountainous Parc Natural dels Ports via an incredible 40 tunnels and innumerable stone arches.

If you enjoy planning your own excursions, the Via Verde website lists all 135 Greenways, describes their characteristics and has links to rental sites, amazing eateries and accommodations for all tastes and budgets.

Renting an e-bike from Via Verda Esports in Tortosa, located directly on the Via Verde del Baix Ebre, is a great way to begin exploring.

Head out along the Via Verde for a 67km journey to the tortilla-flat Ebro Delta and its staggering 1,000 kilometres of cycle lanes and paths through natural parks, rice fields and lagoons. Book your accommodations as you go, and enjoy mouth-watering fresh local produce and seafood everywhere.

For e-road riders Spain has you covered. There are signs posted everywhere reminding motorists to give you at least 1.5 metres of right-away and Spanish drivers are incredibly respectful of cyclists. It is simply a joy to ride there.

If the famous Pueblos Blancos (white villages) of Andalusia attract you, plug in and climb the spectacular backroads to Ronda. If you’re searching for the soul of rural Spain, consider sparsely populated and relatively flat Extremadura.

Remember too, that Spanish trains and buses welcome bicycles. Simply look for the train coach with a bike painted on its side or choose any bus with under-coach storage.

No matter how you define e-mountain biking, Spain is ready to deliver. Many ski resorts throughout the country become mountain bike parks in the summer, and the more rugged Via Verdes and their branch trails are excellent for moderate-intensity family mountain biking adventures.

Spain’s famous and historic pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, welcomes e-mountain bikers as well.

Did we mention food? Spanish cooking is all about fresh and local, from saffron-flavoured paella to ubiquitous jamon and sweet turrons, all of which are delicious fuel for cyclists.

Any time of year, and for any type of e-bike, Spain is a truly remarkable destination when adventure calls.