Our story
Adventure is better when it's shared
What started as a few friends exploring the backroads around Ottawa and Gatineau grew into a community of cyclists, creators, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Common Empire builds stronger communities through cycling, creativity, and collaboration — connecting riders, brands, and regions through shared adventure. It began with a simple idea: adventure is better when it’s shared.
We’re a collective of riders, creators, and storytellers based in Eastern Ontario who live for the outdoors. What draws us together isn’t speed or watts — it’s the people beside us, the places we discover, and the feeling of belonging that comes from rolling out as a group and coming home with a story to tell.
Today that looks like weekly group rides on gravel and pavement, a growing library of mapped routes, signature events through every season, and partnerships that give back to the local businesses and communities that make our region worth riding. We’re inspiring and accessible, conversational yet purposeful — playful where it fits, but always safety-conscious and welcoming.
Ottawa–Gatineau
The region we ride
Weekly
Community rides
40+
Mapped routes & GPX
Road · Gravel · Ski
Every season
What we do
Group rides
Weekly road, gravel, and social rides across the region, plus multi-day adventures and trips.
See the ridesRoutes & maps
A growing library of interactive routes with stats, elevation, and GPX downloads to explore on your own.
Browse routesSignature events
Marquee experiences that bring the community together — from spring gravel to a winter ski series.
Find an eventContent & partners
Storytelling and partnerships that connect riders, brands, and regions through shared adventure.
Partner with usWhat we value
The principles behind every ride, event, and story we create.
Connection over competition
It's not about racing or records — it's about who you ride with and the shared experience of the road and trail.
Inclusivity & belonging
Everyone is welcome, from first-time riders to seasoned gravel cyclists. Pace groups for every level and a no-drop chill group.
Curiosity & freedom
We chase discovery — backroads, quiet trails, and the freedom of being out in nature under your own power.
Support for local
We ride to the cafés, breweries, and shops that make our region special, and champion local tourism along the way.
Authentic storytelling
Real experiences over staged shoots — strong photography and video that capture the feeling of riding and belonging.
Safety, always
Predictability and communication keep our rides fun. Helmets and lights every ride, and a briefing before we roll.
Rides through the seasons
A few of the experiences that bring our community together year-round.
Taste the Maple
A spring gravel experience celebrating local food and maple country.
Candy Burner
A post-Halloween ride with community fundraising and good energy.
Rise & Ride / Park Loops
Our weekly ride series built for engagement and every level.
Communiski
A winter XC ski series connecting outdoor enthusiasts across the region.
Come ride with us
Everyone’s welcome — join for free, come to a ride, or help lead the way. Adventure is better when it’s shared.
Get in touch
Ottawa–Gatineau · [email protected] · (613) 355-3130