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 rides

Routes & maps

A growing library of interactive routes with stats, elevation, and GPX downloads to explore on your own.

Browse routes

Signature events

Marquee experiences that bring the community together — from spring gravel to a winter ski series.

Find an event

Content & partners

Storytelling and partnerships that connect riders, brands, and regions through shared adventure.

Partner with us

What 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