Blog
Stories from the road
Ride recaps, route features and community stories.
August 13, 2026 · Common Empire
What to Wear Cycling in Every Season: An Ottawa Valley Layering Guide
From a −5°C spring morning to a humid July climb, here's how to dress for cycling in every season in the Ottawa Valley — a practical layering guide.
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August 12, 2026 · Common Empire
Your First Bike: How to Choose a Road or Gravel Bike
Buying your first road or gravel bike? A jargon-free guide to choosing the right bike, getting the fit right, and what really matters for new riders.
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August 11, 2026 · Common Empire
Bike Maintenance 101: The Home Basics Every Rider Should Know
Keep your bike running smoothly with these simple at-home maintenance basics — the M-check, cleaning, lubing your chain, and knowing when to see a shop.
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August 10, 2026 · Common Empire
Recovery for Cyclists: What to Do After a Big Ride
The ride isn't over when you stop pedalling. A practical guide to cycling recovery — refuelling, hydration, rest, and getting your legs back for next time.
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August 9, 2026 · Common Empire
Cornering and Descending with Confidence
Nervous on descents and corners? Learn the techniques that make going downhill safe and fun — body position, braking, line choice, and looking ahead.
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August 8, 2026 · Common Empire
Family Rides and Cycling with Kids Around Ottawa–Gatineau
Where and how to ride with kids around Ottawa–Gatineau — the best traffic-free paths, tips for every age, and how to make family cycling fun and safe.
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August 7, 2026 · Common Empire
Cycling Safety: The Rules of the Road in Ontario and Quebec
Riding between Ottawa and Gatineau means crossing between two provinces with different cycling laws. Here's a clear guide to the rules on each side of the river.
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August 6, 2026 · Common Empire
E-Bikes and Cycling: Everything You Need to Know
Curious about e-bikes? A clear guide to how electric bikes work, the rules in Ontario and Quebec, and why they're a brilliant addition to any cycling life.
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August 5, 2026 · Common Empire
The Best Coffee Rides in Ottawa–Gatineau
Café culture is at the heart of cycling here. Our favourite coffee rides across Ottawa–Gatineau, each pairing a great route with a well-earned stop.
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August 4, 2026 · Common Empire
Ottawa Valley Adventures: Cycling from Arnprior to the Calabogie Hills
Head west for big scenery and real climbs. A guide to road and gravel cycling from Arnprior into the Calabogie hills and the Madawaska River valley.
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August 3, 2026 · Common Empire
New to Riding? The Best No-Drop, Beginner-Friendly Rides Around Ottawa–Gatineau
New to cycling? These beginner-friendly, no-drop rides and traffic-free pathways around Ottawa–Gatineau are the perfect place to build confidence.
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August 2, 2026 · Common Empire
Gravel Country: A Guide to Riding Lanark County (Perth, Almonte & Carleton Place)
Discover why Lanark County is Eastern Ontario's gravel heartland — rail trails, quiet backroads, and routes out of Perth, Almonte, and Carleton Place.
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August 1, 2026 · Common Empire
Your First 100 km: A Beginner-to-Confident Training Guide
A simple, encouraging plan to build from casual rides to your first 100 km, including an 8-week progression, pacing, fueling, and what to ride it on.
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July 31, 2026 · Common Empire
From Road to Gravel: A Roadie's Guide to Your First Gravel Ride
Thinking about trying gravel? Here's how road and gravel riding differ, how to set up your bike and tires, and the skills to feel confident off the pavement.
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July 30, 2026 · Common Empire
How to Fix a Flat and Other Roadside Repairs Every Rider Should Know
A clear, practical guide to fixing a flat tire (tube and tubeless) plus four more roadside repairs, so you can ride farther from home with confidence.
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July 29, 2026 · Common Empire
Group Riding 101: Etiquette, Hand Signals, and How to Ride in a Paceline
New to group rides? Learn cycling etiquette, essential hand signals, and how to ride in a paceline safely — everything you need to show up with confidence.
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July 28, 2026 · Common Empire
How to Fuel a Ride: What to Eat and Drink on the Bike (Without Overthinking It)
Learn exactly what to eat and drink on the bike — carbs per hour, hydration, and simple fueling tips for road and gravel rides of any length.
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July 27, 2026 · Common Empire
The Complete Guide to Cycling Gatineau Park
Your complete guide to road cycling in Gatineau Park — the Champlain Lookout climb, car-free parkway mornings, where to start, and loops for every level.
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July 26, 2026 · Common Empire
Bikepacking for beginners: everything you need to get started
New to bikepacking? A complete beginner's guide — what it is and why it's worth it, the essential gear, exactly what to pack, how to set up your bike, hard-won tips, and answers to the questions everyone asks.
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July 15, 2026 · Common Empire
Gravel season is here
Longer days, dusty backroads, and Lanark County calling. How to prep, plus three gravel routes with maps and GPX — from chill to bucket-list.
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July 1, 2026 · Common Empire
Welcome to Common Empire
New here? Who we are, what a ride with us feels like, and three welcoming routes to roll out on — maps and GPX included.
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October 20, 2025 · Common Empire
How to Keep Riding Through an Ottawa Winter
Snow and cold don't have to end your cycling season. A practical guide to winter riding in Ottawa — studded tires, layering, fat biking, and staying safe.
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September 24, 2025 · Common Empire
The Best Fall-Colour Rides in Ottawa–Gatineau
Autumn is peak cycling season here. Our favourite fall-colour rides across Ottawa–Gatineau, from Gatineau Park's maples to quiet Valley backroads.
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