July 1, 2026 · Common Empire
Welcome to Common Empire
Welcome — we're really glad you found us. Common Empire started from a simple idea: adventure is better when it's shared. What began as a few friends chasing backroads around Ottawa and Gatineau has grown into a community of cyclists, creators, and outdoor people who just love being out there together.
This post is your friendly on-ramp: who we are, what a ride actually feels like, and a few routes to get you rolling.
Connection over competition
We're not about racing, watts, or Strava crowns. We're about the people beside you, the café at the turnaround, and the backroad you didn't know existed. There's a pace group for everyone — from your very first group ride to spicy gravel days — including a relaxed, no-drop group where nobody gets left behind.
Predictability + communication = safe. Safe riding is what makes the fun possible. If you're new, start with How We Ride — it covers pacelines, hand signals, and the calls we use to look after each other.
How it works
- Pick a ride. Browse all rides and find a pace and distance that suits you. Not sure? Start easier — you can always move up.
- Sign the waiver once. Our rider waiver takes two minutes and covers you for the whole season on our weekly rides.
- Join the Slack. Every member — free or paid — gets into our community Slack to find ride buddies and swap routes.
- Show up early. Roll in for the pre-ride briefing, tell a Ride Lead it's your first time, and we'll take care of the rest.
Three routes to start with
Every route below has an interactive map, elevation profile, points of interest, and a downloadable GPX so you can pre-ride it or follow along on your head unit.
Airport Loop
40.9 km · 182 m climbing · road
Flat, fast, and friendly — the perfect first group ride. Smooth tarmac and gentle grades make this the one we point new riders toward.
View the map & details → · Download GPX →
DATCRCR — Don't Attack the Coffee Ride
42.5 km · 615 m climbing · gravel
High vibes, no attacks. A no-drop social spin with a proper coffee stop in the middle — it also runs as a weekly ride.
View the map & details → · Download GPX →
The Park Loop
41.6 km · 709 m climbing · gravel
Our classic loop through Gatineau Park — a little bit of everything, and the heart of our weekly Park Loops ride.
View the map & details → · Download GPX →
What to bring
Helmet and lights (every ride, no exceptions), water, a snack, a spare tube, and a way to fix a flat. Full checklists live on every ride page and in How We Ride.
Come say hi
That's it — pick a pace, sign the waiver, and we'll see you out there. Adventure is better when it's shared, and there's room for you in it.