Green Bridge Loop

Time to Mix it UP!

A True Classic, the 105 km Green Bridge Loop (GBL) showcases a cross-section of the road and gravel in the Outaouais region. This is the ‘base’ version of the route, which rides well in either direction; clock-wise is slightly easier in terms of climbing. The best variants pull in additional dirt road climbs on the east side of the Gatineau River.

The GBL offers more than ample opportunities for coffee and treats, a veritable embarrassment of riches. Café Les Saisons in Old Chelsea opens the earliest, making it a great spot to gather and caffeinate 20km from downtown Ottawa; they open at 08:00 on weekends in the summer.

Cafe Palmier, located on the fringe of Old Chelsea, en route to Wakefield, is a delightful space that serves up exceptional coffee and food, and free fizzy water! They open at 09:00 on weekends.

Passing through Wakefield, 40km from downtown Ottawa, Pipolinka Bakery is our home away from home, and where you’ll find all things phenomenal baked. Drip coffee gets the job done, and their vegan chilli is always a crowd favorite on cold days.

But that’s not all! The GBL also features the best raisin bread in the region, found at the furthest point out, the Magasin Général La Pêche. Recently renovated, this place is a gem! You’ll be amazed by their selection of quality products, including baked goods from Première Moisson in Montreal.

As you can see, the GBL has all the makings for a fantastic cafe ride, and there’s no need to pack food! Traffic tends to be moderate-to-low, depending on time of day, and locals are used to cyclists around. Remember to stay alert to car traffic and help drivers pass safely; road safety is a shared responsibility.


Surface: Road | Gravel

Distance: 105 km

Recommended Tire Size: 35 mm

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate


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BALLER GBL BIKE

Iain Radford’s custom steel English all-road machine. Two rings, 11-32 cassette, and 35mm tires rolling on 45mm carbon rims, this frame is tuned for resilience over the rough stuff while pedaling in a position just a little shy of ‘full-road’ stretched out. This is the most aggressive set-up riders might wish to use for the GBL. Those newer to mixed surfaces will enjoy something a little longer in wheelbase and perhaps a little more more upright in position, but everyone will enjoy a climbing gear around 1:1.