Paris to Ancaster

Each spring for nearly 100 years, the toughest bike racers on the planet have been gathering in northern France and Belgium for the spring Classics. The most punishing race of the classic season, the most coveted victory and the most infamous racecourse is the 260km Paris-Roubaix.

For the seventh year in a row, over 500 cyclists of all ages will be gathering on this side of the Atlantic in Paris Ontario to experience their own classic ride over the worst roads, farm tracks, and abandoned rail lines en route to Ancaster. At 60km it is considerably shorter than its namesake in France, but is not without its own unique challenges.

While we can't match the centuries old cobblestone farm lanes of northern France, our mix of abandoned roads and railways, farm lanes, singletrack, and even a private farm equipment tunnel should prove to be a tough test of your early season fitness and skills. This year's route includes 10 km of new routing while maintaining the now classic sections riders have come love and loathe.

We also provide a 100% cotton t-shirt (for pre-registered riders), baggage transfer to the finish line, so you will have something warm and dry to wear while waiting for your friends to finish, lunch at the finish line, age group awards, cash prizes to the top men and women and a shot at over $2000 worth of draw prizes for everyone.

Bring along a driver to pick you up after the ride or we can arrange to meet at the finish line in Ancaster and transport you and your bike to the start before the race. Please note that transportation back to the start after the race is also available. Please indicate which you intend to do on the entry form.

What to wear?

Last year riders faced rain, sleet, snow and hail. It can happen in April so please bring rain gear and gloves even if the weather looks good at the start line. As we learned last year, a lot can change in three hours.

Tour Of Ancaster

If the 60km route sounds like fun but maybe a little too long for this early in the season, try the 15km Tour of Ancaster. Starting and finishing at the Ancaster Community Centre, the route is mostly rail trail and dirt roads with just enough rough stuff and mud to get the whole family dirty and put smiles on their faces. Both the 15km and 60km routes feature the same leg-breaking climb of Martins road to the finish.

Paris to Ancaster 60km details

Start: Adventures on the Grand (new this year) East River Rd., Paris, Ontario

Parking: same

Start time: 11:30am

Race day registration and number pickup: 8-10:30 am

Finish: Ancaster Community Centre, Jerseyville Rd. Ancaster, Ontario

Directions to the start in Paris: From Hwy 403, 401 follow blue Ministry of Tourism signs to Adventures on the Grand. Come early and have breakfast on site at The Rail Trail restaurant. Click Here to see map.

Distance: 60 ­ 65km (land permits pending)

Course description: 19km gravel and dirt roads, 18 km double track rail trail, 13km singletrack in 1-3km sections, 11km paved roads

Tour of Ancaster 15km details

Start/Finish: Ancaster Community Centre, Jerseyville Rd. Ancaster

Course description: 3km paved road, 5 km dirt road, 5 km rail trail, 2 km singletrack