A new gravel bike race is coming to the region.
Stroke survivor Jeff Miller, event organizer, and Discovery Routes are partnering to bring cyclists from across the province to The Voyageur 200 on September 8-9.
Miller says the 100 km and 200 km races will start in North Bay and venture to Mattawa.
But, he says they won’t be on the highway.
“You’re taking snowmobile trails, backroad gravel roads, all kinds of connections that we found exploring the roads ourselves,” Miller says. “It’s meant to be quite the endurance challenge for people.”
He says the event is supporting the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation and raising heart health and stroke awareness through a love of bikes and endurance sport.
“Whenever you have a heart attack or stroke, mentally and physically you have to get back to normal and I did that by riding my bike and exploring,” Miller says.
Tammy Morison, President and CEO of the hospital foundation, says they’re grateful that funds raised from the event will help patients during their rehabilitation journey.
“In addition, it is supporting and building awareness and understanding around a heart and stroke disorder called Aphasia,” she says. “It is an incredible testament of recovery and determination that Jeff has turned his dedication towards his new passion of gravel bike racing.”
A leisurely pre-ride will take place on Sept. 8 with the 65 km, 100 km and 200 km courses on Sept. 9.
“Discovery Routes is honoured to be supporting this new gravel race along sections of the Voyageur Cycling Route,” says Jennifer McCourt, Discovery Routes. “It’s an incredible addition to the region, helping to establish the area as a destination for outdoor adventure, supporting the local economy and encouraging new investments in trails.”
Race details including registration, technical requirements and sponsorship opportunities are outlined at thevoyageur200.ca/ and on the event’s social media sites.
