Common Empire

FIND US OUTSIDE.

Common Empire is a community built around the simple joy of riding bikes and the connections it creates. From weekly road rides, to gravel adventures and weekend coffee spins, to overnight bikepacking trips, we bring people together through shared experiences on two wheels. Our rides celebrate the freedom of the open road, the challenge of the climb, and the stories that unfold along the way.

WEEKLY SUMMER RIDE SERIES

A large group of cyclists wearing helmets and athletic clothing posing with their bikes on a scenic overlook during sunrise or sunset, with a view of the landscape and a leafless tree in the background.

PARK LOOPS

Our weekly group ride in the Gatineau Park focused on skills, performance and good times.
The original Common Empire Group Ride!

For anyone new, we ride the traditional counter clockwise route, up to the Champlain Lookout via Fortune Rd, and back down to P3 via the Champlain Parkway. If this is your first week, please make sure you’re arriving early to go through the safety and ride etiquette chat. Please don’t forget to sign the waiver form!
Details:
Arrival time: 5:45pm
Start time: 6:00-6:15pm
Meeting at: P3 in the Gatineau Park.
Type: Road ride
Style: Multiple categories
Distance: 41.64km
Elevation: 702M
Find your group: We break up the ride into categories and groups of 10, to ensure you’re riding in the right group, while keeping it as safe as possible. The goal is for everyone to have fun no matter the pace of the ride!

Paces: *it’s important that you select the correct group to keep everyone together.
A - Fast - Drop Ride (regroups at P8 & Champlain Lookout) Avg 35kph+ -
B - Medium Pace 1 - Tempo (regroups at the top of hills and any of the stops) 31-34 kph
C- Medium Pace 2 - Tempo (regroups at the top of hills and any of the stops) 28-30kph
D- Chill Group - Zone 1-2 (if requested) 26-27kph
Some safety reminders:
Give other riders room when passing
DO NOT CROSS THE YELLOW LINE
keep your group together
Regroup locations.
shoulder to shoulder
No half wheeling.
Call out hazards
Communication + predictability = fun
What to bring:
A helmet
Lights
Pump
Spare tube
Water
Snack

A group of cyclists riding on a winding road through a wooded area during dusk or dawn, with their rear lights on.

DATCRCR

What’s DATCRCR? It’s the Don’t Attack the Coffee Ride, Coffee Ride! Pace is chill and the vibes are high!
- 41.06km Distance
- 594m Elevation Gain
- Mixed Terrain Ride Type
- 1:32:47 Est. Moving Time
DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to the weekly DATCRCR! What happens when you attack the coffee ride? Well, coffee is on you! (All jokes of course.)

This is a no-drop ride, but the speed will average between 26-29km/hr depending on the group.
Come join the group and bring those positive vibes!

FIRST RIDE?
For your first CE ride, we ask that you arrive 10 minutes early to go through riding safety instructions.
GROUPS:
We break up the ride into categories and groups of 10-15, to ensure you’re riding in the right group, while keeping it as safe as possible. The goal is for everyone to have fun no matter the pace of the ride!
A - Fast - This is a fast paced group however there will be regroups throughout the ride route. Avg speed 28-30kph at the end of the ride.
B - Medium - Tempo (medium paced groups at traffic lights and stops - keep everyone together). Avg speed 26-27kph at the end of the ride.
C - Chill - 25kph (if requested)
WHAT TO BRING:
- A helmet
- Lights
- Pump
- Spare tube
- Water
- Snack
- Debit/credit card
- We hope to see you there!!

City skyline with river in foreground, cyclists on a bridge, and industrial buildings in the distance with smoke.

RISE & RIDE

Our weekly coffee ride that kicks off the day with good company, quiet roads, and strong coffee vibes at Little Victories.
- 38.96km Distance
- 428m Elevation Gain
- Road Ride Type
- 1:28:03 Est. Moving Time
Join Ottawa’s weekly cafe ride. The goal of this ride is to connect the the nations capital cycling community, on a social and fun ride where you get to know your fellow riders. This is a free ride and everyone is welcome to join. The route takes on the bowtie version of the Gatineau Park, finishing at Little Victories on Elgin St. for a coffee and social.
FIRST RIDE?
For your first CE ride, we ask that you arrive 10 minutes early to go through riding safety instructions.
GROUPS:
We break up the ride into categories and groups of 10-15, to ensure you’re riding in the right group, while keeping it as safe as possible. The goal is for everyone to have fun no matter the pace of the ride!
A - Fast - This is a fast paced group however there will be regroups throughout the ride route. Avg speed 28-30kph at the end of the ride.
B - Medium - Tempo (medium paced groups at traffic lights and stops - keep everyone together). Avg speed 26-27kph at the end of the ride.
C - Chill - 25kph (if requested)
What to bring:
- A helmet
- Lights
- Pump
- Spare tube
- Water
- Snack
- Debit/credit card
- We hope to see you there!!

Group of cyclists riding on a bridge with city skyline and fog in the background.

UPCOMING WEEKEND RIDES & EVENTS

THE CANDY BURNER

November 1st, 2025
Carleton Place - Stalwart Brewery

The Candy Burner is our post-Halloween tradition, raising money and goods for the Lanark County Food Bank — a ride to burn off the sugar, shake out the legs, and celebrate the end of the season. Starting and finishing at Stalwart Brewery in Carleton Place, it’s a mix of good gravel, better company, and just the right amount of suffering. Costumes encouraged, donations welcomed, and smiles guaranteed.

LEARN MORE

COMMUNISKI

Launch Date TBD
Kichi Sibi Trail / GATINEAU PARK

Communiski is our way of keeping the community moving through winter. A weekly cross-country ski series that blends the social energy of our rides with the quiet rhythm of the trails. Whether we’re gliding along the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail or climbing into Gatineau Park, it’s about connection, consistency, and the joy of winter movement — no matter your pace.

DETAILS COMING SOON