Off the Rails 100 Populaire 2026

## Route Logistics - Total Distance: ~100 km - Format: Single Loop (Start/Finish: Ilderton) - Terrain: Gentle rolling hills and long, rhythmic straights through the Middlesex heartland. - Surface: Mixed (Paved secondary roads with strategic rail-trail or unpaved connectors). This 100km "Populaire" is sanctioned by Randonneurs Ontario. While shorter than a standard brevet, it serves as an excellent early-season fitness test and an introductory event for those looking toward the 200km+ qualifiers for Paris-Brest-Paris 2027. ## About the ride Starting from the community of **Ilderton**, the "Off the Rails" 100km is a scenic tribute to the golden age of the locomotive and the sprawling agricultural beauty of Southwestern Ontario. This route is designed to get you away from the traffic and into the "big sky" country of Middlesex County, where the horizon stretches as far as your legs will take you. Designed to be fast-rolling and accessible, this loop avoids punishing climbs in favor of steady efforts and scenic rewards. It is the perfect way to shake off the winter legs and rediscover the joy of the open road with the Randonneurs Ontario community.