Metric Century 2026

## Ride Details: - Distance: 100.5 km - Elevation: 83 m - Surface: 98% Paved / 2% Unpaved (Hard-packed trail) ### Route Overview: The Essex County Heritage Loop Welcome to a classic Randonneurs Ontario "Metric Century." This 100km journey offers a sublime introduction to Canada’s southernmost region, where the terrain is famously flat, the breezes are dictated by the Great Lakes, and the scenery transitions seamlessly from historic riverfronts to lush Carolinian forests. Starting in the charming town of LaSalle, this loop is designed for those who appreciate a rhythmic, steady pace without the interruption of significant climbs (boasting just 83m of total elevation). It is a route of "water and wood," keeping you in close proximity to the Detroit River and Lake Erie for much of the day. ### The Journey The Detroit Riverfront & Amherstburg Leaving LaSalle, you’ll head south along the edge of the Detroit River. Keep an eye out for the massive Great Lakes freighters navigating the shipping channels. As you roll into the historic town of Amherstburg, you’ll pass near the Fort Malden National Historic Site. This area is a gem of 19th-century architecture and military history; the view across the water to Boblo Island provides a picturesque backdrop for the first leg of your ride. The route then turns toward the coast of Lake Erie, leading you through some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in Canada. You will pass the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, world-renowned as a premier spot for hawk watching and bird migration. The air here is often filled with the scent of the lake and the surrounding marshes. The flat, open roads in this section allow for excellent group drafting and a chance to take in the sprawling agricultural heartland of Essex County. As you turn back inland to complete the loop, the scenery shifts to quiet country backroads and segments of the region's impressive trail network. You’ll experience the peaceful solitude of the rural interi