On Saturday, June 23, 300 cyclists took part in the seventh annual Gibsons Grind Gran Fondo on a spectacular Sunshine Coast summer day.
The Gibsons Grind Gran Fondo is a mass participation event which offers riders a choice of several different distances. The signature 110 km distance starts at the Langdale ferry terminal, taking cyclists on a scenic and winding route through Lower Gibsons, West Sechelt, Secret Cove and back. It includes a challenging 1,700 metres of climbing, which is equivalent to the Whistler Gran Fondo. The 50 km and 70 km options, while also challenging, make the event appealing to cyclists of all skill levels. These distances also start at the Langdale ferry terminal and have turn-around points of Davis Bay (50km) and Mason Road in Sechelt (70km). From a rider’s perspective, the conditions were excellent with mostly sunny skies, dry roads and plenty of challenging hills. The event concluded with a barbecue at the Persephone Brewing Company farm.
The event is planned and organized by the Gibsons Grind Organizing Committee with a goal of promoting cycling and improving road riding conditions for cyclists on the Sunshine Coast. Timing is not included in the event, to make it more of a ride than a race, although the elite cyclists have plenty of opportunity to showcase their riding skills.
Feedback from participants on this year’s event was overwhelmingly positive including comments from the riders such as:
“Gibsons Fondo, perfect weather for a really fun albeit challenging ride over never-ending rolling hills with great scenery. Did I mention those hills?”
“Just a shout out to say I had a great time this weekend! I am looking forward to testing out the 70 km next year :) Thanks again for putting on this great event – LOVED IT!!!”
The organizers would like to extend a well-deserved thank you to the sponsors, volunteers and especially the residents of the Sunshine Coast for embracing the event and especially for their willingness to share the road.
More information can be found at www.gibsonsgrindgranfondo.com
– By Tim Hofmann
