On Saturday June 23, the seventh annual Gibsons Grind Gran Fondo comes to the Sunshine Coast. This year’s event sold out for the third straight year in under three hours and has become one of the hottest Gran Fondo events on the Lower Mainland. The event has over 275 riders participating in scenic routes from Langdale to Halfmoon Bay and back.
The Gran Fondo (big ride in Italian), which has 50 km, 70 km and 110 km options, has been a staple on the Sunshine Coast since 2012, when it was first born as a family event under organizers Larry Reid and Catherine Brown. In 2014, the ride moved under the umbrella of the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club and has become a popular destination ride drawing local cyclists as well as cyclists from all over the Lower Mainland.
The ride is open to all levels of cyclists and in the past has had all different type of bikes including tandem bikes and mountain bikes, but the majority of bikes are road bikes. Many riders sport the colours of their local cycling clubs, providing a colourful display similar to that of the major Grand Tours such as the Tour de France.
Roads are not closed for this event so the organizers are asking for motorists to be aware that there are going to be increased number of cyclists on the road. Participants in the past have been complimentary of the motorists on the Coast during the event.
The event draws many visitors to the Sunshine Coast as many cyclists come with their families and there is a resulting economic boost. The organizing committee is hoping to expand the event in years to come and to make it a can’t-miss event on cyclist’s calendars. The committee also hopes that the event inspires others to get out on their bikes on the road or in the mountains and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of the Sunshine Coast.
The Ride starts at Langdale Ferry Terminal, ends at Persephone Brewing Company and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Best viewing locations are Lower Gibsons, Davis Bay, and Mason Road in Sechelt. More information on the event can be found at www.gibsonsgrindgranfondo.com
– Submitted by Tim Hofmann
