Gran Fondo means big ride in Italian. In other words, a long-distance cycling event that is typically around 120-kilometres.
Some well-known competitive big rides take place in North America, such as GranFondo Whistler. In Europe, the Tour de France, a cycling event in its own class, has competitors cycling approximately 3,500 kilometres over 21 to 24 days.
On Saturday, June 21, the northern Sunshine Coast will have its own big ride, called qathet Fondo. The event is being organized by Ean Jackson, a triathlete who has competed in his fair share of Ironman triathlons. He also organized the recent Marathon Shuffle.
"I have put this on since I moved to Powell River four years ago," said Jackson. "I'm also a member of the Silver Cyclists, which is a local cycling group that meets three times a week."
Unlike the GranFondo Whistler and the Tour de France, this ride is not sanctioned, not sponsored and has no entrance fee. Participants are encouraged to ride at their own speed.
"We start at the fire hydrant at the corner of Joyce Avenue and Richmond Street, riding the Sunshine Coast Highway to the Mile 0 cairn in Lund," said Jackson.
The distance from the start in Westview to Lund and back is approximately 60 kilometres, but Jackson said cyclists can ride all the way to [or from] Saltery Bay Terminal in order to complete 120 kilometres. Or, do less.
Jackson emphasized that the ride is for fun, so any distance can be an accomplishment.
"The out and back course takes place on lovely rolling hills with ocean views," said Jackson. "There will be a barbecue potluck in the afternoon when we get back to town."
Jackson recommends using a roadworthy road bike or e-bike, and to bring a patch kit for flats and snacks for energy. Cyclists from out of town are also encouraged to join the ride, and to bring a tent or book a hotel for an overnight stay.
"When I came here, I found my tribe,” said Jackson. "I still work, but most of these folks [Silver Cyclists] are retired. One of the members of that group passed away last year, not too long before the event, so last year, I dedicated the event to him, PJ Behan."
Jackson said some cyclists in past rides challenged themselves by riding the 120-kilometres but many are happy doing a half or quarter of the distance.
"If you don't know how to ride on a road, I wouldn't recommend anyone attempt anything remotely like this," said Jackson. "Training and/or having experience riding in traffic is a must, otherwise it's a bad idea; it's just common sense, if you're on a bike, you better be aware of traffic."
Last year participants ranged from a Canadian Olympian, who was out to have a nice time, to leisurely riders and those who made the ride more of a race. The road to Lund, particularly in Wildwood, has been improved as of late, with crews working to make the road wider, but much of the journey into Lund is fairly windy, with little shoulder.
It was reported in the Peak in 2024 that Sunshine Coast Tourism was working on a plan to connect Sechelt to Lund with a safe, efficient route for cyclists, pedestrians and those using other types of active transportation. However, it was noted that the upgrades would cost an astounding $4 million per kilometre.
"It doesn't make financial sense, but of course, I'd rather see decent cycling infrastructure here," said Jackson. "So that older people, children, and those who aren't comfortable with transport trucks going by three-centimeters from your elbow, feel safe on the road."
Jackson said cycling is a low impact sport, less hard on the joints than running, a great aerobic exercise, and it's really fun.
"There's the technical part of it; when you change gears going up and down hills, but it's also enjoyable to ride around a neighbourhood, enjoy the sunshine, but it's a little more time consuming," said Jackson. "Personally, everything I could possibly hope for, that I had in Vancouver, is here as well, it hits the curve."
To find out more about the ride and to sign up, go to
facebook.com/events/994004025730104.
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