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Plans in high gear for Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo
Submitted by the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club
Spring always brings change and change is coming to the third annual Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo, taking place this year on Saturday, Sept. 12, a day earlier than the previous Sunday start for the popular event.
Fondo organizer and Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club member Glenn Dobie says there are some good reasons for the change.
“We want to accommodate out-of-town participants this year with a Saturday schedule which allows them to enjoy the post ride social activities. The change will also be good for both Cranbrook and Kimberley tourism and hospitality industries as cyclists will more likely be staying overnight on both Friday and Saturday.”
The calendar change has also given Fondo organizers space to present the first Kootenay Rockies Kid’s Fondo, which will be held Sunday, Sept. 13.
Registration for this year’s Fondo is already open with the first Super Early Bird Registration Draw to be held April 15, with the winner receiving a designer pair of Smithoptics Sunglasses.
Subsequent early bird registration draws will be held May 31 (two nights accommodation Sept. 11 and 12 at the Trickle Creek) and July 15 (two nights accommodation at the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino or a round trip flight for two to any Pacific Coastal Airlines destination.)
Fondo organizers are expecting 500 riders for this year’s event, which has attracted a large following in its brief two-year existence. Some 260 riders participated in the first Kootenay-Rockies Gran Fondo in 2013 and the total climbed to 360 in 2014.
More than $20,000 was raised for Rotary projects including a $4,000 donation to the NorthStar Rails2Trails Society cycle route linking Kimberley and Cranbrook.
More funds went to other Rotary projects and charities including the recently completed ‘Paint the Train’ project in Cranbrook, which will have its grand opening this spring.
The Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club has received assistance from other community-minded organizations in the region, says Dobie. “We’d especially like to thank the Mark Creek and Wasa Lions Clubs, the Kimberley Rotary Club, the Cranbrook Rotary Club and the Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol which have all helped us out.”
Taylor Adams Professional Chartered Accountants are again Title Sponsor of the family-orientated event in which all participants will receive a post ride meal, special prizes and a personalized Swag Bag.
It promises to be a big day, but the important thing to keep in mind is that the Gran Fondo is a fun event to raise funds for worthwhile community projects.
To register or to learn more visit krgf.ca.
