Home »
Gran Fondo early bird deadline draws near
Excitement is mounting as the July 31 early bird deadline approaches to register for the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo to be run on the scenic NorthStar Rails-to-Trails between Cranbrook and Kimberley Saturday Sept. 10.
Fondo Chair Glenn Dobie says interest is running high in what could be the biggest Gran Fondo yet.
“We are expecting more than 400 cyclists as registration is ahead of last year’s pace. Registrations have been received from as far away as England, Texas, West Vancouver and many cycling enthusiasts from Alberta,” he said.
Cyclists who register before the early bird deadline qualify to win two nights accommodation at the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino, host hotel for the event, as well as two return flights between Cranbrook and Vancouver courtesy of Pacific Coastal Airlines.
More prizes will be handed out on the day of the event, including a three-day, guided cycling trip to Vancouver Island courtesy of Mountain Travel in Kimberley and several draws to win a twin-pack of wine (white and red) courtesy of Wynnwood Cellars Winery in Creston.
The Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo has quickly established itself as one of the most popular events on the Gran Fondo circuit. Previous cyclists state the enthusiastic and friendly volunteers, fantastic scenery and exceptionally well-organized event is like no other cycling event.
Whatever it is, cyclists can hardly wait for the family-orientated event, which was initiated by the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club in 2013 and has become a major fundraiser for the club. Funds raised by the Fondo are distributed to non-profit groups in the community, including the three Rotary Clubs in Cranbrook and Kimberley, two local Lions Clubs, the Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol and the NorthStar Rails-to-Trails Society.
Cyclists wishing to register for the Fondo can do so on-line at: [email protected] No unregistered cyclists are allowed in the event, which is sponsored by Taylor Adams Chartered Accountants.
As in previous years, the 2016 Gran Fondo has three courses of different lengths beginning and ending at St. Eugene.
The Piccolo runs 58 km along the Rails to Trails course to Kimberley and returns to St. Eugene via the Cranbrook Airport road. The 102 km Medio Fondo runs the same route except it goes past Kimberley through Meadowbrook and to Wasa before returning to St. Eugene. And the 152 km Gran Fondo course goes further yet, following the same route extended to the Wardner junction before returning to St. Eugene.
A Gran Fondo luncheon buffet with Dawson Rutledge providing live musical entertainment will follow in the Pavilion at St. Eugene. The Team Spirit Award sponsored by The Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse and the King and Queen of the Mountain sponsored by the Pedal & Tap will be awarded at the buffet.
Submitted by Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club
