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Nearly 400 cyclists expected for Gran Fondo
Motorists travelling between Cranbrook, Kimberley, Wasa and Fort Steele are being asked to use extra caution this Saturday, September 12, as nearly 400 cyclists take part in the 2026 Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo.
The annual event will see riders depart from St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino and travel along three different routes ranging from 58 kilometres to 152 kilometres through the Cranbrook and Kimberley area.
Cyclists will be travelling on portions of Mission Road, Highway 95A, NorthStar Rails-to-Trails, roads through Kimberley, Wycliffe Road, Highway 93/95, and the Fort Steele–Wardner Road throughout the day.
Drivers are encouraged to expect increased cyclist traffic, allow additional travel time where necessary, slow down when approaching riders and event volunteers, and provide cyclists with plenty of space when passing.
The Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo is a ride, not a race, and routes are supported throughout the event by volunteers, traffic control personnel, aid stations, medical support and mobile mechanics.
Participants can choose from three distances:
- Piccolo Fondo – 58 km, travelling from St. Eugene through the Kimberley area before returning via Wycliffe Road.
- Medio Fondo – 102 km, continuing through Kimberley, Wasa and Fort Steele before returning toward Cranbrook.
- Gran Fondo – 152 km, following the Medio route with an additional section along Fort Steele–Wardner Road.
The event brings cyclists from throughout the region and beyond to experience the East Kootenay while supporting local charitable initiatives.
The Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo is a 100 per cent non-profit community event organized by the Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise in cooperation with JCI Kootenay.
Proceeds from the event support local organizations and initiatives, including the Kimberley/Cranbrook Hospice Society, NorthStar Rails to Trails Society, Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol, local Rotary and Lions clubs, and other community programs.
Organizers thank residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation while cyclists are on the roads and ask everyone travelling through the area on Saturday to watch for riders, volunteers and traffic-control personnel.
The 2026 Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo takes place Saturday, September 12, beginning and ending at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino.
More information about the event and route maps is available at krgf.ca.
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