GRAN FONDO TO BE A HUGE EVENT

Largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, Gran Fondo hosted 917 cyclists in 2017

As this issue of the Tri-County Vanguard went to press Monday, the number 1,000 was holding bright appeal for organizers of the Sept. 23 Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie.

The fourth annual cycling event, the largest in Atlantic Canada, could be a recordbreaker this year.

As of Sept. 17, there were 985 registrations, including 203 from out of province from Alaska to Australia. Registration ($ 99 CDN) is open until up until 8 a.m. on the day of the Sept. 23 event.

“The Gran Fondo has quickly grown to become a bucket list cycling and cultural experience,” said Clare tourism manager Larry Peach.

This year four rides on lowtraffic roads are offered. Experienced riders will be challenged by the 160 km Super Gran and 120 km Gran routes, while intermediate and novice cyclists may prefer the popular 67 km Medio or shorter 35 km Piccolo rides.

Riders will navigate rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, passing by towering wooden churches along the coastal route that hugs Baie Sainte-Marie.

New for 2018, the Children’s ride (the Mini-Fondo: 2 km & 4 km) will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22. E-bikes are also permitted to ride in the 67 km and 35 km rides.

The entire community rolls out the welcome mat as residents enthusiastically cheer cyclists on from the roadside, waving Acadian flags and banging pots and pans. There are over 170 volunteers signed up for 270 positions.

Although a timed event, this is more a self-paced fun group event, rather than a race.

The event will start at 8: 30 a. m. Sunday at the Vélo Baie Sainte- Marie bike shop ( 9976 Highway 1, Saulnierville). Lunch is included and is a choice of vegetarian chilli, BBQ pork or the fresh lobster in the shell. On Saturday, riders are invited to a social event for a taste of Acadian culture at the Clare Veterans Centre.