Back for a second year, the Bluewater International Granfondo is expected to be bigger and better than the inaugural event.
770 cyclists are set to hit the pavement Sunday morning, up from 500 cyclist who participated last year, and Chairman Ken MacAlpine says there are about 30 people on the waitlist.
He says they were blown away by the support from last year, and have made some small tweaks as it continues to grow.
"There were a couple bottlenecks along the course that we alleviated, we have a tent set up this year and the lakes right there to jump into as well," says MacAlpine. "We have food from the Petrolia Lions, beer from Refined Fool, and we have a rock band playing as well. It's really become more of an event than just a bike ride."
MacAlpine says they received plenty of positive feedback from last year, especially when it comes to the scenery.
770 cyclists expected for the second annual Bluewater International Granfondo. (submitted photo)
"All of them, without exception, were totally blown away when they came in on the old Lakeshore Rd with Lake Huron right there beside them" says MacAlpine. "This year is even better because with some new paving we've been able to extend the route beside the like by about a kilometer."
Sunday's event will once again include 50 km, 100 km and 150 km routes, with timed sections and relaxed biking in-between. The Bluewater 150 km gets underway at 7am, the Lambton 100 km begins at 8am, and the Sarnia 50 km starts at 9am. All routes begin and end at Mike Weir Park.
MacAlpine says most of the riders are between 40 and 60 years old, with the youngest rider 16, and the oldest 81.
Last year's event raised $30,000, that was split between St. Joseph’s Hospice and Palliative Care at Bluewater Health.
