Sarnia's world renowned cycling event is getting back on track this year.
The sixth annual Bluewater International Granfondo (BIG) will return to its pre-COVID setup when riders take off at Mike Weir Park July 31.
Granfondo Chair Ken MacAlpine said they're planning for 1,000 riders this year, which is what they had in 2019.
"We're looking at having a sellout crowd. Registration, so far, has been extremely active, so we're very optimistic about things being bigger and better than they were when we left off [three years ago]."
The fifth annual Granfondo saw cyclists take part in a virtual event a year after the ride was suspended due to the pandemic.
With the return of the traditional event, MacAlpine is hoping to raise another $60,000 for palliative care education in Sarnia-Lambton.
"The businesses and the community have been very generous with the sponsorships so far, and of course there's a lot of people that are giving their time through volunteering. So we're very optimistic that the whole community is banding together to help us again this year."
To date, about $240,000 has been raised for palliative care through the Granfondo.
"A lot of that is obviously thanks to the very generous support of the community and an extremely active and involved committee that we have that has been exceptionally good at helping with the organization and donating their time," said MacAlpine.
Cyclists can register for the 30km, 50 km, 100 km or 150 km route, a 30 km Family ride, for one adult and up to two children, and a 100 km First Responders ride.
BIG is also unveiling the Slow Roll 10 km ride this year, set for July 29. The free event is open to all regardless of age, experience, ability, or type of bike, and it will feature a unique downtown route infused with live music along the way.
MacAlpine said the granfondo has helped promote cycling within Sarnia while also bringing a lot of cycling people to the area.
"And they've been amazed by the views they've had, from gathering at the start-finish at Mike Weir Park on Lake Huron, to be out in Arkona and cycling through the apple orchards, etcetera, out there. So, Sarnia is definitely becoming noted as a cycling venue."
The event was voted the #1 Granfondo in Ontario and #2 in Canada by Granfondo Guide. MacAlpine said it's also been featured in national magazines, such as Canadian Cycling, there's been podcasts promoting the event and it's received great reviews from cyclists in the Toronto, Kitchener and Windsor areas.
For more information and to register, click here. https://bigf.ca/
with files from Natalia Vega
