The North American Gran Fondo format is maximum fun! The number of Gran Fondo format events continues to grow steadily year on year.
As a symbol of freedom and a heathy and sustainable lifestyle, there is no better icon than the bicycle, arguably one of the most efficient means of transportation ever invented. It's ECO credentials are a shining example in a world that is working towards net zero.
The global Gran Fondo phenomenon continues. So, sit back, relax and grab your favorite drink as we recognize some of the best organized events out there.
Gran Fondo Guide has reached its 13th year of operation, the Worlds Leading Amateur Cycling Platform has reached a global audience of nearly 5 million unique users.
Make sure you add at least one of these outstanding events to your Bucket List in 2025!
The awards are best viewed on your computer or a widescreen tablet. It may take some time fully download because of the amount of images. So grab your favorite drink while it arrives. If you have any difficulties with any of the DISCOUNT CODES from January 1st, then please email us at granfondoguide@yahoo.com.
#10 Tour de Big Bear
Over 2,200 cyclists and their families enjoy the 13th Annual Tour de Big Bear Festival Weekend
Big Bear Lake in Southern California drew in a huge crowd of Fondo Fans and their families for both on and off-road fun!
The Tour de Big Bear, one of California’s premier cycling events, returned to Big Bear last weekend in beautiful 80F weather for the 13th edition. Big Bear Lake is well known as the “Cycling Capital of Southern California”.
The Big Bear Cycling Association hosted a long weekend of fun including a two-day cycling Expo that included over 40 cycling vendors, complimentary bike valet, food and beverages, family-friendly activities plus live entertainment during Saturday’s festivities. On Sunday everyone had the chance to meet up again for the Recovery Rides.
The Tour de Big Bear was proud once again to partner with Official Lodging Sponsor, Visit Big Bear to offer and endless options in accommodation for everyone!
Big Bear Lake sits at over 6,750 feet above sea level San Bernardino National Forest, a few hours from downtown Los Angeles.
As well as four Fondo distances, the festival’s Gravel and Family rides have continued to increase in popularity with a growing group of around 80 e-bike riders joining in all the fun!
VIDEO: Tour de Big Bear Century Ride 2024
Most went for the long weekend, arriving on the Friday to relax, unwind, and get acclimatised, plus enjoy packet pick-up at the Expo, and the Free Friday Poker Ride and Glow Ride in the cooler night air.
Saturday was the big day, where 2,200+ cyclists took part in either the 25, 50, 70 or 100 mile road routes with the QOM/KOM challenge, or the 50 mile Dirty Bear and 25 mile Dirty Cub gravel rides with hundreds of friends and families cheering them on.
The family ride saw cyclists from the ages of 5 to 75 years old ride around Bear Lake, plus family-friendly activities like face painting, the petting zoo and the bounce house!
What better way for a fun loving fondo family to enjoy the weekend?
The road routes included the QOM/KOM challenge of the Onyx Assault, a climb of roughly 8.6 miles at 5% to the top of Onyx Summit at 8,443 feet above sea level!
Jesse Hogin from Las Vegas, Nevada was fastest in the 100 mile “the Climb” fondo in a time of 4:32:29, Alexander Stevens (4:32:57) was second and Michael Loweree (4:34:05) third overall.
In the women’s category, Paige Handy from Woodland Hills was fastest in a time of 5:06:46, with Beril Polat from La Jolla second in a time of 5:15:27 and Bailey Hinz from Las Vegas third in a time of 5:20:35.
Sylvain Georges was fastest in 70 mile “Grand Tour” fondo in a time of 3:12:42, followed by Juan Rocha (3:22:44) in second and Jefferey Lalloway (3:26:39) in third place.
Daniel Caballero was fastest in the 50-mile “Big Bear Valley Tour” fondo in a time of 2:07:09, with Brian Ganz (2:17:38) in second and Hugo Daza (2:19:46) in third place.
Matt Large was fastest at the 25-mile race in a time of 1:25:16.
Photo: Iron Girl Nadia celebrates finishing in the top 15 ladies in the 70 mile route in a time of 4:29:00 after 4,700 feet of climbing in beautiful 82F weather
The Dirty Bear 50-mile gravel race to cyclists through a stunning serene lake loop and rugged trails of Holcomb Valley to soar along the breath-taking Skyline after some challenging climbs, this ride had it all!
Eric Beirman was fastest in the 50-mile Dirty Bear in a time of 3:19:34, just ahead of younger riders Jacob Schoolfield and Dyson Smith. In the women’s category Alexandra Leaf was the fastest women in a time of 3:24:43, ahead of younger riders Perle Knauss and Bridget Smith.
Grant Keene was fastest in the 25-mile Dirty Cub in a time of 1:31:28. Kate Lunski was the fastest women in a time of 2:03:48. The gravel ride is a hidden gem, check out this video from Cal Domestique.
Registration for the 14th edition on August 2nd, 2025 is now open.
The 12th Annual Okanagan Granfondo in Penticton attracted more than 2,300 cyclists of all ages last year.
In just over a decade, the Okanagan Granfondo has gained national and international recognition and acceptance as one of the top cycling events in Canada.
Nestled between Lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake, Penticton, B.C. has been ranked as Canada’s top cycling destination. With over 60 wineries within a 20 minutes’ drive, a local farmers market, beautiful beaches and loads of festivals and events throughout the year, Penticton and the South Okanagan has something for the entire family!
“We’re already one of the largest events in Canada,” said event communications director Holly Bird. “Whistler has a big event similar to ours and so does Victoria. We’re biased of course and think we now have the best event!"
“One of the most popular attractions of the Okanagan Granfondo is the event attracts cyclists of all ages, talents and abilities, from beginners to professionals and former professionals", said Bird.
“I think one of the things that makes the event totally unique … is you have people who have literally just started cycling who come and join us as their first event,” she said. “Then we have a large group of people who are professionals and retired professionals who also come and join us year after year.
“The ability of cyclists is quite varied and the ages of our competitors is also quite varied. It’s really quite cool to see such a wide variety of people who come to support the sport of cycling with us.”
Former American Olympian and professional cyclist and hill climbing ace Phil Gaimon from California was in attendance.
VIDEO: Okanagan Gran Fondo - Worst Retirement Ever
The number of people working the event, most in volunteer roles, is epic. It’s 400-plus. Even the day’s traffic control is epic, turning a system of roads and highways across the south Okanagan into a temporary bike course for a single day each summer. It’s a massive undertaking.
But the most epic of all may be the mega-sized Granfondo aid stations, staffed by small armies of local volunteers ready to feed and assist anyone who pulls in and stocked with a stunning array of thirst-quenching, energy-recapturing goodies.
Like many of the other competitions, the Okanagan Granfondo offers different courses to meet the demands of the competitors.
By far the most popular race is the full-length 150km Granfondo, which stretches out through British Columbia’s wine region. There is more than 1,500 metres of climbing throughout the South Okanagan in this race. It offers the most spectacular scenery and the most challenges of any cycling event in the area. There are a lot of very fast, flat sections in this part of the race, offering gorgeous scenery.
The second race, called the Velocefondo, is 120 kilometres and covers much of the same route as the Grandfondo, there’s still a lot of difficult climbing as just over 1,200 metres. The Mediofondo is an 85 kilometre race which took competitors from downtown Penticton towards Summerland, then back through Penticton and towards Okanagan Falls, then back towards Kaleden to the finish line.
Local rider from Summerland, Lee Agur (who finished 4th at the Peach Classic Triathlon) attacked from the leading group and soloed to the finish (3:48:48) a minute up Bradley Bickley from West Kelowna (3:49:57) in second place, and Scott Bohachyk from Vancouver (3:50:35) in third place. Ex-professional cyclist Svein Tuft, who rode the Tour de France twice, came in 7th place.
In the women's race American Megan O’Boyle (Platform Pro cycling was fastest in a time of 4:02:13 with Jessica Yeoman from Vancouver second and Erin Tolfo from Surrey in third place. Boyle was one of six Vancouverites in the top ten females.
Brendan Reid and Alison Kenward won the 120km Velocefondo. Garth Campbell and Katherine Brown were first in the 85km Mediofondo.
This year, the Piccolofondo once again reached its 300-child cap rather easily. One of the morning’s victors was 10-year-old William Harris of Kelowna, who parlayed a solid performance in 2023 aboard a mountain bike into a win in 2024 on a road bike his dad bought him in the off-season. Many of the registered
New Start and Redesigned Routes for 2025
All four of the distances available to cyclists, from the 155-kilometre Granfondo to the smaller 35-kilometre Cortofondo, have been redesigned for 2025, which will start and finish at the new Expo venue at Skaha Lake Park.
"These four new routes have been carefully designed to highlight the beauty of the area while providing a safe, fun and unique experience for every cyclist, regardless of which route they choose," said Jodi Cross, executive director of Okanagan Granfondo Penticton. "For those who are familiar with the event, there will be a fresh take on the cycling journey, and for those who are new we are confident they’ll enjoy a great experience riding these roads.”
Proceeds from the event raise money for desmoid tumour research through Desmoid Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Registration includes Swag, traffic managed course with 5 fully stocked aid stations, F2C nutrition, burger/beer at the finish, along with live entertainment and a beer garden. Kids event on Saturday along with kids zone.
It’s time to Ride Hard. Smile Often!
Next year’s event takes place on July 13th 2025, and registration is open.
Volunteer sign-up will be available in the spring of 2025.
The closed road hill climb sold out last year, registration was capped at 450 riders and the waitlist was also full with over 50 cyclists signed up.
In the previous year in 2023, 2x World Hill Climb Champion Phil Gaimon join them for the race. He won in a time of 1:14:42 and claimed the Mt Baker Hill Climb KOM. No one broke his record in 2024, it will be tough to beat!
Phil shared his experience, saying, "Mt. Baker Hill Climb was well-run, safe, scenic, and challenging but with a positive atmosphere. I had tons of fun racing and meeting all of the riders, and I'll keep an eye out for more reasons to return to Bellingham. This was a perfect way to check Mt. Baker off of my list, and I'm excited to share the episode of Worst Retirement Ever with you all."
The Mt. Baker Hill Climb departs from Chair 9 Pizza in Glacier. Cyclist ascend 4,462 feet to Artist Point (5,076 feet elevation) in approximately 22 miles. The Mt. Baker Highway (SR542) is known as one of the most scenic paved roads in the country and rarely is the highway closed to motorized vehicles on the way up to Artist Point. With steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint of heart. Organizers invite racers to experience the agony AND the ecstasy!
450 lucky cyclists had the opportunity to cycle 22.4 miles up one of the most scenic paved roads in the country Mt. Baker Highway, climbing over 4,462 feet (1,360m) on Saturday September 14th in Whatcom County.
The Mt. Baker Hill Climb departs from Chair 9 Pizza in Glacier. Cyclist ascend 4,462 feet to Artist Point (5,076 feet elevation) in approximately 22 miles. The Mt. Baker Highway (SR542) is known as one of the most scenic paved roads in the country and rarely is the highway closed to motorized vehicles on the way up to Artist Point. With steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint of heart. Organizers invite racers to experience the agony AND the ecstasy!
450 lucky cyclists had the opportunity to cycle 22.4 miles up one of the most scenic paved roads in the country Mt. Baker Highway, climbing over 4,462 feet (1,360m) on Saturday September 14th in Whatcom County.
The fall weather last year in 2024 was perfect, crisp, clean and dry with breath-taking views in all directions.
Mt. Baker Highway is rarely closed to motorized vehicles, with steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint hearted!
There are three categories allowing cyclists of all abilities to have a super fun day out; social, recreational and competitive.
In the competitive category, 2 times World Hill Climb Champion Phil Gaimon took the KOM title last year in a time of 1:14:42. His record is going to be very hard to beat!
On the day, overall Cal Skilsky from Bellingham was fastest in a time of 1:22:41, Elouan Gardon from Acme second 10s behind, and Casey Bloomer from Mount Vernon Washington in third 16s behind.
In the women’s category, Deborah Eckhouse was fastest in a time of 1:31:06, Alesha Miller was second 13s behind and Brooke Davis was third 4m 2s behind.
And a special thanks to Adam at @printmyclimb for making the first-place awards for the overall men’s and women’s winners.
Overall Men’s Podium
1. Cal Skilsky Bellingham, WA 1:22:41
2. Elouan Gardon Acme, WA 1:22:51
3. Casey Bloomer Mount Vernon, WA 1:22:57
Overall Women’s Podium
1. Deborah Eckhouse Belligham 1:31:06
2. Alesha Miller Vernon 1:31:19
3. Brooke Davis Shoreline 1:35:08
All finishers received a beautiful crafted finisher’s medal from Paul at @elasticlaser, they turned out amazing as always.
The organizers would like to thanks photographers Burke Hovde and Steve Christofferson for their incredible work.
Age Category Winners
F30-39 Deborah Eckhouse Belligham 1:31:06
F40-49 Brooke Davis Shoreline 1:35:08
F50-59 Karen Nakagawa North Vancouver 1:51:26
M13-29 Cal Skilsky Bellingham, WA 1:22:41
M30-39 Rex Li Seattle 1:22:58
M40-49 Manuel Fehlmann Vernon 1:23:09
M50-59 Stuart Smith Revelstoke 1:30:57
M60-69 Graeme Mardon Tarpley 1:36:52
M70+ John Brown Cle Elum 1:59:00
Save the date: Sunday, September 14th, 2025 for another epic ride up Mount Baker. Registration opens in March 2025.
Whatcom Events is a volunteer-operated community 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. The mission is volunteer-driven management of events that showcase the diverse natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities Whatcom County has to offer while supporting local non-profit organizations.
The Beneficiary of the 2024 Hill Climb is Shifting Gears which help empower women through outdoor recreation and education opportunities to remove barriers and foster belonging.
The 10th edition of the Vermont Gran Fondo challenged riders to take on the infamous 4-gap known by locals as the LAMB ride, or the even more brutal new 6-gap ride!
Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Vermont's Green Mountains, the Vermont Gran Fondo (VTGF) has been a fixture in the cycling community for a decade, celebrating its 10th Anniversary last year.
Vermont is hailed as the best road biking in New England, and earned the status of the state with the most climbing on Strava.
The 4-gap 109 mile Gran Fondo with 10,000 feet of climbing and new 6-gap 145 mile Gran-X route with over 13,500 feet of climbing are arguably some of the toughest Gran Fondos in North America.
The gaps, sequence and direction depend on summer road construction works after a harsh winter, so the courses are unique every year. This year the gaps comprised of the Appalachian, Lincoln, Middlebury and Brandon gaps on the 109 mile Gran Fondo, with the addition of the Roxbury and Rochester Gaps included in the 145 mile Gran-X route.
Last year over 500 cyclists across North America and internationally took part, with the number of cyclists participating growing steadily over the years. The weather was warm with some rain showers at times not that dis-heartened any of the riders who came to Vermont for climbing chaos!
The Lincoln Gap has an average gradient of 17% with a maximum gradient of 24%; named the steepest paved mile in the US! Featured by Global Cycling Network as one of the steepest climbs on the planet!
VIDEO: The 2017 Lincoln Gap Edit
Lincoln Gap KOM Podium
1st Derek Mcintire, Dorchester Center MA 12:59.22
2nd Jay Gump Conway MA 13:03.82
3rd Rick van der Vegte 14:17.37
Lincoln Gap QOM Podium
1st Shannon Sweeney Wayne PA 17:46.79
2nd Marguerite Gump Conway MA 19:27.87
3rd Grace Jensen East Haddam CT 20:59.04
There were huge smiles from all the riders after completing one of the hardest one-day Granfondos in North America!
Participants, their friends and families enjoyed the much-loved Après Ride After-Party with local food and brews, while swapping stories, all at the Bristol Recreation Club in Bristol, VT and celebrating 10-years of this much loved and cherished event.
Photo: Derek Mcintire, Dorchester Center, MA won the Green Mountain Gap Challenge KOM Trophy on the Lincoln Gap. Credit: Josh Hummel
2025 Edition offers 4 Routes
Gran-X Route: A more challenging version of the Gran Route, 150 miles, 6 gaps, and over 15,000 feet of climbing
Gran Route: Approximately 109 miles, 4 gaps with 9,700 feet of climbing.
Medio Route: A slightly shorter route with around 80 miles, 2 gaps and 5,600 feet of climbing.
Piccolo Route: A 40-mile route for those looking for a shorter challenge with no gaps but still 2,600 feet of climbing.
The east side of Lincoln Gap is reported to be the steepest paved mile in the U.S., with a maximum grade of 24% and an average grade of 15%. Walking is always an option!
Regarding climbing, Vermont takes the top spot on Strava for the hilliest rides, beating places like Colorado and California. To say it’s hilly is an understatement …
Fear not. Despite its formidable reputation, there is a route for everyone, including the Gran, Medio, and Piccolo offering the opportunity to enjoy more of the lush Green Mountains, breath-taking views, and beautifully maintained roads that are repaired every springtime.
The routes include stretches of iconic Vermont dirt roads, which are hard-packed and easily ridden on road bikes.
From its inception, the ride has always placed a special emphasis on the experience. The ride is fully supported by signage, rest stops with food and drink, mechanical support, and moto support.
Afterward, enjoy the after-party at the Bristol Recreation grounds with music, fresh local food, and locally produced beverages. Your registration fee includes entry into the party and food tokens.
For those wanting to test their mettle, the routes include timed sections on select Gaps. Riders can compete for the fastest overall time and take home one of the coveted KOM and QOM trophies again this year.
This iconic ride is one every self-respecting cyclist should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Vermont’s Premier Cycling Event regularly features in our Top 10 Gran Fondos in North America awards and is recognized internationally.
Camper Vans Welcome
For one flat fee, park your camper or Van on-site for one or two nights. No plugins or showers, just a parking space that you can legally sleep in your vehicle or near it. Did someone say road trip? #vanlife
There’s also a tent camp in the grounds available for 1 or 2 nights. These can be purchased during registration.
Qualify for 2025 USA Cycling National Championships
You can gain points that count towards the 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. Times are captured on timed segments on each gap, 4 in total. The cumulative time will determine your series points and qualification for the championships in Frederick, Maryland on September 14th.
The Vermont Gran Fondo is also part of the Gran Fondo World Tour as part of their selection of premier cycling events around the world. This partnership will expose riders around the world to the beauty and the challenge of riding the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Register NOW and SAVE!
The VTGF is the "Bucket-List Ride" that every discerning cyclist, who especially loves climbing, must try at least once in their lifetime!
Places are limited, especially for Gran-X route, and the ride typically sells out in advance. Please note: Proof of training is required to be accepted into the Gran-X, it ain’t no walk in the park!
Sign up now and start training.
To celebrate use code GFG10 for $10!
Register now and take advantage of early bird pricing, for full details visit: http://vermontgranfondo.com or click the register now below.
#6 Michelob Ultra GFNY World Championship & Gran Premio New York City
Dutch U23 Cyclocross World Champion Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won the inaugural Gran Premio New York City from four man breakaway. Italian’s Manuele Caddeo and Beccaria Lorenza won the Gran Fondo
Tibor Del Grosso won GP NYC from a four man breakaway in May 2024. The inaugural race which started at 7am on George Washington Bridge, 15 minutes before the Gran Fondo and animated the Michelob Ultra GFNY World Championship NYC.
Several attacks took place from the peloton, but nothing really stuck until they got to the successive climbs of Gate Hill and Cheese Cote. 7 riders broke away with a 12 second lead on Gate Hill initiated by Milan Donie (Lotto Dstny).
Several riders joined him and eventually after the toughest climb of Cheese Cote, Milan Donie (Lotto Dstny), Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin), Javier Zapata (team Medellin) and Johannes Adamietz (Lotto Dstny) had a gap. The four man breakaway extended their lead over the peloton, with of group of six riders chasing.
VIDEO: 12th Annual GFNY World Championship NYC & Inaugural GP New York City 2024
Such was their speed they stayed away and after the final descent of Ridge Road, Adamietz attacked first. Milan Donie (Lotto Dstny) was dropped having work for teammate Johannes Adamietz (Lotto Dstny).
In the final sprint, Tibor Del Grosso (Alpecin) came round Johannes Adamietz (Lotto Dstny) and Javier Zapata to win in a time of 3h 4m.
The Gran Fondo New York City, an epic annual bike race that runs up and down 9W in Rockland County and features bikers from all over the world, surged up and down the west side of the Hudson River on Sunday, May 19. The course began on the George Washington Bridge. It then took riders through the Palisades, up Route 9W and Mott Farm Road, and ended in Fort Lee, NJ.
Organizers say the race "has become a Mecca for road cyclists around the world.”
Several spectators, like Jean-Claude Periac, posted up along the route to watch the race, "The Gran Fondo is such an amazing race," he said. "We don't have any big events like this very often.”
The Gran Fondo race saw a group of around 50 riders form, until Elvys Noel, Bruce Bird and Mattia Magnaldi established a breakaway on the climb on Cheese Cote and worked together to stay in front.
On the final descent of the Great Wall, Bruce Bird and Elvys Noel dropped Mattia Magnaldi, with Elvys Noel attacking Bruce Bird on the run-in, but it was to no avail as they were caught by the chasing group.
Behind, Italian Manuele Caddeo attacked and solo'ed out of a chasing group of six riders to win in a time of 3h 30m 22s, with Colombian Diego Vásquez in second (3h 30m 24s) and American Ruben Companioni Blanco finish in third place (3h 30m 25s). Ex-Pro Brent Bookwalter (BMC) came fourth in a time of (3h 30m 26s).
In the women's race, Italian Beccaria Lorenza (Office Mattio cycling team) attacked in the final kilometre to win in a time of 3h 47m 32s, ahead of American GFNY Miami winner Emma Drabbe (Ziel CC) in second (3h 47m 39s) and Frenchwomen Saure Tyffen (Office Mattio cycling team) (3h 48m 26s) in third place.
2024 Michelob Ultra GFNY NYC Championship Podium
Women's Podium
1st Beccaria Lorenza Italy (Office Mattio cycling team)
2nd Emma Drabbe USA
3rd Saure Tyffen France (Team France Clubs De´fense)
Men's Podium
1st Manuele Caddeo Italy
2nd Diego Vásquez Colombia
3rd Ruben Companioni Blanco USA (City Bikes Miami)
4th Brent Bookwalter (BMC)
The 13th Michelob Ultra GFNY World Championship NYC takes place on May 18, 2025.
Last year, over 1,000 cyclists rode along the shores of Lake Huron in at the Sold-Out 8th annual edition. Over $480,000 CAD raised…and counting
Participants come from across Canada, the USA and Europe with some riders coming from as far away as Uganda making BIG a truly international event! The ride will likely be 50% sold out before the new year – don’t miss your chance to secure your spot and take in the beautiful vistas along the truly blue water routes – places are limited!
The BIG event has four routes to choose from, all of which will take in some outstanding views of Lambton County with the finish for all routes being along the stunning shores of Lake Huron, ending in Mike Weir Park.
The four routes are 30k family ride, 50k, 100k, and 150k each with their own start time specifically designed to avoid a mass start and allow riders of all routes to finish within a reasonable time of each other.
The BIG event includes timed sections but not start and finishing times found in traditional racing formats. This allows cyclists to take their time between timed sections, ride in groups, make new friends, stop at aid stations along the route and enjoy the ride.
There are awards for fastest male and female overall plus age category winners from 15 to over 75 years old.
VIDEO: Bluewater International Granfondo 2024
The BIG Gravel Grind offers 40k and 80k route options and gives participants the opportunity to nominate fellow riders for the ‘Jamie Hastings’ spirit award. The BIG Gravel Grind was created in memory of the co-founder of a local cycling club who unexpectedly passed away in 2023. By bypassing timing the course, the event aims to stimulate camaraderie and community among cyclists all while enjoying a great gravel ride.
Whether you are looking to experience the enjoyment of riding on quiet country roads or through thriving fruit orchards or challenge yourself on the rolling hills of Arkona you will find it all in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
BIG Post-Ride Benefits
In addition to the cycling routes, both events feature post-ride entertainment, with fresh food from local vendors, a Cowbell Beer Garden and a cycling Expo. After the BIG event, riders can cool off with a refreshing swim in Lake Huron; conversely, a free bike wash station is provided by Muc-Off at the BIG Gravel Grind, cyclists can take advantage of either prior to taking in a live band while enjoying a well-deserved beer or soft drink and some very tasty food.
Ontario First Responders Championship
BIG is proud to continue to host the Ontario First Responder Road Cycling Championships (Fire - Police - EMS) (OFRRCC). Their ride consists of BIG’s 100km route with three timed sections which will be raced to determine the fastest male and female who will be crowned champion.
OFRRCC is an excellent complement to Sunday’s BIG event, making Sarnia a special Canadian cycling weekend destination for both riders and fans.
Over $480,000 raised…and counting
More than $480,000 has been raised through BIG’s schedule of events and programs with the majority of funds going to a conference for palliative care staff, St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia-Lambton and palliative care at Bluewater Health.
“We are thrilled to once again host the Bluewater International Granfondo and support the meaningful work of Bluewater Palliative Care Retreat, St. Joseph’s Hospice and Bluewater Health’s Palliative Care,” said Ken MacAlpine, co-founder of the Bluewater International Granfondo.
“These organizations provide an invaluable service to our community, and the funds raised this year will help ensure residents continue to have access to compassionate end-of-life care.“
In addition to this, their annual Slow Roll event in June, entering its fourth year in 2025, has been able to provide BIG Brother’s Big Sisters with $10,000 annually since its inaugural event. In lieu of a registration fee for the BIG Slow Roll, participants are encouraged to support this cause.
The newest addition to the event schedule, The BIG Gravel Grind, supports for the Women’s Interval Home and Weir Active (a free activity centre for youth aged 12-25). Between all BIG’s events and programs they really do deliver on their mission of creating a more active, healthy and connected community for all of their community members.
Funds raised through registration and donations are presented to the beneficiary organizations at an end-of-summer appreciation night. Register for this year’s events and help BIG surpass the $500,000 raised mark in 2025.
New Giordana Kits for 2025
BIG is pleased to announce their continued association with UNO Imports and Giordana Cycling Apparel for 2025. A complimentary jersey is included as part of your registration fee for the BIG and Gravel Grind events.
2025 apparel including additional jerseys, socks, bib-shorts, vest and arm warmers which will be available for purchase during registration or any other time.
To be sure of receiving your complimentary jersey in the correct size by July 31st you have to be registered by May 15th otherwise your jersey cannot be guaranteed.
Register NOW and SAVE
The BIG ride, which raises funds for palliative care and hospice, returns for its 9th annual event on August 3rd, 2025 in Sarnia, Ontario
Registration includes a special event jersey made by Giordana, Swag bag, well-marked route, aid stations with food and drinks along the route, on-route support, timed sections (BIG), a finisher's medal and Free Food and Beverages at the finish, with Beer for Purchase.
Early bird registration for BIG is $130 for the 150 km route, $120 for the 100km route, and $100 for the 50km route and $80 for the family ride or $79 for the 40km route and $99 for the 80k route in the Gravel Grind event - up until December 31st 2024.
Please click here for accommodation and travel information.
To avoid disappointment, register early before prices increase. The rides will sell-out in advance.
Phil Gaimon’s mad capped charity cookie themed fondo started after his retirement from professional cycling went from bad, to even worse, literally! The event has raised over $600,000 USD for charities.
Phil Gaimon aka “the Cookie Monster” loves bikes, cookies and lots and lots of fun! He’s probably the funniest guy in cycling ever.
Phil likes nothing better than to get out on his bike from his home town of Los Angeles. With the ocean air, near perfect weather and incredible climbs, Phil wouldn’t live anywhere else and helps Los Angeles get the reputation it deserves as a world-class cycling destination.
Phil’s Fondo is his chance to show off the great climbs, ocean air, and perfect weather, to help Los Angeles get the reputation it deserves as a world-class cycling destination. Phil designs the courses himself, collects rider gifts from his favorite sponsors, invites his pro friends, and thanks to fundraising partners, Chef’s Cycle, they’ll have celebrity chefs providing post-ride meals both Saturday & Sunday, with gourmet cookies all weekend, for an LA food experience that would be worth the price of registration by itself.
VIDEO: Phil Gaimon's COOKIE Fondo!!
Phil started the Fondo way back in 2016. Phil designs the courses himself, collects rider gifts from his favorite sponsors, invites his pro friends.
The 9th edition in 2024 was the best yet, with over 1,100 riders and perfect weather.
2025 celebrates the 10th Anniversary of this much loved Californian bike ride!
Phil Gaimon is known for so many crazy things including:
Sliding off his bike spectacularly at the Tour of Flanders (look it up)
Winning the Redlands Bicycle Classic twice
Eating Strava KOM’s for breakfast on his UTube channel (Worst Retirement Ever)
2 times World Hill Climb Champion
USA Cycling Hill Climb Champion
4 times Mount Washington Hill Climb champion, holds the current record of 50.38 crashed on the finish line (show me)
Written 3 best-selling books on Pro Cycling (buy them)
Famous bar of soap tattoo (show me).
First person to set up a Cookie Subscription Plan (buy one)
Had a fist fight with Fabian Cancellera (not true)
Like many cyclists, pro or otherwise, Phil’s had his fair share of scrapes. Unfortunately Phil decided to up the ante from “worst ever retirement” to “worst ever bike crash”, In June 2019, while training for the 2020 Olympics in the Team pursuit, he suffered a serious crash breaking his collarbone, scapula, 5 ribs, and partially collapsing a lung.
Incredibly Phil bounced back from 11 broken bones and rode a 100 mile ride just 6 weeks later. Phil was left with a $250,000 medical bill even though he had double full medical insurance and being stubborn as hell, refused to pay and eventually they dropped the case.
Pro cycling is cleaning up its image: “the first rule of Soap Club is, you do not talk about Soap Club”.
10th Anniversary Cookie Fondo, October 25-26 2025
On the Saturday Join everyone for the very chill Chamois Butt’r Shakeout Ride and Costume Contest, or if you’re looking for longer routes and more climbing while you’re in town, we have two “Bake Your Own” route suggestions that are unmarked and unsupported (but highly endorsed) that you can follow on your own schedule a 45 mile Sugar Cookie Dough and 4,640 feet climbing and the 56 mile Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with 5,900 feet climing.
On Sunday there are four amazing ride options, for all abilities and the crazies out there, there's something for everyone!
20 Mini Chip - The New Mini Chip Route gives families, recreational riders and anyone that hates climbing the opportunity to enjoy the Cookie Fondo...minus all the crazy climbing. 1,363 feet only
49 mile Sugar Cookie - The Sugar Cookie is our shortest route, but don't think it'll be easy. It starts up Westlake Blvd, where you'll pray around every turn that the climb will be over. Enjoy a fun descent to the Pacific on Mulholland Hwy, and some beach views before you head back inland for Potrero—the toughest climb of the weekend. 3,600 feet climbing
83 mile Chocolate Chip - The Chocolate Chip is our most popular ride. Experience the best that Southern Calfornia has to offer, with a total of four climbs. This is a serious route with serious altitude gain--not for beginners. This is the recommended Fondo distance.8,600 feet climbing
103 mile double fudge - The Double Fudge, nearly crazy by all measurable standards. This route will test your endurance, climbing legs and will power. Designed by Phil himself, survive this route and you'll have something to brag about. Don't sign up if you're not sure you can do it, and we think you'll have more fun on the Chocolate Chip, but go for it if you really want to. 10,700ft climbing.
The HQ is hosted at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in Malibu and the routes take in iconic roads and climbs in the hills above Malibu including Mountain views from iconic Mulholland Highway, Thrilling descents down Latigo and Deer Creek Canyons and California sun and short sleeves in November and Ocean views from the Pacific Coast Highway. Test your fitness on climb segments with World Class competition.
There are Aid stations every 15-20 miles with food and hydration... AND DELICIOUS COOKIES AT THE TOP OF EACH CLIMB with Mechanical support on course. Hang out and ride with the pros!
There a Post-ride meal by celebrity chefs and Swag from Phil's sponsors with a VIP option available
Join Phil and friends for a joyous celebration of bikes, hills and cookies.
Over the last nine years the event raised over $600,000 USD for charities including No Kid Hungry and Chef’s Cycle.
For the last few years, the event raises funds for the Sierra Club Los Angeles Chapter who do a lot preservation work around the Los Angeles and Orange County where the Fondo takes place, they also volunteer over the cooke Fondo weekend.
Touted as one of America's Premier cycling events, the 15th Anniversary awakened with a Pro Race at the inaugural edition of The Growler, which perfectly complemented the Gran Fondo and re-ignited cycling fans affection in a great festival of cycling!
Seasoned and storied athletes tackled a route that’s difficult as some of the most challenging one-day professional road races in the world, starting in the front of the Granfondo, and the day’s wet and cold weather made the 138-mile Sonoma County race with over 12,000 feet of climbing even tougher than expected!
A monument for Sonoma County, the head of the bear symbolizes the ride, and will lead the charge for the 16th Anniversary of Levi's GranFondo this spring. Top Pro’s will tackle “The 2nd edition of the Growler” route ahead of the GranFondo. It’s a highly competitive.
The likes of a road race like this has not been seen in recent memory in the United States.
VIDEO: Levi's GranFondo / The Growler
Leipheimer who knows the rugged route well and having trained in the area for over 20 years. Racers had to contend with a long course rife with endless punchy and muddy climbs. The new Growler route being labelled "America's Toughest One Day Race". 138-miles of Sonoma County with over 12,000 feet of climbing, Leipheimer compares it to racing Liège-Bastogne-Liège or Il Lombardia.
In 2016, Tour of California race organizers selected the original Gran route as the course for the 7th stage. It was dubbed The King Stage, recognizing the caliber of roads in Sonoma County, and showcasing that Levi's GranFondo delivered on its promise of offering a challenge worthy of a world tour road race.
The Growler race is open to anyone who wishes to compete and there is no requirement to qualify. Professional athletes will race head to head along with others, vying for a slice of a substantial cash purse! Anyone who races the Growler is eligible. This is your chance to shine.
Leipheimer also believes that for an aspiring pro racer who hasn’t reached the big time — “The new Growler is testing ground for up and coming road hopefuls, the course itself and the roads in Sonoma County are completely epic, really what it’s about for me. It’s a really hard race on incredible roads that will take strength and skill and knowledge.”
All participants who completed The Growler at Levi's GranFondo earned themselves a unique, one-of-a-kind finisher’s award.
All 7 Routes from Windsor
Levi's GranFondo has always offered routes for a wide range of fitness and ability levels. From a casual ride on relatively flat ground through the bucolic wine region to the highly competitive.
Behind the new Growler race, there is the 11 mile Family route, 22 mile Piccolino, 40 mile Piccolino, 63 miles Medio Fondo, 81 mile Geysers, 120 Gran Fondo and of course the 139 Growler, the toughest route with over 12,000 feet of climbing and includes the torturous climb of King Ridge Road, the endless climbs on Stewarts Point Road and steep 13% gradients of The Geysers.
Gone is the summit finish at the top of Geyser's Road. All 7 routes will now have their times captured after competitors finish the entirety of their selected course distance. Organizers, Bike Monkey are making this change to bring the excitement of finishing Levi's GranFondo into the arena of Windsor's Town Green, placing people as they roll underneath the finish line arch in front of adoring fans, friends, family members and loved ones.
Everyone will start and finish together. It is the organizers belief that this change is a necessary improvement to the overall feeling of accomplishment at Levi's GranFondo, regardless of which route you challenged yourself to.
The 100 mile Gran Fondo, the biggest and most popular distance, a definitive cycling experience in northern California that mustn’t be missed. From the damp redwood forests at the base of King Ridge to the 360-degree panoramas at the top. And if you think the climbs are amazing, the descents back down to Sonoma will stay with you for the rest of your days!
Ahead of you is an unforgettable day’s cycling, with a mass start, full support on course and full emergency services. Several aid stations, each with whole foods as well as on-bike liquid and gel energy.
The 1st Growler
The inaugural Growler surpassed expectations, as Lauren De Crescenzo and Keegan Swenson celebrated first place in a talented field of top national and international gravel riders in difficult conditions.
In the women's race Crescenzo attacked with some 80 miles to go and time trialled solo to the finish, some 12 minutes ahead of U.S. Gravel National Champion Lauren Stephens in second place, with Belgian Waffle Ride winner Sarah Sturm in third place.
In the men's race, SBT GRVL champion Swenson outsprinted former WorldTour pro Belgian rider Lawrence Naesen in second, with 2016 Brabantse Pijl champion Petr Vakoc in third place.
The race paid out $55,000 to the top five women and men on the podium!
In 2016, Lauren De Crescenzo suffered a traumatic brain injury in a life-altering crash, and spent 7 days in a medically induced coma. After months of rehabilitation she returned to cycling winning Unbound Gravel in 2021. Since then she's won SBT GRVL, Tour of the Gila, The Rad Dirt, 2nd at US Pro Road Nationals, and 2nd at Big Sugar and Tushar Crusher. Lauren also held the Everesting World Record for 5 days.
Lauren is a champion of the crucial message of traumatic brain injury awareness. She aims for her performances to showcase tenacity, grit, and hard work in the face of adversity.
2024 Levi's Growler Women Top 10
1- Lauren De Crescenzo
2- Lauren Stephens
3- Sarah Sturm
4- Flavia Oliveira Parks
5- Emily Newsom
6- Heather Jackson
7- Maude Farrell
8- Sophie Von Eckstaedt
9- Isabel King
10- Leah Van Der Linden
2024 Levi's Growler Men Top 10
1- Keegan Swenson
2- Lawrence Naesen
3- Petr Vakoc
4- Ian Boswell
5- Griffin Easter
6- Pete Stetina
7- Matthew Wiebe
8- Matthew Zimmer
9- Elouan Gardon
10- Nick Spano
The cycling festival kicks off with a huge Expo and packet pickup at the start on Friday April 18th. On Saturday rider staging opens at 7am with the race and ride starting at 8am. The family orientated festival opens at 10am with Live Music, Food, Beer with the Awards taking place at 3pm.
Whether you’re a racer or a rider, Levi’s GranFondo and Race is one America’s top rides, make sure you at it your “Bucket List” this April 19, 2025.
Save 15% on Accommodation!
Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor-Sonoma Wine Country is the Official Host Hotel of Levi's GranFondo. Our guests may SAVE 15% off regular rates. Book early for the biggest savings. Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor-Sonoma is under 2 minutes by bike or car from the Windsor Town Green where Levi's GranFondo takes place.
Proceeds from all events at Levi’s GranFondo have raised more than $3 million since 2009 for the King Ridge Foundation, which serves at-risk youth organisations.
To celebrate use code GFGAWARD24 for $20 off before Jan 20 at midnight!
One of the best Gran Fondos in North America, the 12th edition SOLD OUT AGAIN with over 1,000 riders. 23 groups of friends combined for the team competition, all in beautiful weather in upstate NJ, just 30 minutes from NYC.
As typical for the Highlands Region, temperatures for the 12th annual Highlands Gran Fondo in 2024 were in the 70s °F with sunny skies, and made for a perfect day as a thousand riders rolled out of Butler, NJ to experience riding through High Point State Park and throughout the Highlands Region for which the event is named.
And yet, even with a record number of riders on course, riders experienced one of the smoothest editions of Highlands Gran Fondo’s 12-year history.
As typical for the Highlands Region, temperatures for the 12th annual Highlands Gran Fondo in 2024 were in the 70s °F with sunny skies, and made for a perfect day as a thousand riders rolled out of Butler, NJ to experience riding through High Point State Park and throughout the Highlands Region for which the event is named.
And yet, even with a record number of riders on course, riders experienced one of the smoothest editions of Highlands Gran Fondo’s 12-year history.
Just 30 minutes from New York City, the Highlands Gran Fondo event is a great way to experience the landscape outside the New York City metro area. With remarkably quiet country roads and shady tree canopies, this beautiful and challenging ride is well worth the trip. The Gran Route crosses the Appalachian trail eight time and showcases some spectacular riding terrain. It’s hard to believe riding this good is located so close to the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.
VIDEO: 2024 Highlands Gran Fondo
Offering what is perhaps the best Post Ride Party you’ll ever find at a finish line, High Point Brewery company, brewery of the award winning Ramstein Beers, offer congratulatory beers to the riders as the return from the challenging routes. Along with a fresh hot meal and great comradery shared among the riders, the awards are followed by a Post Ride Raffle with more than $5000 in prizes to give out from Series sponsors, but beware, race director Reuben Kline is known for his uncanny ability to convince riders into doing pushes and other physical acts, like how can stand on one foot the longest. Whether hanging out for your chance to step onto the podium, win an awesome raffle prize, or just enjoy some great beers with fellow riders, the post ride part is a fun time for all!
Along with the Fun & Supportive Atmosphere, in proximity to huge cycling communities in New York and New Jersey, the Highlands Gran Fondo attracts a large and diverse peloton of competitive, supportive, and fun-loving cyclists of all ability levels. Weather riding the 35mi Piccolo route, 60mi Medio Route, or 100mi Gran Route, this event is a great opportunity to have fun and make a visit to NYC while some great riding!
In light of this special awards celebration Gran Fondo Guide is honoured to provide our fans and followers with a special discount to sign up for any Gran Fondo National Series owned eventbefore January 20th and save $20 on their entry by using the coupon code GFGAWARD24
2024 Highlands Gran Fondo Event Recap
Everyone enjoyed the fantastic after-party including Ramstein Beer at High Point Brewing Company, both in and outdoors.
An amazing 23 teams of three riders took part in the team competition on the Gran Fondo course. Team Solutions Cycling consisting of (Dan Montgomery, Justin Afflitto and Steve Dalby) were the fastest. They narrowly beat team ETP Cycling consisting of (Nick Glavac, Tom Corrigan and Patryk Stolp). Bike4Chai was the third fastest team consisting of (Shlomo Zeilingold, Steven Lacob and Shlomo Vanmessel).
This included the awards ceremony and the legendary raffle with $5,000 worth or prizes given out by series sponsors!
After the ride, the Hammer Nutrition tent was very busy popular, as they handed out their delicious recovery shakes.
Riders Race Results from 2024
Just over 136 riders qualified for the National Championships, by finishing on the podium or in the top 25% of their age category.
The 103 mile Gran Route contained 8,900 feet of climbing with 4 timed segments for riders to race. Nick Glavac (Willoughby OH) was fastest in a time of 43m 20s ahead of Tom Corrigan (Newtown CT) 1 second behind and Matan Sopher (Tucson AZ) 3 seconds behind.
In the women’s Granfondo, Liza Ray (Hillsborough NJ) was fastest in a time of 48m 34s ahead of Nataly Moreno (East Elmhurst NY) in second 1m 21s behind and Claudia Cortinez (Brooklyn NY) in third 1m 56s behind.
In the 63 mile Medio Fondo packed in 4,400 feet of climbing and three timed sections. In the Eziel Hernandez (Levittown NY) was fastest in a time of 24m 40s ahead of Daniel Wilson (Montreal QC) 27s behind and Kris Judd 50s behind in third place.
In the women’s Medio Fondo, Amelia Buchanan was fastest in a time of 38m 4s ahead of Corin James (Washington DC) in second 18s behind and Beatriz Vanegas (Teaneck NJ) in third place 3m 36s behind.
In the 36 mile Piccolo Fondo contained 2,600 feet of climbing and just one timed section. Rachel Liberatore (Huntington NY) was fastest in a time of 33m 39s ahead of Tim Doyle (Johnson City NY) 1m 2s behind and Nicholas Cornell (Plano TX) in third place 1m 19s behind.
The full season of Series owned Events and Partner-Events culminated in the end of season celebration at the 2024 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Champions in Maryland in Frederick, MD on September 15th, 2024.
27 cyclists were crowned 2024 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Champions!
Over 800 cyclists took to the roads of Frederick, enjoying perfect weather and the thrill of competition at Gran Fondo Maryland with over 17 teams taking part in the competition.
The event had something for everyone, taking riders through several different state parks, municipal forests, protected watersheds, and the Catoctin Mountain National Park.
New national champions included 15 year-old Julie Raydo of Virginia and 82 year-old Durward Higgins from Tennessee.
For the third year in a row, Andrew Knight (M45-49) of Marietta, GA was the fastest rider over the four timed segments, finishing in 1:03:38 to earn his third USA Gran Fondo National Championship. Jill Patterson (W40-44) from Arlington, VA was the fastest woman, finishing in 1:11:26 to win her third USA Gran Fondo National Championship title.
Married couple Hannah Gibson (W30-34) and Thomas Gibson (M34-39) of North Carolina both won their respective age categories, in a first for the series at the fourth annual USA Cycling Championships.
Support from Ourisman Automotive Group and a grant from the Michael Erin Busch Sports Fund through Maryland Sports Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Program though Maryland Sports Commission were instrumental in bringing the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships back to Frederick, Maryland for 2024.
In the 61 mile Medio Fondo, Brendan O’Connor from Frederick was fastest for the men and Heather Shapiro from Washington DC was fastest for the women.
In the 28 mile Piccolo Fondo, Jamie Lewis from York was fastest for the men and Darci Miller from Boyds was fastest for the women.
Over 17 teams took part in the team competition, with Redshift Racing taking 1st place on the podium followed by Kelly Benefit Strategies in second and Total Civil Construction in third place.
Gran Fondo Maryland has been part of the Gran Fondo National Series for 12 years. Over $5,000 of prizes were given out from Series sponsors at the Raffle afterwards.
2024 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Champions
The Gran Fondo National Series would like to thanks all their sponsors for making the fourth National Championships possible:
M14-16 Bennett Rose
M17-18 Dillon Lee
M19-24 Henry Neff
M25-29 Konner Wisniewski
M30-34 Felipe Aros
M35-39 Thomas Gibson
M40-44 Owen Shott
M45-49 Andrew Knight
M50-54 Rail Huster
M55-59 Jay Gump
M60-64 Michael Price
M65-69 Jay Trojan
M70-74 Alan Lesage
M75-79 Mark Mccarthy
M80+ Durward Higgins
W14-16 Julie Raydo
W19-24 Kenna Preiffer
W30-34 Hannah Gibson
W35-39 Kai Luigend
W40-44 Jill Patterson
W45-49 Bridgett Widrig
W50-54 Shannon Scanlon
W55-59 Denise Esposito
W60-64 Beth Leasure-Hudson
W65-69 Gail Waldman
W70-74 Elizabeth Tyrell
W80+ Camilla Buchanan
SUAREZ Clothing
Ourisman Automotive
Maryland Sports Commission
Capua Law
Wahoo Fitness Official
Hammer Nutrition
Industry Nine
Monocacy Brewing
Brewers Alley
Ride BMC
Ride with GPS
Garda Bike Hotel
Ride Shimano
Swiftwick Socks
Jittery Joes Coffee
Canecreek USAS
Underbuder
Hub Labels Inc
2024 Point Series Champions
As well as the overall champions, the season-long competition rewards accomplishment and consistency by awarding points to cyclists who compete in at least three Gran Fondo National Series events.
A record number of cyclists participated in Gran Fondo National Series owned events in 2024, including a record number of cyclists who participated in two or more Series events. The Series achieved a 5% increase in overall participation compared to 2023, highlighted by an increase of over 25% in participation at Boone Gran Fondo.
Series Points Championships titles are awarded in each Gran, Medio, and Piccolo Route age-group category, to the rider who has the fewest number of points after participating in a minimum of three Gran Fondo National Series events in the same distance category. A rider’s best three results are counted towards their point totals.
Men's Gran Fondo Champions
Gran MU23 Charlie Hutchens
Gran M23-34 Felipe Aros
Gran M35-44 Noah Niwinski
Gran M45-54 Jeremiah Bishop
Gran M55-64 Jay Gump
Gran M65-69 Jay Trojan
Gran M70+ Alan Lesage
Medio Fondo Champions
Medio M35-44 Sergey Zvezdov
Medio M70+ Tom Gee
Medio W35-44 Monica Bishop
Women's Gran Fondo Champions
Gran W23-34 Valentina Cummings
Gran W35-44 Jennifer Thornton-Brooks
Gran W45-54 Shannon Scanlon
Gran W55-64 Marni Harker
Gran W65-69 Gail Waldman
Gran W70+ Camilla Buchanan
Piccolo Fondo Champions
Piccolo M23-34 Nicholas Cornell
Piccolo M65-69 Dan Heiman
Piccolo M70+ Michael Howard
Piccolo W23-34 Alexandria Cornell
Piccolo W35-44 Samantha Spangenburg
* Dates and routes for Gran Fondo Asheville and Boone Gran Fondo may be altered based on damage from Hurricane Helene.
2025 Partner-Events
In addition to the 6 events organized and run by the Series, there are a growing number Partner-Events where athletes can earn points toward the 2025 Gran Fondo National Series Points Championship and qualify for GFNats. These events are not operated by Gran Fondo National Series and may not yet be open for registration. The following lists at of events is anticipated to be included in the 2025 Series. Watch for additional Partner-Events to also be included for 2025.
To celebrate use code BUCKETLIST for $15 off before Jan 22 at midnight!
The RBC GranFondo Whistler celebrated its 15th Anniversary last September with a five-day celebration of cycling.
The event, held on September 7 2024, hosted 5,053 pre-registered cyclists from around the world and an estimated 14,000+ combined riders and spectators, underscoring its status as North America’s premier cycling experiences.
Cyclists tackled routes from Vancouver to Whistler, covering breath-taking 122 km (Gran Fondo) or 152 km (Forte) distance options, while the 55 km Medio offered a welcoming introduction to the GranFondo experience with the same thrilling celebrations.
The event, held on September 7 2024, hosted 5,053 pre-registered cyclists from around the world and an estimated 14,000+ combined riders and spectators, underscoring its status as North America’s premier cycling experiences.
Cyclists tackled routes from Vancouver to Whistler, covering breath-taking 122 km (Gran Fondo) or 152 km (Forte) distance options, while the 55 km Medio offered a welcoming introduction to the GranFondo experience with the same thrilling celebrations.
VIDEO: RBC GranFondo Whistler
As well as the GranFondo, the event also hosts the highly competitive St. Regis Cup Race for up and coming racers on the 122km course.
Last year’s milestone event showcased the enduring appeal and growing popularity of the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Riders from over 30 countries, including participants from as far away as Mexico, Japan, and Ukraine converged on Vancouver, highlighting the event’s global reach and inclusive spirit. The strong turnout of cyclists and spectators made last year’s GranFondo a true celebration of cycling and community.
With a record 650+ volunteer signups, RBC GranFondo Whistler owes its success due in large part to the “Squadra” volunteer team, responsible for making sure all the athletes have a great experience at the event.
The 15th anniversary RBC GranFondo Whistler expanded with exciting new programs including a Thursday September 5 Shakeout Ride and Party for out of towners at Concord Pacific Place. This new addition offered out of towners a tour of Vancouver, and a social kick-off to the weekend.
After the Fondo a new Sunday Slowdown Program held at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler allowed participants to recover and relax with restorative yoga, sound baths, smoothies, and more, promoting overall well-being as part of the extended celebration.
The Expanded Five-Day Celebration included the curtain raising VIP reception in Vancouver on September 4, and the VeloSpoke Bike Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre on September 6, extending the RBC GranFondo Whistler into an unprecedented five-day festival, delivering exceptional value for cyclists and visitors alike.
Photo: Red Truck Cycling won the women's St. Regis Cup team award in 3:34:40 ahead of The Cycle Collective x Velosophy in second place, and Diversion Womens - Blue in third place.
“The 15th anniversary of the RBC GranFondo Whistler marks a significant milestone for our event,” said Neil McKinnon, founder of RBC GranFondo Whistler. ”This year truly captured the unparalleled beauty, challenge, and celebration that defines the RBC GranFondo Whistler.”
The RBC GranFondo Whistler continues to set the standard for cycling events, offering participants a scenic and challenging ride from Vancouver to Whistler. Renowned for its stunning routes, exceptional organization, and vibrant community atmosphere, it remains a repeat bucket-list experience for cyclists worldwide.
Through the event, over $350,000 has been donated in support of charitable causes since inception.
Gran Fondo Guide founder Mark Harding, who rode last year stated “The event offers exceptional organization with fully closed roads from start to finish with incredible feed stations and amazing volunteers that create such a positive vibe”.
“A big shout out to all the police and medics who spent a very long day out there marshalling the course in very hot weather.”
“I would definitely recommend adding RBC GranFondo Whistler to your Bucket-List, not only is it a world class bike ride, it’s also an amazing holiday destination with an exceptional range of accommodation and travel connections for you to enjoy Canada’s great big outdoors.”
Register Now and SAVE
Registration is already open for the 2025 edition, set to be held on Sept 6, 2025.
For more information, please visit rbcgranfondo.com/whistler or click the button below to register now.
To celebrate use code BUCKETLIST for $15 off before Jan 22 at midnight!
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