Real West Gravel Grinder - March 16, 2025 - Pendleton OR

Second GranFondo Melfort a Big Hit

Whether it was riding in the 100K challenge or the 5K Family event, it was clear the second annual Gran Fondo was a big hit.

The event began at 8 am as a group of riders made their way out to the 100K challenge to Wapiti. They were led out through the city by the RCMP. Afterwards, the 5K Family Fondo began at 9 am and then the Bike Safety Obstacle Course began at 10:30 am.

Local venders were featured in the Fondo market and the Fondo feast began at 11 am. The meal consisted of pulled pork with coleslaw and chocolate cake. The event was held at the Co-Op Central Cycle station in front of the Co-Op at the Melfort Mall.

They had 65 riders out for the event. Cyclists came from all over the province came such as Yorkton, Nipawin, Niacam, Aborfield, Saskatoon, Regina, Waka, Prince Albert came to pedal.

The first rider to complete the 100K challenge was Shawn Rempel. This was his second time riding in the event. Rempel completed his ride in two hours and 55 minutes. “It’s a beautiful ride,” said Rempel. “Being based in Saskatoon, I do a lot of my riding around Saskatoon. “The river valley out in Wapiti was very nice. Very enjoyable.” Conquering the marathon ride, the hardest part for Rempel and a lot of the 100K riders was going up against the windy weather. “Battling the wind on the way back in was certainly a challenge ,” said Rempel. “It was a lot of fun going out with the wind. You can get up to some pretty good speed especially going down into the valley but coming back was certainty a bit of a challenge.”

With the event in its second year, it didn’t take long for people to sign up. It appears as though city is starting to embrace biking culture.

“It has been so much better than last year,” said Event Director Laureen DeBusschere “Last year we were worried about would people come. Does the community understand what the biking would be for. All of those things you worry about for a first time event but this year it was just so easy. The registrations came in quickly, sponsors came on quickly, volunteers came in quickly so I think Melfort is beginning to see that it’s a good event for us here.”

Second GranFondo Melfort a Big Hit