Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie Boosts Nova Scotia Economy

Nearly 900 cyclists took part in the 2nd Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie in Nova Scotia

A cold bright day greated nearly 900 cyclists for the second Gran Fondo Sainte-Marie taking part in Municipality of Clare, Nova Scotia. Cyclists came from all over Novia Scotia and even further afield, as afar as New Zealand.

A brisk and windy morning greeted more than 860 cyclists peddling in the second Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, an event that showcases Acadian culture and historic sights.

Acadian flags welcomed the riders who came to cheer the riders who were peddling 117 kilometres along the French shore.

The Gran Fondo has become a trend in North America and is the biggest cycling boom in recent years.

"The Gran Fondo brings people and an air of excitement to Clare," said Pam Doucet, chairperson of the event. "It celebrates a healthy lifestyle and a joy of community."

Gran Fondo means big ride in Italian. Long popular in Europe, they have become a trend in North America. The Baie Sainte-Marie event was the first in the province to embrace this new trend.

It's been a hit with participation more then doubling in the second year to almost 900 riders, making it the largest Gran Fondo east of Quebec.

Doucet said the economic effect is huge "We had a study done and the economic impact for the province was a quarter of a million dollars. This year, with twice the number of participants we expect double the economic impact," she said.

But Doucet said the event has a secondary importance as well: "It's the community involvement. We have a waiting list of people wanting to volunteer and we have a lot of people from Clare riding in the event," she said.

"There are more than 130 Volunteers here today. People were so keen to help that there was even a wait list!"

There were shorter distances of 35 kilometres and 67 kilometres for cyclists to ride, but the majority of participants did the full 117 kilometres.

Ted Reynolds who rode commented "Thank you for another great cycling event. Every bit as great as last year. See you in 2017!"

Link to official results - https://raceroster.com/results/f479rn5xufnvuckd