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Third annual Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie ready to roll!

Join hundreds of cyclists and ride along Nova Scotia's enchanting Acadian Shore for an unforgettable cycling and cultural experience on Sunday, September 24, 2017! 

Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, Canada - Hot off the heels of a successful event in September 2016, registration is open for 2017. In 2016, participation doubled with 831 riding in Nova Scotia’s largest Gran Fondo, which has quickly grown into the largest road cycling event east of Quebec. Participants registered by August 1 will receive a Gran Fondo event jersey and a swag bag and lots of goodies. Early-bird registration ($99 CDN) is open until August 1st, however registration will be available up until the morning of the event. 

Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie offers a cycling adventure for community residents and visiting outdoor enthusiasts—an experience that highlights the region’s Acadian culture and natural beauty. Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie will appeal to those looking to ride for fun, for good health and to take on a personal challenge, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery in a safe environment. Although a timed event, this is more of a self-paced fun group event, rather than a race. New for 2017, live music will also be playing at specific rest stops and at the finish line where, also new for this year, all cyclists will receive a finishers medal after the ride to a festival atmosphere.

Also new for 2017, a 161.5 km Super Gran loop extending into Yarmouth County is on offer for the hardcore cyclist! Experienced riders will be challenged by our slightly lengthened Gran 120 km or our Medio 67 km, while novice cyclists may prefer the shorter 35 km Piccolo Fondo. Riders will navigate rolling inland roads and pass by towering wooden churches along the panoramic coastal route that hugs Baie Sainte-Marie. New for 2017, both Gran and Super Gran routes will take a left-hand turn after Mavillette Beach, and cycle through the picturesque fishing village of Cape St Marys. Both the Super Gran and Medio Fondo rides will take participants around the scenic Bas-de-la-Rivière loop with vistas of la Baie Sainte-Marie and Digby Neck.

The event will start at 8:30 am Sunday morning at the Vélo Baie Sainte-Marie bike shop (9976 Highway 1, Saulnierville). Lunch is included and will feature a choice of BBQ pork or lobster in the shell with prizes to follow. On the Saturday, riders are invited to a social event for a taste of local Acadian culture at the Clare Veterans Centre.

Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie had been nominated by Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance for a 2017 Prestige Award for Sport Tourism Organization of the Year. “It’s an honour to have our Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie nominated for a national sports award” stated Ronnie LeBlanc, Warden, Municipality of Clare. “This nomination for Organization of the Year acknowledges all the hard work and dedication of our organizing committee, our many volunteers, as well as the entire community of Clare, which eagerly rolls out the welcome mat for these cyclists.”

For more information and to register online, visit www.granfondobaiesaintemarie.ca/en

VIDEO: Gran Fondo Baie Saint Marie

The Start (Barrie McGregor)Gran Fondo primary image - Bas-de-la-RiviereCycling by Eglise Sainte-Marie  (Carla Allen)cycling by Moulin de Bangor Sawmill (Anna DAlessio)Cycling by Saint-Alphonse Church (Stacy Comeau)Gran Fondo at Mavillette Beach - (Sandra Phinney)Inside the Lobster TentMavillette Beach - Joey Robichaud PhotographyMavillette Beach cyclists - Joey Robichaud PhotographyMedio Fondo - S LeBlanc
Gran Fondo primary image - Bas-de-la-Riviere