Atlantic Canada’s largest Gran Fondo ready to roll again this September
Registration is open for the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, Novia Scotia, which will be held on the weekend of September 9-10, 2023
Register before July 15th and receive a Gran Fondo jersey or t-shirt!
Registration is booming for the sixth edition of Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, which will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, after a three-year hiatus.
The Gran Fondo has quickly grown to become a bucket-list “must-do” cycling and cultural experience. As the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, the unrivalled community spirit, breath-taking ocean views and celebratory lobster dinner have won the hearts of cyclists worldwide!
The event hosted 1,000 riders in 2019, welcoming cyclists from as far away as Alaska and Australia. As of late June, there are almost 500 registrations, including 1/3 from out of province!
The Gran Fondo appeals to recreational riders of all skill levels, as well as to the avid racer, offering three exhilarating rides on low-traffic roads. Experienced riders will be challenged by our slightly modified 128km Gran route, adding the scenic Bas-de-la-Rivière coastal loop, while intermediate and novice cyclists may prefer the shorter 67 km Medio or 35 km Piccolo rides. Riders will navigate rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, passing by towering wooden churches along the panoramic coastal route that hugs beautiful Baie Sainte-Marie.
E-bikes are also permitted to ride in the 67 km Medio and 35 km Piccolo rides.
The community spirit is off the charts: hundreds of local residents roll out the welcome mat and enthusiastically cheer cyclists on from the roadside, waving Acadian flags and banging pots and pans. Around 150 local volunteers will be recruited to ensure the smooth logistics of the event.
NEW For 2023: Due to anticipated renovation work related to the revitalization of the Clare Veterans Centre, the 2023 event will be held at Université Sainte-Anne (1695 Highway 1, Church Point). Lunch is included and is a choice of a vegetarian option, BBQ pork or the perennial favourite, fresh lobster in the shell. On Saturday September 9th, riders are invited to a social event for a taste of Acadian culture. ALSO NEW for 2023, you will ride along the panoramic coastal section that hugs beautiful Baie Sainte-Marie along Bas-de-la-Riviere and New Edinburgh, a favorite section of the Medio ride.
Registration is CAN$129 and includes an event jersey, post-ride meal, swag bag, chip timing, rest stops and animation along the route. Participants registered by July 15 will receive a nautical themed event jersey.
“We can’t wait to see everyone again, as well as hundreds participating for the first time. Strong registration numbers show there is a lot of pent-up demand.” stated Larry Peach, Marketing Coordinator for Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie.
Located in the Municipality of Clare, situated on the shores of Baie Sainte-Marie in Southwest Nova Scotia, and home to the largest Acadian community, with a dozen coastal fishing villages stretching along the panoramic shores of Saint Mary’s Bay.
VIDEO: 2023 Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie promo
Breath-taking routes
Riders will navigate rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, and pass by towering wooden churches along the panoramic coastal route that hugs beautiful Baie Sainte Marie.
The classic 128km Gran route is the most popular ride for more experienced cyclists. Be prepared for a few challenging inland hills, when you head back towards the bay, you’ll pass by the iconic Moulin de Bangor Sawmill where you will be greeted by live music, residents and photographers, a veritable highlight!
A few hills through Saint-Alphonse keeps things interesting, but the breath-taking vistas at the Mavillette Beach detour are worth it! Then head back to the university campus along scenic Highway 1, often referred to as the "Longest Main Street in North America.
Intermediate and novice cyclists may prefer the shorter 67 km Medio Fondo and 35 km Piccolo Fondo rides. Cyclists will ride on low traffic, rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers, and pass by towering wooden churches along the panoramic coastal routes. At 35 km, the Piccolo offers anyone an excellent introduction to Fondo riding and the 67 km Medio is perfect for intermediate riders.
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie appeals to cyclists looking to ride for fun, for good health and to take on a personal challenge. Although a timed event, it is more of a self-paced fun group event, rather than a race. In addition to the start/finish line, there are up to four rest stops. All have washrooms, hydration, nutrition and first aid supplies.
No matter which ride you choose, you will experience the Acadian region's famous community spirit, as hundreds of residents will be cheering you on from the roadsides!
After your unforgettable ride, share stories while savouring on fresh lobster, BBQ pork, or vegetarian option!
Register before July 15th and receive a Gran Fondo jersey or t-shirt
The full-zip jerseys or sport t-shirts by Corsino are available in a wide range of sizes (XS to 6XL).
Comfort fit. Quick-dry fabric with aero-mesh side panels. Full invisible zipper. Internal silicone waist zipper. 3 rear open pockets.
You must register before July 15th at midnight, AST to qualify for a jersey or t-shirt!
Registration Includes
Registration is CAN$129 and includes an event jersey, post-ride meal, swag bag, chip timing, rest stops and animation along the route. Participants registered by July 15 will receive a nautical themed event jersey.
Saturday Social - The social event features fricot (a potato chicken soup), local Acadian music, the famous La Baie en Joie dance troupe, route tips, and more!
Swag Bag - Lots of cool stuff!
Community Spirit -Hundreds of residents and volunteers will enthusiastically cheer you on from the roadsides, waving Acadian flags, ringing cowbells and pounding on pots and pans throughout the ride!
Nutrition Stops - Well-stocked rest stops with all the usual plus surprises included Acadian delicacies. Portable toilets and first-aid are available at all rest stops
Entertainment along the route - Be sure to catch the fiddler at the Bangor Sawmill and other spots
Hard-copy route map and GPX map file - Download the route to your GPS device from Ride with GPS online route maps.
Electronic Start/Finish Timing - Get precise ride timing with industry-leading technology.
Post-Ride Meal - Your choice of lobster in the shell, BBQ or vegetarian meals. Plus drinks, salads, and desserts.
Live Music - Enjoy local music while you feast and trade stories with friends in the Clare Veterans Centre.
Free Massages - After the ride, treat yourself to a free massage by one of our Registered Massage Therapists. You deserve it!
A Chance to Win Door Prizes - Be sure to check after your ride to see if you're a winner!
Free Photography - Photos will be taken at the finish line and throughout the event by event photographers and organisers. Photos will be posted following the event on our Facebook page and website. All images are provided free of charge.
Low-Traffic Roads - No need to worry about traffic - enjoy the views instead!
Exceptional Organisation - Our team of dedicated event professionals and volunteers will take care of your every need before, during, and after the Fondo
For more information, please visit: https://www.granfondobaiesaintemarie.ca/en or click the button below to register now!
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie Photo Gallery
