Register now for the Bluewater International Granfondo
The BIG ride, which raises funds for palliative care and hospice, returns for its 9th annual event on August 3rd, 2025 in Sarnia, Ontario
The annual Bluewater International Granfondo (BIG) begins and ends at Mike Weir Park in Sarnia’s, Bright’s Grove, in Ontario, Canada.
Last year, over 1,000 cyclists rode along the shores of Lake Huron in at the Sold-Out 8th annual edition.
BIG has been ranked #1 Gran Fondo in Ontario and #2 Gran Fondo in Canada by Gran Fondo Guide.
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!
BIG Does Gravel
With the success of the BIG event, the organization has built out a new gravel event to meet the growing demand for gravel cycling. In its 2024 inaugural event, the BIG Gravel Grind touted rave reviews due to fun routes and impeccable facilitation that participants of BIG events have become accustomed to. The BIG Gravel Grind is set to return July 6th, 2025 and proceeds from the event go to the Women’s Interval Home and the free youth activity centre ‘Weir Active’. Take part in both the BIG and Gravel Grind events and you will complete the BIG Gravel-Road Challenge – everyone that does so is entered into a draw to win a new bike!
Routes for all Abilities
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.
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
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.
For more information, please visit: http://bigf.ca or click the button below to register.
