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Go the distance surrounded by spectacular scenery
With the fall sun on your face and the mountains all around you – the Kootenay Gran Fondo is one of the best cycling events of the year. If you been thinking about doing a grand fondo this is the one you must do.
Cranbrook, located in the Rocky Mountain Trench, is known as a cycling hub for so many reasons, the riding course, the scenery and the many volunteers who passionately make this event go so smoothly.
Planning to visit Cranbrook for the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo? Check out these awesome activities and attractions to enjoy after the big race.
Photo provided by Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo
There are three races to choose from, the Gran Fondo, a 152 km-ride that starts out on the incredible and paved North Star Rails to Trails, a 26-km path right into Kimberley’s Platzl where riders are greeting by cheering spectators. You’ll feel like a champ as you head out of town past forest and farmland and along the winding Kootenay River. There are rest stations along the way, with snacks, mechanical and medical support –and with high-fiving volunteers to keep you going until you end up back in Cranbrook at the St. Eugene resort.
A portion of the entrance fees goes to raising funds for the Cranbrook-Kimberley Rails to Trails Society.
The ride is capped at 500 cyclists so be sure to sign up soon.
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Piccolo Fondo
The ride is 57 kilometres starting at the beautiful St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino. Riding West 4.8 km on Mission Road, the route crosses Hwy. 95A and heads north to join the paved Rails to Trails connector to Kimberley (Aid Station at 26 km, and turn-around). Riding south on Rotary Drive to Knighton Road, riders rejoin the Rails to Trails and ride back to the St. Eugene’s Mission Golf Casino Resort. Click here for course map
Medio Fondo
This ride is 102 kilometres. Riding northwest 4.8 km on Mission Road, it crosses Hwy. 95A and heads north to join the paved Rails to Trails connector to Kimberley (1st Aid Station at 26 km) before continuing north along the quiet Meadowbrook Road (Hwy. 95A). At the Hwy. 95A/Hwy. 93 Junction, riders turn south crossing the Kootenay River (2nd Aid Station at 57 km) riding past Historic Fort Steele (3rd Aid Station at 80 km), before turning west at Hwy. 3 and reconnecting with Hwy. 95A to Mission Road and finishing at the St. Eugene’s Mission Golf Resort Casino. Click here for course map
Gran Fondo
The Gran Fondo ride is 152 kilometres. Riding west 4.8 km on Mission Road, the route crosses Hwy. 95A and heads north to join the paved North Star Rails to Trails connector to Kimberley (1st Aid Station at 26 km) before continuing north along the quiet Meadowbrook Road (Hwy. 95A). At the Hwy. 95A/Hwy. 93 Junction, riders turn south crossing the Kootenay River (2nd Aid Station 57 km) riding past Historic Ft. Steele (3rd Aid Station at 80 km), before turning east on Bull River Road. Crossing the Bull River, riders travel 25 km to the Fish Hatchery (4th Aid Station and turn around at 104 km) beneath the majestic Rocky Mountains before returning to Ft. Steele. Turning south on 93A and then left at Hwy. 3 to reconnect with Hwy. 95A to Mission Road for the final push to the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino. Click here for course map
Registration
Registration fees
Early bird pricing is available
Piccolo - 58km January 1st - April 30th $129 May 1st - July 31st $149 August 1st - August 31st $169
Medio - 92km January 1st - April 30th $159 May 1st - July 31st $179 August 1st - August 31st $199
Gran - 152km January 1st - April 30th $169 May 1st - July 31st $189 August 1st - August 31st $209
If you go
Setting up base camp in Cranbrook allows you to so much more then just biking, find out what’s in store by visiting Cranbrook Tourism’s website.
Get a preview of the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo here.
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