SAULNIERVILLE, N.S. — Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, is introducing a fifth ride to celebrate its fifth anniversary, all while offering the breath-taking ocean views and celebratory lobster dinner that have won the hearts of cyclists worldwide.
The event, which has become a bucket list cycling and cultural experience, hosted 970 cyclists in 2018 from Alaska to Australia. This year, organizers expect to attract about 1,000 participants. As of Sept. 12, there were 968 registrations, including a record number 247 from outside Nova Scotia.
On Sept. 22, cyclists will once again ride along Nova Scotia’s Acadian Shore. A fifth ride, the 88.5 km Mezzo “middle” Fondo, has been added to the roster to celebrate the event’s fifth edition. Participants can also choose between the 161 km Super Gran and 118 km Gran routes for experienced riders, or the popular 67 km Medio or shorter 35 km Piccolo rides for intermediate and novice cyclists. Riders will navigate rolling inland roads along lakes and rivers and pass by towering wooden churches along the panoramic coastal route that hugs Nova Scotia’s Baie Sainte-Marie.
“This event continues to grow and flourish every year,” said Ronnie LeBlanc, warden of the Municipality of Clare. “The community wholeheartedly opens its doors to cyclists from all over Nova Scotia and the world. I look forward to riding in my fifth Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie this September.”
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. After their ride, cyclists are treated to a complimentary lunch, with a choice of a vegetarian option, barbecue pork or the perennial favourite, fresh lobster in the shell.
Returning in 2019, the Mini-Fondo (2 km and 4 km) for children ages five to 12 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21.
“We want to offer families an entire weekend of cycling. Last year we were super pleased to see 95 kids participate,” said Louanne Doucet, owner of the Vélo Baie Sainte-Marie bike shop and member of the organizing committee.
There is still time for cyclists to register. They are invited to sign up online, or they can stop by the Clare Veterans Centre on Saturday, Sept. 21, and on the morning of the event on Sunday, Sept. 22. The $99 registration also includes a swag bag, transponder timing, nutrition stops and entertainment along the route, a free massage and a finishing medal.
For more information and to register online, click here.
Event Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 21
Noon to 7 p.m. Check-in and Registration Clare Veterans Centre (9938 Highway 1, Saulnierville)
4 to 7 p.m. Social evening with fricot, finger foods, refreshments and entertainment Clare Veterans Centre (9938 Highway 1, Saulnierville)
Sunday, Sept. 22
6:30 a.m. Parking opens at Clare Veterans Centre
7 a.m. Check-in and Registration opens at Clare Veterans Centre
8 a.m. Registration closes at 8:30 am. Cyclists will start in staging area adjacent to Clare Veterans Centre at the Vélo Baie Sainte-Marie mini-mall parking lot (9976 Highway 1, Saulnierville)
8:15 a.m. Pre-ride briefing
8:30 a.m. 161 km Super Fondo ride starts
8:45 a.m. 118 km Gran Fondo ride starts
2 waves: advanced/intermediate, followed by intermediate/beginner
9 a.m. 89 km Mezzo Fondo ride starts
2 waves: advanced/intermediate, followed by intermediate/beginner
9:15 a.m. 67 km Medio Fondo ride starts
2 waves: advanced/intermediate, followed by intermediate/beginner
9:30 a.m. 35 km Piccolo Fondo ride starts
10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Finish line medals and photos for all participants
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Post-ride meal with live music
Clare Veterans Centre and Riverside Lobster Tent
4 p.m. Route support ends
