Gran Fondo Vernon

Information and Maps

Big thanks to new sponsors: Please remember these businesses   

• Nolan's Pharmasave/Hammer for providing Hammer Endurance Nutritional products
• Hilltop Subaru for providing an additional 2 support vehicles
• Journey Inn for providing all GFV participants needing a room with 15% off the rates in effect at that time. Click on link
• Tim Horton's for providing their yummy food products
• Skyride Cycle Vernon for providing mechanical and ride support
• Save On Foods for ice to keep our drinks cool
• Buy Low Foods for giving us a deal on post ride Chocolate Milk

5th Annual Gran Fondo Vernon  Ride  June 10th, 2012(162K/135K) Ride    Ride will be capped at 175 paid riders

Portion of funds raised in Support of Independent Living Vernon Programs:

Gran Fondo Vernon is a measured Century Miler or 100 miles converted to metric is 161K. For those of you who may find this distance too daunting there is a 135K loop without the Armstrong loop at the end. Loosely translated from Italian, Gran Fondo means "big ride."

Gran Fondo Vernon is not a race. It is a time to ride with like minded cyclists that wish to challenge themselves for a  ride through some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world. Invite friends to share this opportunity with you as we ride along side-Kalamalka, Wood, Okanagan, and Otter Lakes on our journey.

The ride fee is $20.00 payable at the time of registration. This will cover my expenses thanks to support from sponsors and volunteers. A portion of funds raised will be donated to Independent Living Vernon program  Y.O.U.

There will be 3 speed groups for riders to seed themselves:  (Group A Turbo- 30K+)  (Group B Primo - 27-29K)  (Group C Dynamos- 24-26K). Group C riders are encouraged to start at 6:30 am.

There are 2 starting locations - Vernon at 7:00 (Group A & B @ 7am) and (Group C @ 6:30am) and  Kelowna at 9:15. All new riders starting from Kelowna must check in and start with the main groups (A&B) at 9:15 am.

Group C riders may choose to start earlier from Kelowna after stopping in at the Sails to obtain top up of their drinks and munchie food.

If any one needs further information email me at ghorsting@shaw.ca

Check out pdf route directional information sheet updated on the June 12th, 2011: 162K and  135K

To register click here - Ride will be capped at 175 paid riders

Gran Fondo  2012 Ride Information

WHEN: June 10th, 2012. Slower riders from Vernon start at 6:30 am with the rest of group starting at 7:00 am. We join Kelowna/Penticton riders @ the Sails in Kelowna for a  9:15 am departure from the Sails.

WHERE: Start/Finish in Vernon from The Real Canadian Wholesale Club parking lot @ 25^th Ave/34^th Street. For any out of town riders this is at the south entrance in to Vernon near where Hwy 97 meets 25^th Avenue. We have permission to park our cars at the southeast corner of the parking lot which borders on Hwy 97.  

Kelowna riders will have one more leg to go back to Kelowna. This will be unsupported so  any 1st time Kelowna riders it is recommended that you start and finish in Vernon or follow the directional route guide 162K.  

WHY: Spend a day with friends on a Century 100 mile(161K) ride through some of the most breathtaking scenery as we ride along Kalamalka, Wood, and Okanagan Lake and through Armstrong/Spallmucheen rural areas. This will be a 51/2 – 71/2 hour ride based on group speeds.  I thought we should  share together a challenging and scenic ride in our own backyard.  

WHAT: This is a casual semi supported ride with some food-muffins, cookies, etc., and water provide from the support vehicles. If riders wish to bring extra clothing, food, and spare bike stuff it can be placed in the support vehicle. The map I have provided, details distances completed, and where there will be some stores along the way to re-fuel your bodies. If nature calls there is green space along the way or whatever means you find to relieve yourselves. Doggie bags will be provided. Just kidding! 

WHO: Anyone who wants to challenge themselves to complete a coveted Century Mile Ride. For us metric Canadians that is 160.934 Kilometres.

Support Vehicles:  Great News...Hilltop Subaru has come on board to provide an additional 2 support vehicles

There will be 4 support vehicles along the route. 2 vehicles will have a bike pump, basic tools, food and drinks for you along the route. The other 2 vehicles will provide lead and rear support for the groups are they spread out.

 Riders can place any items that they wish bring along the route in these vehicles. Designated stop locations will be:

3^rd stopping point is at Hwy 97 and Spallmucheen Golf course entrance which is at the 121K mark.

4^th stopping point  Canadian Wholesale Club will be the finish for Vernon riders and the last stop for Kelowna/Penticton riders before they take their last leg of the route back to Kelowna.

Starting Locations (Vernon and Kelowna)

Vernon: The Canadian Wholesale Club parking lot @ 34th Street/25th avenue. Look for the Green Dodge Caravan for the area will we will park

Group C (24K-26K avg.) will start at 6:30 am

Group B (27K-29K avg.) and Group A (30K ++++) will start at 7am

Kelowna: The Sails at 9:15 am. Vernon riders will meet starters in Kelowna at the Sails. Riders have a choice of joining whatever speed group that they wish once we arrive.

Kelowna riders who join Group A riders at the Sails can place their items they wish to bring along at that time.

Group B (27K-29K avg.) and Group C (24K-26K avg.) riders will have  my Green Dodge Caravan for support along the route. It will have a bike pump, spare tires, and the basic tools with him. Vernon and Kelowna riders can place any items they wish in the Dodge Caravan.

The support vehicles will be carrying lots of fluids (water,pop,gatorade) and food (muffins,bagels,timbits,scones,bananas)

To register click here - Ride will be capped at 175 paid riders

 

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