With long days and warm cycling weather upon us, its a great time to stretch your riding boundaries. One of the best ways of doing this is to participate in one of the many organized cycling events in the region. There are many rides to suit all abilities, and if youre looking to push into longer distances you can build up gradually as the summer wears on.
Starting the party July 1 is the BC Randonneurs Canada Day Populaire. This ride is open to everyone, and the distance is drawn from the age of our country. This years ride covers 146 kilometres. While the route isnt marked and riders must follow control cards to take the correct turns, this is also one of the cheapest events at just $20 per rider.
Coming up on July 21st is the Prospera Valley GranFondo, a beautiful ride through the Fraser Valley. Available in three distances a 50 km PrestoFondo, 88 km MedioFondo and 160 km GranFondo this is an ideal summer ride for all abilities. Much of the route is very flat (there are just three longer climbs on the full route), and event officials point out where to turn and ensure safe passage through intersections. Riders are rewarded with a fantastic barbecue inside historic Fort Langley, and every finisher gets a gorgeous medal designed by Kwantlen First Nation artists.
The following weekend theres a choice of rides on the table. Down in Washington State, riders looking for a distance challenge can participate in the Tour de Whatcom, a 165-km route that tous through some of the most scenic parts of the county. Cyclists who prefer shorter distances can sign up for the 80- or 40-km routes.
Back in B.C., the Slow Food Cycle Tour (one of my favourite events from last summer) takes place over two days in Aggasiz and Chilliwack. Riders follow gentle roads from farm to farm, sampling delicious food such as freshly grilled corn and homemade ice cream while learning more about farming practices and local food production. The full route covers 25 km each day, but youll probably end up spending more time on the stops than on the bike. Make sure you bring your panniers so you can stock up on produce to take home! This is a great day (or two) for the whole family.
There are still a few spots left for Augusts RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party!), with registration re-opening July 23. For this two-day epic ride organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, you can take your bike to Seattle on the train or bus in the knowledge that youll be riding it all the way home. The first day takes riders from Seattle to Bellingham, and the second crosses back over the border to Vancouver and the party.
Heading into September, theres the granddaddy of them all: the Whistler GranFondo. At 122 km, this isnt the longest of the organized rides on offer, but the 1,700 metres of climbing makes it a fantastic challenge after a summer of riding. Theres also a MedioFondo route from Squamish to Whistler that covers 55 km. This ride is simply incomparable: a dedicated lane on the Sea to Sky, stunning views, and a great party at the finish line.
Know any other rides that youd recommend this summer? Drop me a line at [email protected].
Kay Cahill is a cyclist and librarian who believes that bikes are for life, not just for commuting.
