This year’s Gran Fondo Badlands is set for June 27 and organizers are hoping for an even better turnout for the second annual event.
Organizers of the Gran Fondo Badlands are looking for an improved turnout for this year’s event.
The second annual Grand Fondo Badlands is set to go June 27. The fully supported ride has distances from 50 kilometres up to a full 160 kilometre course. Organizer Rick Skeith said there would be a couple small changes to look forward to this year making the event more fun and safe.
“We are going to start and finish at the Community Centre (BCF) rather than the school and there are a couple of reasons for that; one, it is safer in the afternoon to come and end there rather than ride across the river and turn left,” said Skeith. “The other reason is parking, it will be easier there.”
Another change is they will be hosting a breakfast before the ride, as well as the lunch following for the volunteers and riders.
This is the second year for the event and last year it attracted almost 500 riders.
“We are hearing a lot of good things and we are looking forward to coming out and seeing a few more people including a larger contingent from the local Drumheller Cycling Club,” he said.
Sports tourism has become a recent buzzword, and it seems Drumheller is at the forefront. The Badlands Marathon is set to mark the sixth season in the valley this summer. There is also the second annual Tough Mudder event and the Drumheller Dinosaur Trail Triathlon is back for its third year. The Gran Fondo is the perfect fit.
Previous to the Grand Fondo organizer held a race in the Nanton area.
“We are getting more riders here and much more community and town support,” said Skeith. “The town is definitely keen.”
The ride also has a charity component and is looking to support the future Boys and Girls Club in Drumheller.
“We are hoping that it comes to fruition,’ said Skeith, adding that last year it raised about $2,000, and it went to youth initiatives in the valley.
Registration is open and going well. They are hopeful they will have even more riders in the event this year.
“We have quite a few signed up already. We are sort of where we were last year,” he said. “We are looking for 500 or 600 people to come out and enjoy the sights. Drumheller hospitality is quite impressive, we like coming out here.”
To learn more go www.granfondobadlands.com
