By all accounts, the first Gran Fondo cycling fundraiser ever held in Saugeen Shores was a resounding success with both number of participants and funds raised for the local Saugeen Memorial Hospital and Regional Owen Sound hospital.
Almost 700 cyclists took part in various distances set out in the event. From 30km to 70km and 110km to 160km, there was a distance for every level of riding ability and endurance. Organizers from MultiSport Canada said they had “…never seen such a successful Gran Fondo given that it was the first one ever held in the area. It beat Whistler and any other we’ve organized,” said John Harding.
The day began at 6:30 a.m. with a Sunrise Ceremony by Saugeen First Nation at Pioneer Park and then proceeded with the first ride of the day, the 160km at 7:00 a.m. so that the riders could get an early start given the long distance.
Dan Murawsky all thumbs up for the ride
A family affair – ‘Feel the Wrath’ of three generations (L) Bob, Sam, Jack, Dave and Meryl Wrath – the family team raised $2,200
