Biking Canada’s First GranFondo from Vancouver to Whistler

In less than 48 hours I’m joining 3999 fellow bikers in Canada’s first ever GranFondo event from downtown Vancouver to Whistler. It sounded like fun when I signed up back in February. Now that the start is within spitting distance I’m wondering if my legs are up to the task.

As a very goal oriented individual I figured this ride would be one way to force me into getting into great shape. I also reasoned that 120 kilometers was well within my capabilities. (After all two years ago I rode an average of 125 kms a day for 3 weeks as part of the Tour d’Afrique) It wasn’t until after I’d plunked down my $175 registration fee (yes – you read that number correctly) and read more of the details that I questioned my sanity. The total climb from downtown Vancouver to Whistler is 7500 vertical feet and I have NEVER done that much climbing in one day in my life.

Since I registered I’ve done lots of biking as part of my travels for my HikeBikeTravel website. Most recently my husband and I completed three weeks in the Maritimes; fortunately it was just two weeks ago that we finished the tough Cabot Trail ride. Lately I’ve been cycling up Cypress Mountain as it provides about 2500 feet of vertical. But despite all my summertime biking and training the young bucks in lycra – and there are lots of them – continue to whiz by me. I have now adopted the motto ABL - Anything But Last.

The organizers of the bike ride – RBC Gran Fondo Whistler - have permission to close one lane of the Sea to Sky Highway until 4pm this Saturday. Before the upgrades to the highway, mostly done for the Olympics, a bike ride would have been suicidal. Now there are only a few places where you have to hope you don’t meet a big truck. But to have a dedicated bike lane for one day on the very scenic Sea to Sky Highway is a huge reason for attempting the first Gran Fondo race in Canada.

The race begins at 6:50 am for the elite racers, 7am for the rest of us. Final awards for various age groups begin at 3pm so my goal is to finish before the awards begin. ABL!!! And to all you drivers this weekend – please be patient. Cheer us on, especially the stragglers.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

PS. This race sold out ages ago. Registration for next year’s GranFondo, held in the Okanagan begins on September 20th for the public. Races in Ontario and Alberta will begin in the fall of 2012 and registration occurs almost one year in advance.

Note: I did complete the race in 6 hours & 55 minutes on a heavy front suspension bike – so next year I must get a racing bike. It was great fun and I highly recommend it.

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