Supporting Environmental Conservation Work on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula
Submitted by Donna Cole
The 6th Annual Gravel Gran Fondo was held on October 4th. The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA), it continues to sell out early every year. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us!
With 115 km, 80 km, 56 km, and 30 km routes, over 400 riders explored some of the most beautiful roads on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, travelling from Lion’s Head Lighthouse toward Cabot Head. From the scenic back roads and trails along the Georgian Bay shoreline to the incredible community of riders, volunteers, sponsors and supporters, you all helped make this event one to remember.
This ride wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people behind it. A special thank you to our 100+ volunteers, support crews, feed station teams, photographers, sponsors, and everyone who helped keep riders fuelled, supported, and smiling along the way.
From homemade goodies at the feed stations to post-ride lunch from our friends at the Ferndale, Lion’s Head & District Lions Club, bike washes, photos, and plenty of good times, we hope you enjoyed every kilometre!
We were all thrilled the rain stopped just in time and held off all day. And boy, did that wind give everyone an extra workout! Kudos to all of you for powering through the gusts like absolute champs.
Mayor Milt McIver helped to kick off the event, along with our Fire Department Escort.
“As one of the organizers and cheerleaders, I had so many riders thank us for putting on the event and all of the support our volunteers give to the riders. Such an overwhelmingly positive response. It truly inspires us to keep hosting this event,” said Donna Cole, Head of Communications for the BPBA.
Though the final numbers are not yet in, approximately $70,000 was raised during this year’s event! Most importantly, all proceeds from the event support the environmental conservation work of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association.
The next Fondo will be held on October 3rd, 2027. Please stay tuned for more information either on the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association website (BPBA.ca) or on our Gravel Gran Fondo website (https://www.brucegravelfondo.com/)
