On Sunday July 8, I lined up with 2,509 other cyclists in Penticton to ride the second annual Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx.
Merckx, an Olympic medalist and former national cycling champion from Belgium, retired to Kelowna in 2007. He now offers unique cycling tours geared towards intermediate and experienced riders who, in his words, "wish to experience the world of cycling from a champion's perspective."
We were spread between three different distances. Nearly 1,600 rode the 160 kilometre Granfondo from Penticton through Summerland, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Fairview, Willowbrook and back to Penticton. Another 785 rode the 92 km Mediofondo and 135 rode the 50 km Cortofondo. There was also a Piccolofondo for kids on Saturday.
I have so many stories to tell about this day, but I'll focus on you what to expect from the Granfondo Axel Merckx and hopefully inspire you to sign up next year.
The ride started at 7 a.m. in Gyro Park. World famous race announcer Steve King was up early to motivate those who arrived well before the start time. He entertained the crowd with facts about who was riding, announced the day's events and promoted sponsors. We also heard a few words from the man himself, Axel Merckx.
The mass start was broken up within the first kilometre by Vancouver Hill, a short but steep 10 percent grade leading us out of Penticton and towards Summerland. Starting a long ride with a hill in the first few minutes may sound hard but it safely sorted the riders into similar fitness abilities. This makes for a safer ride.
I won't sugarcoat the ride by pretending this was easy. It's a difficult course with several steep, long climbs in all three distances. This is not a ride you would enjoy without at least a little training. But the views of Okanagan and Skaha lakes, the vineyards and the fields were worth every effort-as long as you remembered to take a moment to look around.
The 160 km Granfondo provides six rest stops where cyclists can load up with quick energy foods such as Honey Stinger waffles, fresh fruit, water, Ultima electrolyte drink and I'm sure various other items that I missed in my rush to get back on my bike. At Le Vieux Pin near Oliver, 100 km into the ride, they provide fresh sandwiches for lunch.
Cyclists could take as long as they needed at each rest stop, enjoying the sunshine and chatting with friendly volunteers, as long as they were mindful of the eight-hour cut-off time.
Although only the first part of the ride was closed to traffic, vehicles weren't a problem that I noticed because the crowds had thinned out in the last 40 km thanks to a series of steep hill climbs.
As soon as cyclists crossed the finish line and racked their bike in the secured bike lot, they could move to the party located at Gyro Park on Lake Okanagan. It was a beautiful setting and many riders quickly went for a dip to cool off before enjoying the celebration. The party includes a free beer, chicken or veggie burger and great outdoor music. For kids and adults alike, the frozen popsicles were a huge treat in the 40 Celsius heat.
On Sunday night we drove home with our new Fondo goodies: a commemorative wine glass, a technical T-shirt, a water bottle, a few treats from Honey Stinger and fantastic memories.
I know I'm not doing justice to the ride by relating my experience and how fantastic it feels to cross a finish line with so many other cyclists. But everyone's experience of completing a ride of this nature is completely individual and the best way for you to understand is to experience it for yourself. There are now several Gran Fondos to choose from in British Columbia and I look forward to riding with you in one of them soon.
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email questions to kris@ getfitwithkris.com.
