RBC GranFondo Whistler offers iconic ride and truly Canadian musical send off for 7,000 cyclists
Year two for the RBC GranFondo Whistler will bring together 7,000 cyclists of all abilities, in an epic journey, taking them from beautiful downtown Vancouver, along the world’s most scenic coastal mountain highway (Highway 99), through the picturesque District of Squamish and on to a breathtaking finish in the bustling, natural playground of Whistler. Participants from across Canada, and around the world, will experience their ride in a dedicated cycling lane width for the entire route in what is now the largest mass cycling event of its kind in North America.
For those that missed the opportunity to sign up for this sold out event, but are avid cyclists, check out Velospoke. VeloSpoke brings together over 100 exhibitors for an energizing showcase of the latest trends in the cycling industry. Cycling fans will have the opportunity to hear from high profile cycling personalities while exploring interactive displays and a range of products from the top lifestyle and cycling brands. Located at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre September 8, 9 – Free Admission.
The 122 kilometre ‘big ride’ will begin with the Giro Race at 6:40 am followed by the mass start at 7:00 am in downtown Vancouver. On hand to send off riders will be Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, District of Squamish Mayor Greg Gardner, Resort Municipality of Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed, as Jim Cuddy and Barney Bentall perform Oh Canada.
Mayor Gardner, Mayor Melamed, Jimmy Cuddy and Barney Bentall will then hop on their bikes with renowned cyclists Alex Stiega and Bob Roll to join the ride up to Whistler!
Travelling over the Lions Gate Bridge and up Taylor Way to Highway 99, the route climbs 2,400 metres and 1,750 metres downhill for a total elevation gain of 650 metres to Whistler.
Follow your friends and family as they ride on twitter @granfondocanada #RBCGFW; or go to one of the dedicated spectator areas (posted at www.september10.ca).
Riders will be supported with multiple aid stations and roving mechanical assistance, with a full rest stop at the halfway point just past Squamish at Alice Lake.
The ride will finish on Blackcomb Way in Whistler, where post‐event celebrations will take place at Whistler’s Olympic Plaza. The first finishers are expected to arrive just before 10:00 am.
To keep cyclists, motorists and spectators safe, traffic modifications will be in effect all along then course route.
Temporary street closures in key locations (the start, mid‐point, and finish areas) will also be necessary to ensure the safety of all concerned.
Highway 99 is open in both directions all day. However, motorists that need to travel on September 10 are advised to plan ahead for significant delays. For detailed maps and traffic impact please visit www.september10.ca
Expected hours of peak traffic impact are as follows:
Downtown Vancouver (Burrard, West Georgia, Hornby, Howe and Granville Streets): 3:15 am to 9:00 am
Lions Gate Bridge: 6:00 am to 8:00 a
Horseshoe Bay to Squamish: 6:00 am to 12:00 noo
(Delays of up to two hours may occur on Highway 99 between Porteau Cove and Britannia Beach from 7am to 12noon
Squamish to Whistler: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm
Whistler Village: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
For current road information, please visit www.drivebc.ca. For questions or comments regarding temporary event related traffic modifications, email us at communityrelations@rbcgranfondo.com or call us at 604 568 8648 and press #6 . For more information on the RBC GranFondo Whistler, please visit www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com.
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Media Contact:
RBC GranFondo Whistler 2011: Kirsten Mihailides 604-618-3572 or kirst@direct.ca
http://rbcgranfondowhistler.com/; https://www.facebook.com/GranFondoCanadaWhistler
http://twitter.com/#!/granfondocanada; http://www.youtube.com/user/GranFondoCanada
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About GranFondo Canada
Founded in 2007, GranFondo Canada is an event management company committed to providing world-class cycling experiences in world renowned locations. Rooted in the growing domain of sport tourism, these events appeal greatly to cyclists looking for unique and memorable experiences. 2011 events include the inaugural RBC GranFondo Kelowna on July 16 and the second annual RBC GranFondo Whistler on September 10. For more information and a listing of 2012 events, please visit: www.granfondocanada.com
About the RBC Blue Water Project
The RBC Blue Water Project is an innovative, wide-ranging, 10-year global commitment to help protect the world's most precious natural resource: fresh water. It includes a $50 million philanthropic commitment to organizations that protect watersheds and ensure access to clean drinking water. The RBC Blue Water Project also promotes responsible water use through awareness programs and supports programs that encourage businesses to develop and commercialize innovative solutions to the water issues facing the world. Since 2007, RBC has pledged over $28 million to more than 400 not-for-profit organizations worldwide that protect watersheds or ensure access to clean drinking water. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/bluewater.
