Registration is now open for a 120 and 70 km bicycle road race in Mission this May.
The Mission Classic Gran Fondo is a professionally managed course that will start and finish in the district and feature beautiful scenery, timed climbs, supported aid stations and on-course support.
The local race is looking to attract 1,500 cyclists. The course will head west towards Maple Ridge, climbing up Dewdney Trunk Road, then east across the Stave Lake Dam and back towards Mission. Riders then do a challenging loop through Silverdale, then up and over to the rural roads of the Miracle Valley/McConnell Creek area.
The undulating terrain will challenge participants' strength and stamina on May 27, read a press release.
After the ride, prizes will be awarded across age groups and team categories. The event will be finished off with a post-ride meal and a free concert slated to take place in Fraser River Heritage Park. Included in the entry fee will be an event garment and various gifts from the sponsors of the event.
“Our goal is to bring a first-rate cycling event to an area that is known for great riding and has a long history of great local club support and events to area. The combination of a scenic, rural course located just 70Km from Vancouver will make the Mission Classic Gran Fondo an event not to be missed," says Joe Dixon, event organizer.
The gran fondo derived its origin in Italy and is commonly translated as "big ride." In Europe these are mass start rides and attract up to 10,000 riders of all types. Gran fondos are for every type of rider, casual and more experienced, and are offered in different distances.
For information e-mail joe@outbackevents.ca or call 250-863-3208 or check www.missionclassic.ca.