The Bluewater International Granfondo will mark its 10th anniversary this summer, as 1,000 cyclists pedal along the shores of Lake Huron.
Bluewater Cycling Organization Operations Manager Kendel Ross said a few ideas are under consideration to celebrate the milestone.
"We're looking at potentially making the 150 kilometre route a full 100 miles. We have a new branding kit and we're rolling that out this year, and we're really excited about the jerseys that come with that and some of the signage people will see along their route," Ross said. "We've secured a great band, and Team Outfitters is there to do some live printing for excellent merch. We're quite excited about celebrating."
As of May 22, the event was about 85 per cent sold out.
"Every year, we cap the Granfondo at 1,000 riders and this is for safety to ensure the course remains enjoyable for everyone that's registered," Ross said. "Usually we sell out by early June, and we're getting quite close already."
The cycling fundraiser includes four routes, starting and finishing from Mike Weir Park.
"It's really fun when you see the corral go by, especially when they're all so close together at the start of the ride," said Ross. "Seeing that many cyclists riding is super motivational and it gives people the thought that they could potentially do it too because there are options. There's a 30k, a 50k, 100k, and 150k."
Ross said first-time participants are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to try it out.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 2.
Since its inception, Ross said the Granfondo has allowed organizers to give back over $500,000 in the community to support palliative care.
Registration details can be found at raceroster.com.
