5th Bluewater International Granfondo set for August 1st 2021

Ontario’s #1 Granfondo has raised over $200,000 to support Palliative Care at Bluewater Health Palliative Care and St. Joseph’s Hospice within the community of Sarnia Lambton

Voted #1 Granfondo in Ontario and #2 in Canada, the Bluewater International Granfondo in Sarnia-Lambton is holding off for a year amid complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our sponsors are on board for the postponed tourism draw and cycling spectacle next year”, Ken MacAlpine, committee chairperson, “over 500 people who have already registered will have their entry carried over to the Aug. 1, 2021 event”.

David Palmer, NGL Supply and a BIG Committee member confirmed “Supporting Palliative Care is one thing that drew us to be the title sponsor for the Granfondo in the first place. In the absence of a big ride in 2020, were proud to continue as the title sponsor and directly support the hospice with a $20K donation”

VIDEO: BIGF 2020 UPDATE

Meanwhile MacAlpine and others have raised $12,000 locally and delivered over 1000 meals to Frontline staff at Bluewater Health,nurses, security staff, janitors and others at Sarnia’s hospital via the B.I.G (Bluewater International Granfondo) Bites on Bikes initiative.

Riders who act as guides on Monday night training rides with the Granfondo have been delivering 60 to 80 meals per week from Red & Ko in Point Edward, he said.

Kathy Alexander, executive director at the Bluewater Health Foundation said “from all of us at the Bluewater Heath Foundation, thank you so much to Granfondo organisers for stepping up to help our front line workers. The donations from your supporters to B.I.G. Bites on Bikes to date has provided more than 1,000 meals, delivered to hospital and EMF staff. You can continue to donate by visiting by visiting the Bluewater Health Foundation by visiting our website.

“The people at the hospital are loving it,” said MacAlpine, calling it a semi-low key initiative.

A documentary screening of The Big Cycle of Life – about the Granfondo and its support for local palliative care – had been re scheduled for Friday April17 2021.

The B.I.G. starts and finishes along the shores of Lake Huron in Sarnia’s beautiful Mike Weir Park. B.I.G. is part personal challenge and part serious competition with riders having four routes to choose from. 30k – 50 K – 100K – 150K.

The event is not timed from start to finish as in traditional racing formats but instead they have timed sections.

Participants will compete in the following categories: Men/Women Individual, Masters (over 40) Men/Women, and Teams. Teams will consist of 2 riders and the team time will be based on the 2nd rider finishing each timed section. We anticipate OFRRCC will be an excellent complement to Sunday’s B.I.G. making Sarnia a special Canadian cycling weekend destination for both riders and fans.

5th Bluewater International Granfondo set for August 1st 2021