Register now for the 10th Anniversay Bluewater International Granfondo
The BIG ride, which raises funds for palliative care and hospice, returns for its 10th annual event on August 2nd, 2026 in Sarnia, Ontario.
The annual Bluewater International Granfondo (BIG) begins and ends at Mike Weir Park in Sarnia’s, Bright’s Grove, in Ontario, Canada.
Last year, over 1,000 cyclists rode along the shores of Lake Huron at the Sold-Out 9th annual edition.
BIG has been ranked #1 Gran Fondo in Canada and Top 4 in North America by Gran Fondo Guide.
Participants come from across Canada, the USA and Europe with riders traveling from as far away as Uganda, making BIG a truly international event. With both past editions selling out in advance, the 10th anniversary event is expected to fill quickly – secure your spot early and enjoy the stunning vistas along the blue water routes.
BIG Does Gravel
With the continued success of the BIG event, the organization expanded into gravel cycling to meet growing demand. After positive feedback from its inaugural years, the BIG Gravel Grind returns on July 5th, 2026 with even more route options for riders of all abilities. The event maintains the high standard of facilitation participants expect from BIG events, while offering a uniquely fun, friendly gravel experience.
The BIG Gravel Grind supports Weir Active, a free youth activity centre for ages 12–25. They prioritizes play and autonomy over movement. With staff that are trained Youth Wellness Navigators through Rebound and a range of diverse play and fitness equipment; that includes, fidget spinners and noise cancelling headphones, Weir Active removes the pressure youth often face in active spaces and makes movement accessible for all.
Take part in both the BIG and Gravel Grind events and you will complete the BIG Gravel–Road Challenge – everyone who completes both is entered into a draw to win a new bike!
Routes for all Abilities
The BIG event has four established routes, all taking in outstanding views of Lambton County with a beautiful finish along the shores of Lake Huron at Mike Weir Park.
The four routes are 30k family ride, 50k, 100k, and 150k, each with their own start time specifically designed to avoid a mass start and allow riders of all routes to finish within a reasonable time of each other.
The BIG event includes timed sections but not start and finish times found in traditional racing formats. This allows cyclists to take their time between timed sections, ride in groups, make new friends, stop at aid stations along the route and enjoy the ride. There are awards for fastest male and female overall plus age category winners from 15 to over 75 years old.
The BIG Gravel Grind offers 20k, 40k, 60k, and 80k route options for 2026. Riders can also nominate fellow participants for the Jamie Hastings Spirit Award, created in memory of the co-founder of a local cycling club who unexpectedly passed away in 2023. By bypassing timing the course, the event aims to stimulate camaraderie and community among cyclists while enjoying a great gravel ride.
Whether you are looking to experience the enjoyment of riding on quiet country roads, through thriving fruit orchards, or challenge yourself on the rolling hills of Arkona, you will find it all in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
BIG Post-Ride Benefits
In addition to the cycling routes, both events feature post-ride entertainment with fresh food from local vendors, a Cowbell Beer Garden, and a cycling Expo.
After the BIG event, riders can cool off with a refreshing swim in Lake Huron; for the BIG Gravel Grind, a free bike wash station is provided by Muc-Off. Cyclists can take advantage of either before enjoying a live band with a well-deserved beer or soft drink and some very tasty food.
Ontario First Responders Championship
BIG is proud to continue to host the Ontario First Responder Road Cycling Championships (Fire - Police - EMS) (OFRRCC). Their ride consists of BIG’s 100km route with three timed sections which will be raced to determine the fastest male and female who will be crowned champion.
OFRRCC is an excellent complement to Sunday’s BIG event, making Sarnia a special Canadian cycling weekend destination for both riders and fans.
Over $500,000 raised…and counting
More than $500,000 has been raised through BIG’s schedule of events and programs with the majority of funds going to a conference for palliative care staff, St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia-Lambton and palliative care at Bluewater Health.
“We are thrilled to once again host the Bluewater International Granfondo and support the meaningful work of Bluewater Palliative Care Retreat, St. Joseph’s Hospice and Bluewater Health’s Palliative Care,” said Ken MacAlpine, co-founder of the Bluewater International Granfondo.
“These organizations provide an invaluable service to our community, and the funds raised this year will help ensure residents continue to have access to compassionate end-of-life care.“
In addition to this, their annual Slow Roll event in June, entering its fifth year in 2026, has continued to provide Big Brothers Big Sisters with $10,000 annually since its inaugural event. In lieu of a registration fee for the BIG Slow Roll, participants are encouraged to support this community cause.
The newest addition to the event schedule, the BIG Gravel Grind, supports Weir Active, a free activity centre for youth aged 12–25. Between all BCO events and programs, the organization continues to deliver on its mission of creating a more active, healthy, and connected community for all of its members.
Funds raised through registration and donations are presented to beneficiary organizations at an end-of-summer appreciation night. Register for this year’s events and help BIG continue to grow its community impact in 2026.
New Giordana Kits for 2026
BCO is pleased to announce their continued association with UNO Imports and Giordana Cycling Apparel for 2026. A complimentary 10th-anniversary jersey is included as part of your registration fee for both the BIG and Gravel Grind events.
2026 apparel including additional jerseys, socks, bib-shorts, vest and arm warmers which will be available for purchase during registration or any other time.
To be sure of receiving your complimentary jersey in the correct size by July 31st you have to be registered by May 15th otherwise your jersey cannot be guaranteed.
Register Now
Registration includes a special event jersey made by Giordana, swag bag, well-marked route, aid stations with food and drinks along the route, on-route support, timed sections (BIG), a finisher’s medal, and free food and beverages at the finish, with beer for purchase.
Early bird registration for the BIG ride is $85 for 30km route, $105 for the 50km route, $125 for the 100km route and $ 135 for the 150km route. For Gravel Grind, $69 for the 20km route, $79 for the 40km route,
$89 for the 60km route and $99 for the 80km route.
Please click here for accommodation and travel information for the Gran Fondo. Please click here for accomodation and travel for the Gravel Grind.
To avoid disappointment, register early before prices increase. The rides will sell-out in advance.
For more information, please visit: https://www.ourbco.ca or click the button below to register.
