Medicine Hat Gran Fondo

June 12 , 2020 7 PM – 9 PM
The package pick-ups on Friday night will be at Cyclepath (2010 Strachan Road S.E.) from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. All riders are expected to sign a waiver form during package pick-up.
June 13, 2020 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Package pick-up at Glenview Church of the Nazarene, (Refer to route map for location, located directly East of Wal-Mart. All riders are expected to sign a waiver form during package pick-up.
June 13, 2020 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Timing Chip Pick Up at the start line
June 13, 2020 7:50 Am
Call to start line for all distances.
June 13, 2020 8:00 AM
Start of ride for all distances.
June 13, 2020 9:30 AM
Post ride lunch by Zucchini Blossom begins at Glenview Church of the Nazarene.
First Riders expected back.
June 13, 2020 5:00 PM
Finish line closes.
June 13, 2020 5:30 PM
Post ride lunch closes.

EVENT RULES

• This is not an official “race”, but a self-paced ride designed for enjoyment.
• Helmets are mandatory. Approved cycling helmet is required for all riders. Riders must wear a certified cycling helmet with the chinstrap buckled at all times during the ride.
• All cyclists are personally responsible for obeying all traffic laws. Extra signage and road marshaling will be in place but always remember that this is a public road way and as such, is always subject to Alberta’s cycling and road rules. All riders should be familiar with these rules.
• No outside support vehicles are allowed along the course. The event is supported by the organizers. No other means of support shall be permitted within the event.
• Display your event number. All registered cyclists must wear their event number at all times during the ride. Riders who fail to do so will be asked to leave the event.
• No headphones of any kind, MP3 players, personal stereos or usage of cell phones are permitted while riding. We also encourage riders to maintain grip of their handlebars at all time.
• All riders under the age of 18 years on race day will require a signed guardian permission waver, in addition to a formal release form.
• All riders under the age of 16, must be accompanied on course by an adult.
• No littering – it’s the law. Riders are to dispose of waste in appropriate recycling bins at rest stops. Public urination is against the law and as such, not permitted. Riders are asked to use toilets provided at Rest Stops.
• Motors are not allowed on or in bicycles. Anyone caught with a motor will be immediately disqualified and removed from the event.

 
Guideline for the Courteous Gran Fondo Rider

• Be aware of others around you and communicate clearly and well in advance of your intended maneuvers. Use appropriate gestures in combination with verbal commands. Pass on the left only and call out your pass. Courteously call out “on your left” upon approaching a rider before passing. Ride with your head up. Look down the road, not at the person in front of you.
• If you require a stop while on the course, ensure it is safe to do so. Maneuver appropriately, giving riders around you room to continue riding safely. Know your skill and limits and stay within them. Be extremely cautious when going down hills and remember that you must have control of your bike and be able to emergency stop at all times.
• Never overlap your wheels with other riders. Always stay in single file when ever possible.
• The use of aerobars is strongly discouraged during this event. With so many riders, they can be very dangerous.
• Thank the volunteers. Without volunteers this event would not be possible. We value our dedicated volunteers and want to ensure that they have a great time. Abuse of any volunteer will not be tolerated. Please thank them for helping make your day a successful one.
• Remember this is not a race. Ride hard, challenge yourself and enjoy the Medicine Hat Gran Fondo with the safety of yourself and fellow riders in mind.

Piccolo Fondo Course 30 KM   (Download Map)

A 30 km ride through picturesque prairie views with more than 120m of elevation gain. The majority of the elevation gain is in the first half of the course.

The turnaround, including a fully stocked aid station is positioned at Eagle Butte Road and Township Road 112. The Cypress Hills can be seen looking south.

Corto Fondo Course 60 KM   (Download Map)

A 60km ride through picturesque prairie views with more than 400m of elevation gain.
The majority of elevation gain is in the first half of the course.

The turn around, including a fully stocked Aid Station is positioned at the Little Plume Church. This aid station features a stunning view of the surrounding area. From here it is all downhill to the finish.

Medio Fondo Course 100 KM   (Download Map)

A 100 km ride that takes you to the base of the Cypress Hills with 700 m of elevation gain. The Medio Fondo course climbs out to the Little Plume Church where there is a fully stocked aid station.

After the aid station the road continues to climb for another 2 km before it reaches a summit. Once at the top enjoy great views of the Cypress Hills as you begin a gentle 3 km descent. It then continues south through rolling terrain until the turnaround aid station at the base of the Cypress Hills.

Riders then reverse their route with some climbing back to the aid station at the Little Plume Church at the 70 km point. This aid station features a stunning view of the surrounding area. From here it is all downhill to the finish.

Gran Fondo Course 146 KM   (Download Map)

The Gran-Daddy of the Medicine Hat Practica di Gran Fondo takes you on a grueling 146 km journey with an elevation gain of over 1100 m, rivaling those fondos that take place in the Alberta Rockies.

The Gran Fondo course climbs out to the Little Plume Church where there is a fully stocked aid station. After the aid station the road continues to climb for another 2 km before it reaches a summit. Once at the top enjoy great views of the Cypress Hills as you begin a gentle 3 km descent.

It then continues south through rolling terrain until the turnaround aid station at the base of the Cypress Hills. Riders then retrace their route (with food and drink available when you pass the Little Plume Church, recommended as the next aid station is 52 km farther on) till they get back to the junction with the Black and White Trail.

At this point Gran Fondo riders turn south (all other riders will be turning north) and begin climbing again. The route proceeds south for 22 km, at this point there is another fully stocked aid station.

After filling up on food and drink the riders go north along the Black and White Trail back to the finish, with the last 20 km generally downhill.