Following in the footsteps of a number of other events in Canada, Niagara Falls is finally getting a GranFondo event to call its own in 2013.  GranFondo Canada has successfully organized these rides in places like Banff and Whistler, and after a couple of years of planning is hosting their newest event here in September.  I am super excited for opportunity to be a part of such an amazing event on my home turf.  I am going to be doing the ride, and blogging about it between now and then, with a wrap up on the ride itself come September.

If you haven’t heard of this ride you should check out the website for all the details.  Registration opens tomorrow at noon (January 15, 2013) which gives you 8 months to get ready for this awesome 125 km ride (or 8 months of anticipation if you’re already prepared for that distance!)  A big bonus for registering early is enhanced pricing – the special launch price is only $199 (down from $250) for the first 1000 riders between now and the end of February so get in early and save a few bucks.

Cruising along the Niagara Parkway section (Photo from GranFondo Canada)

The 125km route that has been developed looks ideal, and really covers all that the Niagara Region has to offer.  Starting in Niagara Falls, riders will head into Niagara on the Lake, and then west over the canal and out onto the beautiful rural roads around Short Hills Provincial Park and the Niagara Escarpment, before ending back at the Falls.  I have ridden all of these roads before, and look forward to doing with controlled traffic as part of this GranFondo. The route also includes some unique experiences that are only available as part of this event like riding through the Thorold Tunnel under the Welland Canal.

GranFondo Niagara Falls planned route

This type of group ride is experiencing tremendous popularity in North America with more and more popping up each year.  I’ve never done one, but I am definitely looking forward to this as my first.  GranFondo Canada has a history of successful events, and I am confident this will be another great one to add to the list.  I am super excited to be a part of this inaugural GranFondo Niagara Falls and would encourage you to join me if you can.  Keep tuned into runbikerace.com for more information in the coming months.