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The Whistler GranFondo is HERE!

Posted: Sep 09 2011 in Commentary, Events, We Ride

WOW!!! The Whistler Granfondo is tomorrow!

Your training is done. Your bike is dialed, your gear is clean and ready to be donned.

Here is what remains to prepare for a great ride...

Get your rider number and head down to the Vancouver Convention Centre to “check in“. Give yourself extra time to go through the Velospoke halls and meet with range of vendors including DB and Peak Performance - it will be a great chance to bump elbows with other WGF participants prior to the ride.

Returning participants and those new to the WGF should review the Rider Guide.

A tip: Cut out a copy of the WGF ride profile (see bottom of map on page 7 of the RBC WGF rider guide). On the profile, using the distance markers, make noteof the the aid stations. Tape the profile to the stem of your bike or the cross bar of your handle bar. Cover the profile with tape so that it is protected from water (Rain is not expected Saturday but you will be sweating). The profile and a good cycling computer will give you plenty of info regarding the distance and steepness of upcoming hills, opportunities for recoveries (flat sections and downhills), upcoming aid stations and remaining distance to the finish etc.

On the right hand side of Page 7 is “rider checklist”. I recommend adding “arm warmers” to that list. The staging area will be cool in the morning and arm warmers are easy to manage and remove once you start to warm-up - probably about half way upTaylor Way.

Review the staging recommendations and take them to heart. 6999 other cyclists ask that you do.

5:30AM will arrive quickly on Saturday morning. Make sure you have everything laid out and ready to go for a stress-free start to your day.

One other thing: Cycling is a fantastic activity as it can be done at a range of levels, ages and abilities and the GranFondo experience captures this well. The greatest legacy for the Whistler GranFondo and other ʻrideʼ events in the province is that the general population now has a much greater awareness of cycling and cyclist on the road. Let's do our part and ensure we are aware of our responsibilities as cyclists.There are many things you will take away from the WGF experience but the greatest is a renewed enthusiasm for an active life and a lifetime of cycling adventures. Please take a moment and Read the Ride Rules and Ride Guidelines as listed in the rider guide and take some time to review the bikesense website.

Have a fantastic ride this Saturday! Have fun and good luck!

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Jason Bond is a passionate cyclist, cycling coach and personal trainer. He is prep’d and ready for the this years Granfondo. Beyond the WGF, he is excited to take his cycling fitness and transition into cyclo cross for the fall. He is available for group and one-on-one coaching in the gym and on the bike. Visit www.bondtraining.ca for details. Jason is also teaching spin classes this fall and winter at the DB West Van Spin Studio.

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