Tamarack Centre has partnered with Sunrise Rotary and Gerick Sports in a contest to give away a Norco Wolverine mountain bike, to help promote the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo event being held September 7, 2014.
The contest to win the bike was held at Tamarack Centre, and ran from June 12 to July 1. Hundreds of names were entered into the barrel, but Lori Stevenson of Cranbrook was the lucky recipient.
The second annual Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo, presented by Taylor Adams Chartered Accountants, is being organized by the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club. The purpose of the ride is to serve as an opportunity for cyclists to participate in a world class Fondo, bring tourists to our region, and raise funds for local charitable endeavours. The intention is to have the Cranbrook - Kimberley Rails to Trails Society as a recipient of a portion of the event proceeds. Other funds raised through the event will be used to support community projects in our area. Organizers are committed to using local suppliers and businesses to benefit our community.A Gran Fondo is an organized, mass participation cycling event.
Many cyclists use Gran Fondos to challenge themselves to ride a long distance with fellow cyclists while being supported organizationally. The routes are well sign-posted and marshalled and riders are able to use aid stations positioned at intervals along the route to replenish their nutritional needs and drink supplies. Riders are provided with mechanical and medical support if needed. Some participants ride the event like a race, while others simply ride for a personal challenge and the camaraderie with friends and family.