The Kootenay Rockies Kids Fondo is back and ready to ride for a second year.
Organized by the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club, the second-annual Kootenay Rockies Kids Fondo returns Saturday, May 29, to St. Eugene Golf, Resort & Casino, providing another great opportunity for youngsters age six to 13 to experience the exhilaration of cycling the beautiful East Kootenay.
For $25, children can register for the cycle, which will wheel them through one of three courses of eight kilometres, 16.6 km or 20.4 km.
The ride is set to begin at 10 a.m., with check-in taking place from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
The registration deadline for the Kootenay Rockies Kids Fondo is May 19, though participants will be accepted beyond, if necessary. Those interested can visit www.krgf.ca/registration to secure a spot.
The eight-km ride is set along Mission Wasa Road, crossing the St. Mary’s River and providing a relatively flat and enjoyable cruise.
The 16.6-km loop follows the same Mission Wasa Road route, simply progressing further before doubling back to St. Eugene.
The 20.4-km cycle provides more challenge, both in distance and hilly terrain, following a separate line down Wycliffe/Mission Road. Cyclists cross the St. Mary’s River before going past Airport Road and then turning around at Emacora Road.
For the $25 participation fee, children receive a t-shirt, water bottle, Cliff Bar and barbecue lunch, as well as mechanical and medical support along the way.
Many children have already been preparing for the second-annual fondo by participating in iRide Cycling programs at schools in the East Kootenay.
After a successful first running of the Kootenay Rockies Kids Fondo in 2015, Cycling B.C. was contacted to explore more cycling opportunities for school children, focusing on skills and safety.
The iRide Cycling program was implemented at St. Mary’s School, Kootenay Christian Academy, T.M. Roberts Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School and Jaffray Elementary School. It runs from May through June.