The third annual Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo, sponsored by Taylor Adams Chartered Professional Accountants, has expanded its weekend festivities by adding a Ride the Runway circuit race at Canadian Rockies International Airport.
The annual cycling event will host the additional circuit race on Friday, Sept. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m., with all proceeds from the race going to support the Cranbrook to Wardner Destination Trail.
There is only room for 50 participants in the Ride the Runway circuit race, so registration is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Those interested in participating can register at krgf.ca. Registration cost is $40 plus taxes.
Participants wanting to Ride the Runway should be able to average a speed of 35 kilometres/hour over a course of 45 minutes.
The circuit features the main runway and taxiways at Canadian Rockies International Airport, covering a distance of 2 km per lap.
While funds raised from the Ride the Runaway circuit race go towards the Cranbrook/Wardner trail, proceeds raised from the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo -- scheduled for Sept. 12 -- go towards the North Star Rails to Trails Society for the purpose of trail maintenance and upgrades, as well as other Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club community projects.
The restoration of the CP Rail train at the Cranbrook History Centre -- the Rotary Club’s most recent project -- was unveiled July 16.
“The support from the business community, both in Cranbrook and Kimberley, has been just outstanding,” said Glenn Dobie, chairperson for the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo.
“We at the Sunrise [Rotary] Club want to extend our real appreciation to all the businesses that have, financially, provided support to help make this event a reality.
“It’s a non-profit [event]. All the money that is raised goes back into the community.”
The Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo is a fully traffic-controlled cycle scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, cruising through the scenic roads of the East Kootenay.
There are three distances for cyclists to participate in.
The piccolo fondo is the shortest of the rides, spanning 58 kilometres and rolling through 356 metres worth of elevation gain.
The media fondo is a 102-km ride with a 933-metre gain in elevation.
The gran fondo is the longest of the three rides, covering 152 km of East Kootenay terrain and climbing 2,698 metres.
Registration runs up until Sept. 4 at midnight and will run riders for $129 to $199 (plus taxes), varying based on fondo distance.
Though not a race, cyclists are timed.
While riders in the third annual Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo must be at least 18 or older, the first annual Kootenay Kids Fondo opens a brand new avenue for young riders.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, the first annual Kootenay Kids Fondo, for children ages six to 12, gets underway at St. Eugene Resort.
Participants are able to choose routes of eight km or 16.6 km.
The cost for entry into the Kids Fondo is $19.
For complete registration information and forms, visit the official website of the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo at www.krgf.ca.