More than 7,000 riders are getting ready for the ride of a lifetime.
The second annual RBC GranFondo will again zoom through the Sea to Sky Corridor and event organizer Neil McKinnon hopes to build on what was a successful debut.
"I think there's a tremendous amount of anticipation because I think this is something that's become big on people's calendars," he said. "I think what it's done is given people a sense of purpose to get on their bikes and experience something new and different. I think we've captured the imagination of the people with this event."
The numbers don't lie. The inaugural event sold out six months in advance of the event and the 2011 edition was no different. More than 7,000 riders signed up by April for the event, which takes place this year on Sept. 10. McKinnon said the impact of the race can be seen on the Sea to Sky Highway on a daily basis.
"You just have to drive the Sea to Sky Highway and you see hundreds of people riding," he said. "Whereas in previous years you'd only see a couple."
McKinnon said the race will be identical to last year's but there has been more of a build-up, with bigger and better pre- and post-race events.
"First and foremost is we've added a two-day bike expo in Vancouver," he said. "There will be up to 50 exhibitors and it's not only about cycling but also lifestyle."
The expo, which is being called VeloSpoke, will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Sept. 8 and 9 and is completely free for the public. It will run from noon to 8 p.m. on both days and will also feature music performances, a photo wall, a bike fitting zone, a kids corner and a wellness zone.
In addition to VeloSpoke, McKinnon noted that there will be several celebrities including former American professional cyclist and television sports commentator Bob Roll.
"He's going to be MC-ing with us, he's going to be at the expo, he's going to be at the start and finish line and he will be riding too," McKinnon said. "He's quite the character and is an iconic figure in cycling. We want to start embracing that history of cycling and bring the culture of cycling here and I think he'll be a great addition to the event."
Alex Stieda, Roll's former teammate on the 7-Eleven cycling team back in the 1980s, will also attend as an ambassador. Stieda was the first-ever North American to lead the Tour de France and McKinnon said it should be a treat to have the two of them back together.
"It's the 25-year anniversary of the 7-Eleven team and that's one of the main reasons why we're bringing these two back together," he said.
McKinnon said other confirmed celebrity participants include former Vancouver Canuck Trevor Linden, Canadian chef Rob Feenie, cycling writer Leonard Zinn and Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis.
"I think there are a lot more fun and exciting things happening this year versus last year," he said. "We welcome friends, family and spectators to get involved and see them come through Squamish. Or go to Whistler and cheer people on there."
For more information on the event, visit www.rbcgranfondowhistler.com.
