It鈥檚 about encouraging people to get on bicycles, Neil McKinnon says.聽
This year marks the first time RBC GranFondo Whistler from Vancouver to Whistler will have a shorter course ending in the heart of Squamish, said McKinnon, the media spokesperson for the event. The Medio has existed throughout the race鈥檚 five-year history but previously started in 麻豆社国产rather than finishing here. The change to the 67-kilometre course eliminates a lot of 鈥渉eavy pulling鈥� between 麻豆社国产and Whistler, making it accessible to more people, McKinnon noted.聽
鈥淚 think the change came about because we are always looking for ways to encourage riders and people wanting to enter the sport,鈥� he said.聽
鈥淲e want to, obviously, create as many opportunities as possible for families and beginners,鈥� added McKinnon, a former 麻豆社国产resident.
The change is an expensive alteration for GranFondo organizers. Following the ride, all Medio cyclists will be transported by bus up to Whistler to join the GranFondo participants for their post-ride meal and the festivities in Celebration Plaza. Transportation will leave at regular intervals, with the last bus at 4 p.m.
鈥淚t is quite an investment on our part,鈥� said McKinnon.
聽While the decision is not based on economic drive to pump Fondo participants鈥� money into Squamish, the new finish line could potentially help add to local merchants鈥� coffers, McKinnon noted. The race鈥檚 true monetary contribution to 麻豆社国产is through its contract with in-town businesses, he said.聽
鈥淪ome of our bigger contracts are in Squamish,鈥� McKinnon said, adding this includes the race鈥檚 largest partner, Miller Capilano Maintenance Corporation.聽
麻豆社国产plays a big role in the classic 122-kilometre race from Vancouver to Whistler. An outdoor market place and cheer zone is held at Garibaldi Village Mall. Over the years, riders鈥� feedback has continually placed 麻豆社国产in the top ranking in terms of overall experience, McKinnon said.聽
鈥溌槎股绻鷋as embraced the GranFondo. It鈥檚 a part of the GranFondo. I hear all these stories all the time about the cheer zone in Squamish.鈥�
This year, more than 25 vendors will set up in the mall鈥檚 parking lot. Live music will be in the air thanks to The Overcomers. The kids鈥� zone will be expanded, offering activities such as a bouncy castle, arts and crafts and a remote-controlled vehicles track.聽
鈥淚t is really a family event,鈥� McKinnon said.
Last year, more than 40 per cent of the approximately 4,000 riders who took part in the race came from outside the Lower Mainland. Race organizers anticipate a similar turnout this time around.聽
The race takes place this Saturday, Sept. 12. There will be no traffic access to Loggers Lane from Highway 99 at Cleveland Avenue or Industrial Way from
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Motorists are advised to use the Centennial Way underpass to access Loggers Lane during that time period.聽
