Kicking off the cycling season is exciting. The days are longer and the weather is better, there are more days when the wheels hit the road rather than stay locked up in spin class. However, the thrill of being out in the sun, pulled along by your teammates will wear off eventually. It’s time to reflect on motivation. What will get you out and active week in and week out? Fitness? Great. Dial in your nutrition for the change in your activity level, educate yourself on supplements and superfoods and embrace the summer bounty of local fruits and veg. Social? Fantastic. Find the right club in your area and motivation will arrive in the palm of your hand as ride emails and calendars ping your smartphone throughout the season. The finish line? Smart. And brave. Setting a clear plan to accomplish a season-long goal will be the key for many cyclists. Whether that goal is to best a previous time or to add more kilometres, there is an event you. It takes grit to, weekly, push longer, harder, faster. It takes courage to find the faith in yourself that you can finish what you set your mind to do. If this is your first season, look for an event near the end of the season. Work slowly toward the goal. Once you cross your first finish line the odds are you will have caught the bug. British Columbia is home to stunning gran fondos, gruelling hill climbs and friendship-building charity rides. There are rides for rookies, there are rides for enthusiasts, there are rides for the elite. Blow the bank on luxury, raise money for a cause you are passionate about or grab a team and tackle something new. Choose one of these riding events in and around B.C.

British Columbia Cycling Events 2017

May 6 Wheel2Heal Coquitlam 15, 40 & 100 km Minimum $250 in fundraising wheeltoheal.ca This fundraising ride through the Tri-Cities raises money for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation. It features two trail rides of 15 and 40 km and a 100 km road ride. Journey through Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Fort Langley. May 19-21 Bici Gusti / Gourmet Ride Whistler 70 km $750+ bicigusti.com This is more than a ride - it is an experience. Building on last year’s success, the one-day event has been extended to a full weekend. The route takes riders through Whistler and Callaghan Valleys. The event is designed to be welcoming to riders of all levels who have one thing in common: a love of gourmet food. May 28 Okanagan Shuswap Century Ride Armstrong 14 , 56 & 100 km $40 www.oscr.ca This recreational ride for all ages and abilities will explore the scenic farmland of the North Okanagan. This ride is limited to 475 and sells out quickly each year. New this year is a training ride in Kelowna on May 7. June 3 Cycle for Sight West Coast Langley 30 km loop, 1-4 loops $55 + $500 fundraising ffbcan.convio.net This ride is part of a series across the country raising money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The foundation has invested $30 million to support vision research across Canada since 1974. That’s more than 200 research grants that have led to more than 600 new discoveries in exciting areas of study like stem cell research, neuroprotective therapies, technological developments, pharmaceuticals and gene therapies. Tackle the route through Langley and Fort Langley and help a worthy cause. June 10 & 11 MS Bike Tour Langley Saturday: 35 km, 67 km, 86 km / Sunday: 50 km $350 in fundraising mssoc.convio.net MS Bike is the largest fundraising cycling series in North America. Make your way through the spectacular vistas of the Fraser Valley and pass some of the most acclaimed vineyards in the province for a taste of world-class B.C. wine. June 10 7th Annual Rotary Ride for Rescue - Tim Jones Memorial Cypress Mountain Hill Climb West Vancouver 11 & 17 km $40 + pledges www.rotaryrideforrescue.org This all-inclusive event has three specialties: one 17 km road ride, an 11 km mountain bike ride and an option to raise pledges as an indoor cyclist. The annual fundraiser pits individuals and local teams against each other in a friendly battle to the top, raising funds for North Shore Rescue and international Rotary projects. There is a pancake breakfast, event expo and a chance to get a closer look at North Shore Rescue’s equipment. June 11 Gran Fondo Vernon Vernon 135 & 161 km www.granfondoguide.com Information on this event is limited. In the past it had been an annual event bringing together cyclists to challenge themselves through some of the most beautiful roads in the world. You’ll pass vineyards and lakes. Gran Fondo Vernon is not a race. June 17 The Dirty Phil - Canada’s Premier Gravel Fondo ⠀ Kelowna ⠀ 100 & 171 km $118 and up www.dirtyphil.com This annual event brings one of B.C.’s greatest challenges: conquering a variety of terrain including smooth fire trails, single track, pavement, grass, dirt and more than 90 km of gravel! There are three fully supported rest stops and a pre- and post-ride party. June 17 Victoria Gran Fondo Victoria 260 km $320 www.victoriagranfondo.com This is an epic ride throughout southern Vancouver Island from Victoria to Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan Duncan and back to Victoria. It begins with a controlled speed rollout and is supported by five rest stops. It will take you through stunning scenery. The ride is limited to 100 riders so sign up early. June 24 Gibsons Grind Gran Fondo Langdale 50, 70 & 110 km $25+ www.gibsonsgrindgranfondo.com This is a very popular event and already sold out for 2017 - add your name to the wait list! The sixth annual Gibsons Grind Granfondo on the Sunshine Coast provides scenic routes with event lengths that will appeal to all riders. All rides start at the Langdale ferry terminal and end at Persephone Brewery Company for a barbecue. June 24 Ride2Survive Kelowna 400 km $258 + $2,500 fundraising www.ride2survive.ca Ride2Survive is a fully supported one-day 400 km bicycle ride from Kelowna to Delta raising funds for Cancer Research. The 100 per cent volunteer run event sends all of its fundraising directly to cancer research and is known for its awesome team, great group training rides and epic challenge. June 25 Ride Don’t Hide Burnaby / Vancouver 10, 20, 60 & 100 km $45 or $75 ridedonthide.com This Canadian Mental Health Association annual fundraiser is the largest participatory mental health awareness event in Canada. Last year $1.5 million was raised for mental health services. This is an inclusive ride for cyclists of levels. The longer ride requires $500 in fundraising and will go through Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond. July 9 Axel Merckx Valley Gran Fondo 55, 92, 126 or 160 km $210 www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com Take a ride or tackle this one as a race through stunning Okanagan wine country. Besides a great route and family-friendly festival that are popular with participants, this event put major focus on promoting women’s cycling. To honour this commitment, the Granfondo Women’s Night (July 7) provides a casual, social evening for likeminded women that typically features a wine tasting, appetizers, door prizes and bike maintenance and information sessions. July 22 Tour de Watcom Bellingham, WA 22, 50, 62 & 100 miles $35 USD and up www.tourdewhatcom.com Hosted at Boundary Bay Brewing, the Tour de Whatcom is regarded as one of the most beautiful rides in the west. The route winds through valleys and farmland, past lakes, beaches and Puget Sound. The mild grade and variety of distances make this a great first ride. July 23 Prospera Valley Gran Fondo 50 or 100 km or 100 miles $160 and up www.valleygranfondo.com This is a great ride through the Fraser Valley. The route has fantastic rolling hills through some of B.C.’s best farmland. The growing popularity of this event makes it a ride not to be missed. August 13 Glotman Simpson Cypress Challenge West Vancouver 5 or 12 km $25 www.cypresschallenge.com This event is one of the most popular rides of the season, bringing together teams and clubs from across the Lower Mainland all to support pancreatic cancer. This is a ride for anyone who wants to challenge themselves – not just elite riders. The spirit of the event is to get everyone to the top – not race there. August 19 & 20 MS Bike Tour Cowichan Valley $350 in fundraising mssoc.convio.net Biking in the beautiful Cowichan Valley is an experience of breathtaking views and sumptuous flavors. Throughout your ride you can stop and enjoy local wineries, farms and artisans, and sample delicious local fare. The afternoon continues at Rider Village with appetizers, a gourmet dinner and evening musical festivities. On Sunday, wake up to breakfast and head out with friends, family and co-workers to explore more of the Cowichan Valley. Finish with a barbecue lunch and celebrate your success at the closing ceremony! August 19 & 20 MS Bike Tour West Kootenay - New Denver Day 1: 107 km / Day 2: 115 km $350 in fundraising mssoc.convio.net This ride is part challenge, part glorious views and part fabulous food! This extraordinary two-day 222 km MS Bike tour loops around the Kokanee Glacier in the Selkirk Mountains, from New Denver to Slocan, to Kaslo and back to New Denver with an overnight in Nelson. This ride also has a relay option – all the fun, half the distance. Help end MS! August 20 Tour de Victoria Victoria $160 and up 45, 90 or 140 km www.tourdevictoria.com See southern Vancouver Island’s most beautiful scenery on Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria. With routes for the novice, the enthusiast and the experienced, this is an event for everyone. Check out the website for training clinic and plans. August 26 & 27 Ride to Conquer Cancer Cloverdale to Redmond, WA $75 + $2,500 fundraising 250 or 300 km va17.conquercancer.ca This is THE community building ride. Throughout the province teams and individuals are training to ride this cross-border adventure. The challenge of the two-day event is paired with collective emotion of hundreds of people working toward a common goal. Participants rave about the experience. Sign up and help conquer cancer. September 9 & 10 MS Bike Tour Okanagan - Kelowna Day 1: 35 km, 50 km, 100 km; Day 2: 25 km, 60 km Minimum $350 in fundraising mssoc.convio.net Riding with likeminded people to end MS, follow the route in Kelowna through breathtaking landscapes and over challenging hills. See firsthand why the area is celebrated for its world-class wine and abundant fresh fruit with complimentary samples at rest stops. The ride has options for short and long routes on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a 100 km Saturday route. The ride is suitable for any bike – however, some cycling experience is recommended and minimum cycling speeds will be suggested for the longer routes. September 9 Whistler Gran Fondo Vancouver to Whistler 122 & 155 km $250 and up www.whistlergranfondo.com This is the gateway ride for many cyclists. Ride the world-renowned Sea to Sky Highway car free. This event attracts people from all over the world to start by the ocean and finish in the clouds. It starts in beautiful Stanley Park and finishes at Olympic Plaza Whistler for a fantastic post-ride party. Check out the website for training plans and clinics. The My First Fondo is an excellent way to train for the event and become a lifelong cyclist. September 9 Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo Cranbrook 58, 102 & 152 km $99 and up www.krgf.ca This event will take you through the southern Rockies, starting at St. Eugene Resort and Casino outside of Cranbrook. This is an all-day fun ride with breakfast and a post-ride lunch included. Ride from Cranbrook to Kimberley circling back via Fort Steele. This ride promises epic vistas. There is also a fun kids' ride to kick of the season on May 28. $25 for an 8, 16 or 20 km course – including T-shirt, water bottle and lunch! September 9 Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath White Rock 100 km a day, one or two days $40 + $600 fundraising bcla.convio.net Gear up for the 32nd annual Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath on September 9 & 10 for an incredible two-day, 200 km ride through B.C.’s picturesque Fraser Valley in support of the BC Lung Association. Riding from White Rock to Cultus Lake and back, enjoy an unforgettable weekend getaway that includes all food, accommodation, entertainment, gear transportation and medical and mechanical support. September 16 Bike for your life - Century Ride Salmon Arm 10, 35, 75 & 100 km $35 www.bikeforyourlife.com Explore the backroads of the north Okanagan. This ride has some leg-challenging ascents – and 26 km of breezy descents. Circle from Salmon Arm, through Enderby and Glenemma, primarily on quiet back roads. There will be stunning views of Shuswap Lake, Larch Hills and the Enderby Cliffs. If you are not familiar with this part of B.C., it is definitely worth the ride! September 29 to October 1 The Intrepid 400+ km over three days $2,250 theintrepid.ca This is THE bucket list ride. Join a limited 50 riders in three stages for a full-service event. From accommodations to food to celebratory gala – everything is taken care of. The daily rides vary from 120 to -170 km with a new 2017 option of a short Leggero route. The event is hoping to be more inclusive and is welcoming enthusiasts as well as elites. This is a world-class weekend.