Saugeen Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo

“Gran Fondo” means “big ride” in Italian. The term refers to a long-distance, mass-participation cycling event that began in Italy in the 1970s.

In 2019, a group of local cyclists who loved the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula couldn’t stop imagining a Gran Fondo-style ride through its stunning landscapes. As the ideas continued to flow, their passion grew — not only to create a fun event for the cycling community, but also to ensure that participants would give back to the land they cherished. 

Their excitement quickly turned into action with the launch of the inaugural Saugeen Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo, a fundraising ride between Lion’s Head and Tobermory. The Gran Fondo is one of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association’s signature events, and it reflects EcoAdventures’ mission by bringing the community together to celebrate the Peninsula’s beauty and to protect it for future generations.

Every October, 400 cyclists gather in Lion's Head, Ontario, for the largest annual fundraiser of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association. Riders have four course lengths to choose from (35km, 56km, 80km, and 115km), all of which showcase the spectacular scenery of the Peninsula in autumn.

A team of over 100 volunteers supports the ride as bakers, photographers, first aiders, course marshals, and more, and local sponsors help make it all possible. The ride brings in over $60,000 to support the conservation projects of the BPBA.

Registration for the event typically begins in mid-February and runs to the first week of September. Learn more here!