The Whistler Gran Fondo is a challenging and beautiful ride from Stanley Park to Whistler Village. As a first-time participant, I was excited to take on the challenge and see the scenery, but also a little nervous about how my body would handle the climb.

I tackled the ride on my trusty 2020 Cannondale Supersix Evo. This bike is a lightweight road bike with a carbon frame, perfect for climbing steep inclines and descending quickly on the other side. The bike felt great on the flat sections, but it really shone on the climbs. The lightweight frame and responsive handling made it easy to power up the steady grades, and the smooth ride helped to minimize fatigue on my legs.

The ride itself was challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. The scenery was breathtaking, with towering mountains and lush forests surrounding us as we rode. It was the first time in two years this event was help but there were challenges with the reduced number of aid stations and the lack of food for the late finishers. I finished in just over 5 and half hours and stopping at two of the aid stations. I’m glad I brought my own nutrition but definitely expected a better selection of food at the aid stations.

One of the highlights of the ride for me was riding across Lions Gate Bridge traffic free as the sun rose on the horizon. It wassurreal to ride the Upper Levels Highway towards the Sea-to-Sky Hwy traffic free. The road was smooth and winding, and the views were spectacular all the way to Squamish. I felt like I was flying as I picked up speed, and the Supersix Evo handled the corners with ease and carried the momentum through the downhills. It was an exhilarating experience, and one that I will always remember.

Overall, the Whistler Gran Fondo was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it to any cyclist looking for a challenging and rewarding ride. And the 2020 Cannondale Supersix Evo was a perfect companion for the journey, with its lightweight and responsive design making it a joy to ride on the climbs and descents.

Thank you to the Siklistas Cylcing Group for helping me train through the summer and for being there at the finish line!