The Victoria Gran Fondo is a 270km supported road ride through the wild landscapes of southern Vancouver Island. Known as a “Doppio,” the VGF is double the length of a traditional Gran Fondo event, and climbs over 600 meters of elevation through the Seymour Mountain Range.

“Ride in the cycling capital of Canada and on a course designed to showcase the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest coastal terrain.”      – victoriagranfondo.com Since 2011 the event has attracted adventurous cyclists looking for a Fondo style ride with a different vibe: epic climbs, quiet roads, amazing vistas, and fantastic rider support. Participants who sign up for the Doppio will test their mettle on a journey from Victoria, through Sooke, Port Renfrew, and Cowichan Lake, ending back at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria. Supported in part by Norco Bicycles and Oak Bay Bicycles, Live to Play Sports staff participated in the VGF last year and rode away from the event with huge smiles and some amazing stories of personal accomplishment. This year we have a team of four riders entering the June 21^st event.

This was by far the most amazing and epic event I have ever ridden. Riding the 270km route in one day pushed me to my limits but was totally worth it. The rider support was beyond what I had expected and the ride itself is worth the price of admission. A must do ride for anyone looking for that next level of rides that will challenge your abilities as a cyclist.”  – Steve P., Sales Representative “This big ride certainly didn’t disappoint. The course offers up challenging climbs and exhilarating descents through stunning scenery. The intimate feel of this ride and the great people behind its organization will have me coming back again.”   – Shaun K., Graphic Designer

 What’s a Gran Fondo?

“Loosely translated from Italian, gran fondo means “big ride”. These rides are often a hundred kilometres or more and designed for a large number of cyclists at a variety of skill levels – everyone from the competitive cyclist to the amateur enjoy these events. The rides are judged by the challenges they offer: steep climbs, long distances and a combination of the two. While these are not races, top finishers are often recognized.” – Gran Fondo Canada More about the event:

• June 21^st, 2014
• 270km loop, starting and ending in Victoria, BC
• Limited registration to ensure everyone has a great time, with no crowds
• Riders are supported at stations every 60km with hot food, gels, water
• Support vehicles to take care of repairs, mechanicals, and clothing/gear changes
• Pre & Post ride food and refreshments provided at The Empress Hotel
• Event sponsored by Oak Bay Bicycles
• Learn more at victoriagranfondo.com

Find more photos like this on Victoria Gran Fondo

– –

‘Staff Rides’ showcases great trails, urban pathways, and road riding from all over Canada and loved by our staff. Get on your bike and have fun!