2026 Rider Info

To help ensure you have an excellent experience, please review the information below. 

Thank you for registering for the 2026 Saugeen Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo, coming up on Sunday, October 4th!

START TIME FOR RIDES

The riders go out in two waves:  

  • Wave One starts at 9:30 am for the 115km and 35km distances 

  • Wave Two starts at 10:00 am for 55km and 80km distances

PLEASE DO NOT LINE UP TO RIDE UNTIL 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR START TIME

REGISTRATION KIT / PLATE PICKUP  

  • Lion’s Head Arena, 4 Tackabury St, Lion's Head 

  • Saturday, October 3rd, 2 pm - 5 pm or 

    Sunday, October 4th, 7 am - 9 am 

  • When picking up your package, PLEASE BRING YOUR ID to speed up the process

  • If you are picking up kits for friends, please ensure that you bring an email or communication indicating permission to pick up their kit

  • It will be very busy at Sunday morning’s registration — we encourage all riders to pick up their ride package on Saturday, October 3rd, if possible, to ensure you do not miss your start time

PARKING  

  • Parking is very limited in the Village of Lion’s Head, and it is paid parking. Free parking is available at the Lion’s Head Arena, where registration takes place. It's less than a five minute bike ride from there to the Start/Finish Line. 

BRUCE TRAIL 

  • Part of the 55 km, 80 km, and 115km routes follow the Bruce Trail for approximately 900 metres. Riders are not allowed to ride their bikes on the Bruce Trail. All riders must dismount and hike their bikes on this section. If riders do not adhere to this condition, the Bruce Trail may revoke our permission to use the trail. Please do not ride your bikes on the Bruce Trail. 

  • We highly recommend that you do not wear road shoes when hiking the Bruce Trail, as it is very rocky and slippery.     

EVENT GOES RAIN OR SHINE — BE PREPARED!

  • Bring a spare tube, patch kit, rain jacket, sunscreen, water, and gloves.

  • Rain is possible. If it rains, there may be some muddy sections. Be prepared!   

  • Helmets are mandatory for riders. 

  • While we have rest stations on the course with nourishment, and an emergency sag wagon, WE DO NOT GUARANTEE RETRIEVAL OF RIDERS WHO CANNOT COMPLETE THE EVENT FOR ANY REASON. Please ensure that you have planned for support in the event of a physical or mechanical malfunction. 

  • Please note there are also cut off times throughout the course. Riders should be confident that they can finish the 115km, 80km, or 55km in 6 hours or the 35km in 3 hours.

What's included in my registration?  

With each registration, you receive an annual event shirt, a race plate for your bike, fruit and baked goods (gluten free snacks are available in limited supply - please ask the volunteers at the feed station to provide you with some), support on the road, and a coupon for lunch. Beer and cider are available at the festival tent for a small fee. Please bring cash if you wish to purchase a beverage.

Can I switch from a longer to a shorter distance?  

Yes, you can. If any marshals on the course question you, just let them know you are not lost, but chose to ride the shorter distance.

Is the route very technically difficult? 

The route is not very technical, but is hilly in spots and 50% is gravel. Cabot Head Road has many potholes, so cyclists should be careful navigating this section of the route. It's a gravel ride and potholes are part of the fun!

When will the course be marked?  

The course will be marked the morning of the ride.  

We encourage you to print the course maps from https://www.brucegravelfondo.com/maps 

You can also download these maps to your cycle computer:

35km https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37517392
55km https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37517418
80km https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37341023
115km https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38919811

An optional detour to the Cape Chin Lookout will be marked with signage on the 55km, 80km, and 115km routes. Follow the signs if you want to take in extraordinary views of Georgian Bay via this detour (3km in and 3km out).

If I can't make it to the ride will you mail me my shirt? 
No, we do not mail shirts.

Can I get a refund?   
No, the refund cut-off date has passed. On behalf of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association we would like to thank you for supporting our largest annual fundraising event! Learn more about the conservation work of the BPBA here.

Can I pick up the registration kit for my friends?   
Yes, see details in “Pickup” above.

What kind of bike should I use? 
Mountain bikes, hybrids, gravel bikes, and cyclocross bikes are recommended. Road bikes are not recommended.

Accommodations
If you are looking for a place to stay, please support one of our sponsors — find a list here!

We would like to thank all riders for supporting the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association and hope everyone has a great day!