Bluewater International Granfondo

On July 31, 500 riders took part in the inaugural Bluewater International Granfondo that started and finished along the shores of Lake Huron in Sarnia’s beautiful Mike Weir Park – and most importantly raised $30,000 to support Palliative Care at Bluewater Health and St. Joseph’s Hospice. At Bluewater Health the proceeds will be allocated to educational opportunities for Palliative Care staff.

The event offered three cycling routes – the Sarnia 50 K, the Lambton 100 K and the Bluewater 150K – and welcomed cyclists who traveled to Sarnia-Lambton from British Columbia, Quebec, Georgia, New Jersey, and locations throughout Ontario and Michigan. Over half of the participants were from Lambton County, which is a strong indication of the growing cycling culture in our area.

Plans are already underway to repeat the area’s first major cycling event in 2017. Chair Ken MacAlpine says next year’s event will be one of the bigger cycling events in Ontario. “This year’s race was a huge success, thanks to our sponsors, 120 volunteers and our community. We cut registration off at 500 cyclists for our inaugural event but anticipate being able to attract 750 next year.”

“It is another way to showcase the great things to experience in Sarnia-Lambton and draw attention to the excellent palliative care available in our community,” adds MacAlpine. “We wouldn’t be able to achieve this without the outstanding commitment of our organizing committee: Dick Felton, Larry Green, Kathy Johnson, Dr. Glen Maddison, David Palmer, Jon Palumbo, Vicky Praill, Anita Vanderhelm-Trusler and Ernie Wong.”

Thank you to the entire Bluewater International Granfondo committee for such an amazing gift! We are so thrilled to be a part of such an amazing initiative that brings world-class cycling to the streets of Sarnia-Lambton!