RBC GranFondo Whistler VéloVogue

Vélovogue

welcome notes

Welcome to VéloVogue, where you’ll find all the details for your 14th annual RBC GranFondo Whistler event.

Our theme this year is ‘from Sea to Sky’. Not only is this a metaphor for your journey from Vancouver to Whistler, but also cements our relentless desire to elevate experiences that prepare, support, and celebrate you!

I encourage you to read VéloVogue so you and supporters can get the most out of your weekend.

I look forward to welcoming you to Whistler.

Sincerely,

Neil R McKinnon Chief Enthusiast

from sea to sky

Monday,

of Events

Saturday, September 9 continued

1pm Awards Ceremony Celebration Plaza

1pm Truck departs for SATURDAY Bike return (pre-booking required)

4pm Return Passenger Transportation (pre-booking required)

4pm Bike Check Closes (all bikes to be picked up by 4:30PM)

Lot 4, Whistler

Lot 4, Whistler

Lot 4, Whistler

4pm Finish Line Closes Lot 4, Whistler

5pm Celebration Plaza Closes Celebration Plaza

6pm - 9pm SATURDAY Bike Pick-up (prebooking required) Concord Pacific Place (88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver)

9am - 2am RBC GranFondo Whistler After-Party Apres Apres, Whistler

Sunday, September 10 9:50am - 2:35pm Return Passenger Transportation (pre-booking required). Time depends on location – see your booking for details

Whistler to Concord Pacific Place

10am - 5pm SUNDAY Bike Pick-up Concord Pacific Place (88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver)

RBC Welcomes You

Welcome to the 14th annual RBC GranFondo Whistler! Since 2010, RBC is once again proud to be the event’s title sponsor and welcome you all as you prepare to ride from Sea to Sky.

I cannot wait to catch a glimpse of the sea of blue everywhere - from employees and clients riding in the race to those volunteering or cheering riders on from the sidelines. I hope that riders will be energized and invigorated by the Team RBC cheers of encouragement coming from the RBC Cheer Stations along the ride course. And be sure to celebrate your accomplishment on the podium at the RBC Photobooth after you cross the finish line!

As we continue to foster the joy and incredible moments that cycling has to offer, we also look to inspire the next generation of cyclists. Over the past 11 years the RBC Foundation has committed over $225,000 to Cycling BC and their HopOn learn to ride program (formerly iRide), dedicated to teaching cycling skills and safety awareness, and has impacted the lives of over 65,000 children in British Columbia’s schools since 2013 –such an amazing accomplishment!!!

The ride along the Sea to Sky is truly a one of a kind breathtaking journey and I cannot wait to celebrate with everyone once we cross the finish line in Whistler!

Enjoy the ride!

Martin Thibodeau

VeloSpoke bike expo

Presented by

Utilizing over 72,000 sq. ft. of event space, VeloSpoke Bike Expo presented by Dilawri will bring together exhibitors for an energizing showcase of products and services from top lifestyles and cycling brands - plus it’s where you pick up your package, swag and merch.

About Dilawri

Privately owned and operated by the Dilawri family since 1985, the Dilawri Group of Companies builds on a history of excellence as Canada’s largest automotive group. The company’s national network represents over 35 of the world’s most esteemed automotive brands in 75+ franchised dealerships across Canada and the US. Since 2002, the Dilawri Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to a wide range of charitable causes.

EXPO DETAILS

Date: Friday, September 8th, 2023

Time: 11am - 8pm PST

Where: Vancouver Convention Centre EAST, 999 Canada Pl.

Join our exclusive al fresco experience

The celebration begins with a cocktail reception, then guests come together at a single long table to enjoy a four-course seasonal menu with expertly paired wines. Hosted at "The Range" at Whistler Golf Course.

$250 per person plus tax + gratuity

Part proceeds will be donated to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation

Please pack all of your belongings in a small bag and drop it off at VeloSpoke on Friday. We will transport one bag no larger than a personal item allowance for an airline for all registered riders to the finish line. Please note that there is no bag drop at the start line except for Alta Classe riders.

Bag Check Package Pickup

All participants will need to pick up their rider package at VeloSpoke presented by Dilawri on Sept 8.

Step 1: Bring a piece of government photo ID with your birthdate on it. If you registered for the Veteran or Military category, your Military ID or Veteran Service Card must be shown at package pick-up.

Step 2: Receive your rider package and rider number.

Step 3: We will put your wristband on. Do not remove it until after the event!

Step 4: Fill in your emergency contact phone number on the back of your bike plate.

Step 5: Attach your bike plate once you return to your bike

*Note: You must pick up your rider package yourself. You cannot have another rider, family member, or friend pick up your package for you.

Apparel: If you pre-ordered merchandise and did not purchase shipping, or have yet to receive it, you can pick it up at the merch table at Velospoke. Look for signage!

MEDIO PACKAGE PICKUP

Date: Saturday, September 9th, 2023

Time: 7am - 8:45am

Location: Just outside of Parking Lot 4, Whistler

You will also be able to pick up your Medio rider package & swag at VeloSpoke if you wish.

Transportation

GETTING AROUND WHISTLER

The FREE Whistler Transit bus special event loop will run between the Village Gondola Exchange and Creekside between 8am – 6pm.

return transportation

If you have purchased bike transportation from Whistler to Vancouver, visit the Transportation Tent in the bike park at Lot 4 to drop off your bike. All bikes will be loaded on Saturday, September 9th regardless of the pickup date. Security will be onsite to ensure the bikes’ safety.

The location for bike pickup and passenger drop-off in Vancouver is 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver (Concord Pacific Place).

Please do not remove your wristband before you collect your bike.

Remove ALL valuables and personal belongings from the bike such as bike computers, seat bags, etc.

• RBC GranFondo Whistler accepts no liability for damage or loss of property to bikes using this service.

• You must keep your event wristband on to collect your bike.

• Any bikes not picked up on your scheduled pick-up day will be subject to a $100 storage fee.

return transportation SCHEDULE

Saturday BIKE

Load Bikes: Lot 4, before 1pm

Pick Up: Concord Pacific Place, 6pm-9pm

PASSENGER

Departure: Lot 4, 4pm

Arrival: Concord Pacific Place, ~6:30pm

Load Bikes: Lot 4, Saturday, before 4pm

Pick Up: Concord Pacific Place, 10am - 6pm

PASSENGER

Departure: *Check your specific location

Arrival: Concord Pacific Place, various times

RBC GranFondo Whistler age categories are in 5 year increments in line with UCI standards.

Challenge your fitness this year to see how you match up to those in your age group!

Age Categories Results & awards

Results will be available on our website. You can also scan the QR codes in Celebration Plaza.

All ceremonies below will take place on the Celebration Plaza stage.

Awards Ceremonies 1:00 PM Podium for St. Regis Cup, Gran Fondo, & Forte

Please do not bend your bike plate. It will affect your timing results.

de rosa bike giveaway 3:45 PM Win a De Rosa 838 bike + draw prizes!

There will be traffic impacts along the Sea to Sky Highway.

Motorists should leave extra time for their journeys and expect delays along the route. During the event, speed limits will be reduced to 60km/h between Vancouver and Whistler, and there will be active traffic management along most of the highway.

For further information on traffic advisories please see our website here

Traffic advisory Parking

Not sure where to leave your car in Vancouver?

Here is a list of available parking locations.

There is no parking at the start line so we recommend parking closeby and riding to the start.

BE SURE TO STOP BY THE MERCHANDISE STORE AT VELOSPOKE TO PICK UP YOUR 2023 EVENT MERCHANDISE.

If you’ve pre-purchased merchandise please ensure you have your order number and ID in order to collect.

Look for the signage for prepaid merchandise pickup.

AirFondo

Look out for ‘AirFondo’, the RBC GranFondo Whistler branded Helijet helicopter.

It will be soaring over you on your way from Vancouver to Whistler.

All volunteers at RBC GranFondo Whistler will also be placed in a draw to win a Helijet round trip between Vancouver and Victoria, BC, which includes an overnight stay at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress

Photography

Keep an eye out on the course for Marathon Photos, the official event photography team! They will be located around the course taking epic shots of you and the scenery to capture your memories of the day.

You’ll be emailed soon after the event with a link to view and purchase your images, forever to be cherished.

Celebration Plaza

You’ve done the hard work, now it’s time to let your hair down!

Celebration Plaza is your end-of-season festival zone with food and beer garden, vendors, live music, awards, prize giveaways, Alta Classe lounge, games and much more.

Serenade you and your crew’s efforts and send the curtain down on your riding season in style: Celebration Plaza is the place to be.

At 1:45pm, right after the award ceremonies, Vancouver locals Ludic will be playing two sets for your partying pleasure

2024 incentives!

15+3 reasons to sign up for next year

September 7th, 2024 will be the 15th year anniversay of the event, so you’ll want to be there! We’ll be cooking up plenty of special activities to celebrate the occasion - keep your eyes peeled throughout the year for more details and reveals!

+1: best price of the year, until wednesday sept 13 only!

Re-register at the tent in Celebration Plaza or online before midnight Sept 13th, and you’ll lock in the absolute best price of the whole year. Listen to what your endorphins are telling you on event day and experience the highs all over again next year. Never take your movement for granted!

Register for RBC GranFondo Whistler and XFondo Whistler (see below) at the same time and SAVE up to $50 more in our new series deal. There’s no better way to make 2024 guaranteed to be unforgettable.

+2: xfondo whistler pre-sale, until wednesday sept 13 only!

XFondo Whistler, June 15th 2024, is our all-terrain, notso-serious biking adventure held on the rollercoaster ride that is the Sea to Sky trail and surrounding area. Now in its 3rd year, you know the formula: bring together humans with an on-point attitude, rip out for an awesome ride, then party like a bunch of heroes afterwards.

Presale: Sept 9-13. All 2023 RBC GranFondo Whistler riders and past XFondo riders are invited to register for XFondo Whistler, June 2024 before anyone else. With the event last year a sellout, riders will be emailed the password to register before tickets go onsale to the public Sept 14th. You can also register at the registration tent in Celebration Plaza!

+3: win a trip for 2 with turkish airlines, until wednesday sept 13 only!

As the official Airline Partner, Turkish Airlines are thrilled to present the re-registration grand prize for all those who sign up for 2024 before midnight Sept 13. You’ll find their text next to the registration tent in Celebration Plaza.

Sign up before then you could win 2 flights for 2 on Turkish Airlines, up to a maximum value of $8000!

Course Maps

Course Maps

Medio Start Line

Start: 9:15AM

Alta Classe Bike Park

Finish Line

rBC

ride with RBC Olympians

Chris Spring

Chris Spring is a four-time RBC Olympian. He has piloted sleds to several top-ten finishes in both four and two-man Olympic competitions. This year he’ll challenge himself by participating in first Gran Fondo, an entirely new sport.

A large group ride is a challenge for anyone, but perhaps especially for an athlete who has been solely focused on short bursts of power and tight windows of concentration. Look out for Chris on course and he’ll be sure to appreciate your encouragement. Good luck Chris!

Read Chris’s 2023 training blog

watch Ascend tv: ride to the sky

The story of 3 RBC Olympians challenged far out of their comfort zone at RBC GranFondo Whistler

“A journey into uncharted territory”

olympic advice

Darren Gardner’s top tips

Squamish-based RBC Olympian Darren Gardner, a six-time national champion and 2018 Olympian in snowboard racing, will be riding in his second RBC GranFondo this Fall.

Here are his top five tips for September 9!

1. Pacing

In snowboard racing, it is all out for 45 seconds, but the pacing of the turns is very important. You have to manage your adrenaline. Knowing how to pace myself really helped me in my first Granfondo as well. In the RBC GranFondo most of the work happens in the final stretch, between Squamish and Whistler

You are climbing for most of it, so if you’ve let your adrenaline get the better of you and gone too hard early in the ride, and you are pushing too hard early, you won’t finish well.

Trying to stay with a group beyond your ability probably also means your legs will be giving out on you earlier, and you’ll be using up your energy reserves too early.

2. Stay calm

In snowboard racing you have lots of space, but a Gran Fondo is really different. There are a lot of people crowded together! And a lot of riders aren’t used to having other riders so close, almost on your wheel, which can make them anxious.

My tip is stay calm. When you tense up and grip your bars too hard and make sudden movements in a group ride bad things happen. Be mindful of where you at all times. It’s best to be directly behind or in front of a person, or right at their side. Never ride in another rider ’s blindspot!

‘Get comfortable being uncomfortable’ is a mantra I use to help deal with things in snowboarding like crazy weather or equipment malfunctions. It’s a useful mantra for group-ride cycling too, with so many riders sharing the same road.

3. Prepare your body

Sleep and nourishment are really important.

Definitely bring two water bottles, so that you can ‘drink to thirst’ (lots of small sips, without the worry of running out). Hydration is critical. I fill one bottle with water, and one with a sports drink like F2C. Always arrive at the startline with full water bottles - you don’t want to be thinking about any extra admin come the morning.

It’s also important to not change up your eating patterns too much before the event. On the days of my biggest snowboard races I really don’t change things up too much. Definitely don’t try new foods the night before or the morning of an event.

Just eat like you normally would before a long training ride. There are plenty of aid stations on this ride to replenish your food supply as well.

Do keep in mind though that food during the event is really important as your body is burning through fuel at a much faster pace than normal. So keeping your body loaded with fuel (food and drinks) will help you get to the finish line.

4. Let it run

I love to go fast, and am certainly comfortable flying down a mountain, which not everyone may be, but on descents I’d really recommend ‘letting it run.’

Every moment you can make the mountain work for you instead of against you is a bonus, and will help you conserve your energy. If you are comfortable, keep hands off the brakes if you can on descents. With practice it soon becomes easier to descend safely.

In snowboarding we are constantly pushing the line between control and speed, and the person who can master this line usually wins the day. I think it’s a good balance to keep in mind at the Gran Fondo too.

5. Enjoy the scenery

I’ll never forget crossing the Lions Gate Bridge at sunrise, and the beauty of so many riders enjoying it. In a six-hour event where you are really pushing yourself it can be easy to lose sight of your surroundings, but try to take in the scenery. You’ll never forget it!

Darren in action at the FIS Snowboard World Cup, Italy

PHASE THREE COMING SOON

LAST CHANCE TO OWN A HOME AT EXCLUSIVE BRITANNIA BEACH.

Rest Stops

All Rest Stops will include:

• A variety of food options, based around the nutrition strategy developed by our official nutrition advisor, Canadian Sports Institute.

• Water & Glyco-durance Electrolyte Mix provided by official hydration partner F2C Nutrition.

• First Aid assistance provided by our medical partner Canadian Outdoor Med.

• Toilets, including pink-coloured toilets for riders who identify as women.

• Waste, Recycling, and Compost bins. Please make sure to organize your waste into the appropriate bins -let’s make this a Zero Waste event!

Locations

Mechanical Support

All riders are expected to prepare for mechanical faults (such as flat tires) on course themselves by having at least an inner-tube, pump or CO2 canister and multitool with them on their ride. In the event of more significant mechanical errors, assistance from velofix will be available at rest stops & the finish line. They’re operating on a fee basis – in case you need support, don’t forget to bring a credit card with you!

If you find yourself needing mechanical support while on course and are unable to make it to the next rest stop, please pull over to the side of the lane, and turn your bike upside down so it’s sitting on the handlebars and saddle - this will let us know you need assistance.

1. Horseshoe Bay

2. Britannia Beach

3. Alice Lake

4. Salt Shed

5. Brandywine

+ Cypress (Forte only)

+ Callaghan (Medio only)

St. Regis Cup race

The race for glory is on!

Qualified teams of 5-8 riders (mixed & men) and 4-8 (women’s) will race each other along the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler and battle for victory. The St. Regis Cup presented by Robert J Macdonald features high-caliber riders doing battle in team format.

Get the best seat in the house: come out to the finish line in Whistler around 10am, ring those cowbells, and create a deafening finish for one of the most fun crowd experiences in cycling! Photos: Tammy Brimner

FUELING THE FONDO NUTRITION STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT YOUR RIDE

Make a Plan

Having a plan for your nutrition will help you maintain your energy levels, minimize digestive discomfort, and accelerate recovery. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Having a general idea of when and what to eat and drink can be enough to keep you feeling great.

This document will help you build this nutrition plan including:

WHAT TO FOCUS ON the day before the Fondo to set you up for success

WHAT WILL BE PROVIDED at each aid station and a nutrition focus to guide your fueling

Day Before the Fondo

What you eat and drink the day before plays a big role in how you will feel on your ride. To optimize your performance, focus on the following strategies:

EAT CONSISTENTLY

Eat every 2-4 hours by including snacks between meals.

FUEL UP WITH CARBOHYDRATES

Focus on carbohydrate-rich meals and snacks, as it is the preferred source of energy for your brain and muscle. Choose 3-4 carbohydrate servings per meal and 1-2 servings per snack. (see “Sources of Carbohydrates” on right of page)

STAY HYDRATED

See “Hydration Tips” on right of page.

SOURCES OF CARBOHYDRATES

GRAINS & STARCHY VEGETABLES

E.g. rice, quinoa, oats, bread, crackers, pretzels, pasta, potato, sweet potato, cereal, mu ns, chickpeas

FRUIT

E.g. banana, grapes, apples, berries, dried mango, raisins, dates, 100% fruit juice

DAIRY PRODUCTS & NON-DAIRY ALTERNATIVES

E.g. cow’s milk, oat milk, chocolate milk, plain and avoured yogurt, ke r

ADDED SUGARS

E.g. maple syrup, honey, candy, cookies, sport foods and uids

Carbohydrate-rich foods provide energy

Hydration tips

START EARLY

Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up

KEEP VISIBLE

Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it through the day

DRINK WITH FOOD

Use mealtime as a reminder to drink more uids (>500mL with each meal)

ADD SALT

Sodium is the electrolyte we lose the most of through sweat. It also helps our body absorb uid to hydrate. Increase your sodium intake the day before by salting your food, choosing salty sauces (e.g. soy sauce, pasta sauce, etc.), eating salted foods (e.g. pretzels, pickles, cheese, bread, etc.) and/or drinking salty uids (e.g. tomato juice, sport drink, electrolyte products, etc.)

Examples OF ~30g CARBOHYDRATES Day OF the Fondo

COME PREPARED

Bring foods you have been training with to the start line. Aim to be fairly self-su cient and use the rest stops to supplement when needed.

Plan to carry 2 bottles on your bike - one with water and one F2C Glyco-Durance.

F2C Glyco-Durance, which will be available at each rest stop, is a great source of easy energy to have access to the whole ride.

FUEL UP WITH CARBOHYDRATES

Start the day o with a carbohydrate-rich breakfast. If your appetite is low at breakfast, consider a small snack (e.g. banana, fruit bar, granola bar, sport drink, etc.) after breakfast before you start your ride.

MAINTAIN YOUR ENERGY

Through the ride, prioritize hydration and carbohydrate intake, and eat foods that contain protein and fat as tolerated.

Aim for 60-90 grams of carbohydrate per hour of riding. Practice this during your training rides ahead of time.

Stay on top of your fueling with a consistent schedule. For example, aim to consume some carbohydrate every 30 mins and sip on uid every 15 mins. Eat consistently for steady energy, but don’t consume more than you need.

Fuel early in the ride even if you don’t feel you need it. This will support your energy levels later in the ride. It’s really tough to catch-up on your fueling later in the ride, so don’t fall behind!

Use liquid nutrition (e.g. F2C Glyco-Durance) to provide easy-to-digest energy in your bottle. This is especially helpful if you are not overly comfortable eating while riding.

Aim to consume ~500-750mL uid every hour. This amount will vary based on your body size, individual sweat rate, and the weather. Include uids with sodium (e.g. F2C Glyco-Durance, other sport drinks and/or electrolyte products).

Items at the top of the list are easier to digest. Items at the bottom of the list are harder to digest.

These options will be available at the rest stops. Options will vary between rest stops.

1 scoop F2C Glyco-Durance

Small handful candy (e.g. 5 gummy worms)

1 cup, i.e. 250mL Pop (e.g. Coke, Iced Tea, Lemonade)

1 can Guayaki Yerba Mate

Small handful dried fruit

i.e. 1/3 cup or 6 apricots (e.g. blueberries, cranberries, apricots)

1 medium banana

1 medium orange 2-3 rice cakes20 small pretzel twists

2 wa es 3 mini brownies

¾ to 1 baked good (e.g. cookies, scones, lemon squares, etc.)

4 mini donuts

1 snack-size bar Hornby Energy Bar

USE THIS OVERVIEW OF THE REST STOPS TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR PLAN

Rest StopNutrition Focus

Horseshoe Bay (19km)

Britannia Beach (51km)

Alice Lake (73km)

Salt Shed (88km)

Brandywine (105km)

Are you fueling enough?

¾ of full-size bar Hornby Energy Bar

Aim for 60-90 grams of carbohydrate per hour (for example: 1-3 snacks and a bottle of F2C Glyco-Durance). Stock-up here as needed.

Are you settled into a fueling routine?

Take advantage of the next section to fuel so you have enough energy for the climb. Focus on carbohydrates (e.g. F2C Glyco-Durance, fruit, candy), but consider including more energy with foods that contain some protein and fat as tolerated (e.g. Hornby bar, baked goods, chips).

Are you hydrating enough?

Keep on-top of your hydration with uids and electrolytes. Get electrolytes from F2C Glyco-Durance or salted foods (e.g. pretzels, bread, chips, jerky). Top-up your energy with these and other easy-to-digest foods and/or uids to prepare for the start of the climb (e.g. fruit, candy, cookies, pop).

Do you have enough energy for the rest of the climb?

Keep up your energy with carbohydrate-rich foods and uids (e.g. F2C Glyco-Durance, fruit, baked goods, candy, chips, pop). Consider something more lling (e.g. sandwich) as tolerated to provide more energy and some protein.

Do you have what you need to make it to the nish?

For this last push, take in easy-to-digest foods and/or uids to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated (e.g. Hornby snack bar, fruit, candy, F2C Glyco-Durance, pretzels). Cramping? Pickles may help minimize your cramping.

Alta Classe

Get the champion treatment

This is the package for the discerning rider who wants to skip all the lines, ride first across the Lions Gate Bridge, enjoy exclusive expo and celebration lounge access, receive premium gifts and rub shoulders with the big players in the cycling and business scenes.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

Alta Classe presented by KITS is more than an elevated turnkey experience.

Alta Classe

Complimentary pre and post ride massage

Thanks to the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy (The Mend), Alta Classe riders will have the benefit of massage treatment both before the ride at VeloSpoke Bike Expo at Alta Classe package pickup as well as post-ride in the Alta Classe massage tent.

Feel great before the event, feel great leaving it.

Complimentary Concord Pacific park & ride and secure bike valet

Exclusive to Alta Classe, park your car within a short ride to the startline at Concord Place, Vancouver (next to BC Place stadium, False Creek). Parking is available all day Saturday and Sunday

You can ride to the start, and be dropped off at the lot by the purchasable return passenger transportation where your car will be waiting. For those purchasing return bike transportation on Saturday, your bike will also be ready to collect.

Your parking pass will be included in your rider package at package pickup. Click here to purchase return transportation from Whistler to Concord Place.

All cars must be picked up by end of day Saturday.

course entertainment

Afterparty

What’s a post-ride celebration without a little late night dancefloor action?

After you’re done at Celebration Plaza, head to the official afterparty at Après Après where you’ll get free cover before 10pm (must be wearing wristband) on Sept 9! Venue opens from 8pm - late.

Free 7 day Après pass!

To celebrate RBC GranFondo Whistler, Gibbons is giving all participants and their supporters a complimentary 7-day Après Pass membership! This will entitle you to 20% off food and drink at all 9 Gibbons Whistler venues, as well as other great perks!

Note, the 7 days start as soon as the sign-up process is complete. If you’re intending to take advantage of the Après pass for Gran Fondo day, we advise not signing up before the Monday of event week.

We hope you’re ready to be swept off your feet: this year’s RBC GranFondo Whistler is packed with unforgettable moments, heart-thumping music, and an unparalleled collection of spirited cheer stations awaiting your journey from Sea to Sky! GET YOUR APRÈS PASS

reel competition

Attention reel makers and content creators!

How would you like to WIN...

$1200 worth of event entries PLUS $500 adspend?

We’re running a video / reel competition over Fondo weekend! To enter, record and post a reel of your RBC GranFondo Whistler 2023, tagging @rbcgranfondoand we’ll pick our favourite to be the official video! The winner gets the above event credit to 2024, plus $500 adspend to boost your reel so thousands of people see your awesome creation!

reel competition

Here’s some free content to get you going!

Brand new, we’re making available video b-roll freely available to download and use in your video / reel.

B-roll includes things like panning shots, landscape images, aerial views and more.

Check out the Google Drive links below, and download today. Let’s see what you create!

Be quick - contest ends Sept 14!

CHECK OUT OUR REELS

Event Information

Event Information

key information

Event ID Instructions

1. Wristband must be attached by staff/volunteers

Wear your wristband at all times. This will give you access to rest stops on the course and the post-ride festivities.

2. Attach your bike plate properly

Visibly place your bike plate to the front of your handlebars with the provided zipties. The timing chip adheres to the back of the plate.

Important: DO NOT bend the bike plate around any part of your bike frame as this might damage the timing chip resulting in you potentially not will receiving a finish time.

Repeat: Do not bend the bike plate!

Riding Etiquette

Communicate

Visibility can be limited when riding in a group. It is important to warn others about upcoming hazards and to remain alert at all times. Point at obstacles and use your voice: “slowing!”, “passing on left!” etc.

Hold your line

This means swerving as little as possible. Be consistent and predictable. If you need to move left or right, do so gradually after checking the area for other riders. Point out your move to fellow riders to indicate your intentions.

Don’t overlap wheels

Overlapping is putting your front wheel next to someone’s rear wheel. If they move, they’ll bump your front wheel and may cause you to crash.

If you get tired, move to the rear

Fatigue causes dangerous riding, so it is safer to go to the back of the group rather than be in the middle. Be sure to tell the riders around you that you are dropping back so it is a safe move.

Riding Etiquette (continued)

Focus on the riders ahead of you

Don’t look at the wheel in front of you. Look around or beyond the riders ahead of you so you can see what’s going on and be prepared for changes.

Emergency vehicles

Emergency vehicles ALWAYS have the right of way. If a rider encounters an emergency vehicle, the rider is to give way to the emergency vehicle by pulling over, stopping and dismounting.

Prepare properly with The Last Drop

We’re delighted to be working with Vancouver club The Last Drop to provide a range of new videos and reels to help you prepare for and have your best ride on September 9! Check out the YouTube link below to get advice on riding in a group, plus top tips for lead up, the morning of and ride day itself.

The Last Drop are a great bunch - check them out @thelastdropcc

reminders

Before arriving at the start

Hydrate well and check your tire pressure. Please bring at least two full water bottles - you will not be able to fill up at the start.

Required ID and emergency contact information

Remember that helmets and Rider ID (bike plate and wristband) are mandatory! Be sure to complete the emergency contact details on the back of your plate. Do not remove your wristband until the end of the event when you have collected your bag and bike. Note: you will need to keep your wristband on to collect your bike from Lot 4 or Vancouver if you have purchased transportation.

Wristband food and drink

Your wristband has your food and drink tickets attached to it. Note: drink tickets are valid for sparkling water, Red Truck beer, ready-to-drink mixers, soda, and soft drinks, so don’t lose them!

When to enter the start corrals

Enter the start corral at least 15 minutes before the ride starts. Select a corral based on your estimated finish time, considering pit stops and rest stops.

Speed-limited start

All riders will be in a controlled start for the first several kilometers. Your official start time will not begin until you cross the start line so there is no need to rush. There is a neutralized roll-out until Taylor Way, and you will be disqualified from the ride if you pass a lead vehicle.

Littering

No littering! Riders found littering will be disqualified and banned from any future RBC GranFondo events.

Bandits

Riders who attempt to ride without registering will be removed from the event by RCMP

frequently asked questions

Can I change my rider category?

Yes, absolutely! Riders can switch between categories at no charge. Please contact Athlete Relations at info@rbcgranfondo.com before Wednesday, September 6th. You can also visit the solutions table at VeloSpoke presented by Dilawri or the Start Line. Note, categories may be sold out, and there is no refunds if a difference of price exists between categories.

When does event registration close?

The online registration closes Wednesday, September 6th at noon PST but you will also be able to register in person in the Solutions Tent at the VeloSpoke presented by Dilawri on Friday, September 8th between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM at the Vancouver Convention Center East.

Can someone else pick up my rider package for me?

No – participants must come to VeloSpoke presented by Dilawri and pick up their own packages. All riders will be asked for a photo ID and to sign a waiver form if they have not done so online.

Got a question you don’t see the answer to in this guide?

Check our full website FAQ or visit us at the Solutions Desk at the Expo / locations listed on the maps come ride day.

FUEL UP WITH FORECAST BEFORE THE BIG DAY

SHOP ONLINE

PRESALE SEPT 9-13, 2023

EVENT JUNE 15, 2024 - WHISTLER

DARE TO BE DIRTY

XFONDO.COM

Attention all adrenaline junkies, trail conquerors, and two-wheeled daredevils—it’s time to lock in your calendars for the ultimate showdown: XFondo Whistler on June 15, 2024. This is not your run-of-the-mill cycling event; it’s a call to arms for the gnarliest riders out there who live for the thrill of pushing their limits.

The pre-sale will be exclusively open to past participants or those riding RBC GranFondo Whistler on September 9th. These riders will be emailed a password in advance to get a huge advantage in securing one of the 300 spaces available. Then, public registration will open to everyone else on Sept 14th at 00:01am PST sharp! Make sure you’re quick to secure a slot - the event sold out in 2023!

MISCHIEFED UP BY THE FRIDAY MINDSET SCHEMINGS OF RBC GRANFONDO WHISTLER

Zero waste

The environment is our

collective responsibility

The RBC GranFondo Whistler Team has set a target to earn AWARE’s Zero Waste Event designation.

An event is considered zero waste when over 90% of waste is diverted from landfill, either by being composted or recycled. Here are some initiatives we are currently undertaking to make this goal a reality:

• Sourcing materials and consumables that are not individually packaged when possible.

• Using compostable or recyclable serving equipment for all food and beverages.

• No Cup Event: all beverages will be served either in a rider’s reusable bottle or directly in an aluminum can (aluminum is the most recyclable material).

• Hiring dedicated Zero Waste Heroes for all areas of the event to ensure waste is sorted and handled properly.

• Using Power Stations rather than fuel generators whenever possible.

• Purchasing reusable and durable equipment instead of disposables

Most importantly, we need your help.

Please contribute mindfully wherever possible during the event, including by not littering and sorting your waste into the correct bins (the AWARE heroes will help you).

Wherever possible, please take public transit or ride your bike to and from the event.

We thank you for your efforts - let’s look after these beautiful lands we all enjoy - together.

we are invictus

Celebrating Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025

To raise awareness of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 for wounded and veteran service peoples, we are working alongside the dedicated organizing committee to bring two new categories to RBC GranFondo Whistler for 2023: the Veteran and Current Military category and the Invictus Alumni category.

In August 2023, the Invictus Games Foundation announced that it would be covering the $75 registration fee for Invictus Alumni into the newly created Invictus Games Alumni category at RBC GranFondo Whistler 2023. The $75 fee was already a reduction on the usual registration rate for non-military riders.

We Are Invictus: This category is for veterans or currently serving Canadian or US Armed Forces members (or other nations) who have been competitors at any of the Invictus Games. The Invictus Foundation is sponsoring entry fees.

Veteran and Current Military: This category is for any person currently serving in the Canadian or US Armed Forces or any former member of the Canadian or US Armed Forces who successfully underwent basic training and was honourably discharged. Registration fee: $200.

get social

The 2023 RBC GranFondo Whistler connects like-minded cyclists with an experience intended to bring family, friends, and the greater community together in celebration!

So grab your friends and family and let’s make a weekend of it!

Volunteer Registration is open for our biggest cycling event of the summer season.

Don’t miss out on the experience of being a valued 2023 Squadra member!

Why have your friends and family waiting on the sidelines when they can be part of the action! SIGN UP

Thank you to this year’s Volunteer Squadra supporters...

Community love

Goodlife Fitness and Yard Athletics will be out on force during your ride bringing the stoke and awesome high energy with cheer stations along the route. Be a mirror and reflect those good vibes right back - what we give in life, we receive! Meanwhile lululemon will be leading a yoga stretch area in Celebration Plaza Saturday morning. Part of a community who’d like to join us next year for your own squad area? Get in touch! info@rbcgranfondo.com

AWARE are the unsung heroes of RBC GranFondo Whistler - so let’s change that. The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment are both our Zero Waste strategy consultants and on-site waste sorting superstars. They’ll help guide you to divert your waste in the correct way so that through our shared efforts, RBC GranFondo Whistler is certified as a Zero Waste event. Love the land on which you live.

The Mend, part of the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy will be lending their massage services and talents to Alta Classe riders before and after the ride (VeloSpoke and Celebration Plaza). Rumour has it they’ll be doing even more than that too...

SportMedBC are the gurus behind the tried and trusted Fondo Clinics program. They help you train and get prepared for Whistler in a fun, supportive and safe manner. For more, check out the Fondo Clinics page on our website.

We’re delighted to welcome Concord Pacific to the community family this year. Beyond building homes and contributing parks, recreation facilities, amenities, school sites, seawall walkways and daycares, Concord supports the people in their communities through family oriented events and charities. Concord will be hosting the Concord Pacific park and ride for Alta Classe riders in False Creek, as well as presenting the Concord Pacific Bike Valet services in Lot 4 and Vancouver for return bike transportation after your ride. They’ll keep your bike secure while you focus on the important things like having fun.

The Last Drop are a super friendly and up and coming Vancouver cycling club who impressed us with their content creation vision and goals within the local cycling scene. We’re working with them this year to produce a new range of tips and advice video content which you can find linked earlier in this guide to help you and your friends have your best ride ever. Come say hello to them at their Expo booth!

The Invictus Games for injured and veteran military personnel are coming to Vancouver Whistler 2025 and we are delighted to stand alongside the Games as an active partner in helping build awareness around this exciting news. Led by patron Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, 2023 has seen the creation of two new categories in RBC GranFondo Whistler: the Invictus Alumni and Veteran and Current Military categories, open to both past Invictus Games participants (entry fee fully covered) and Canadian / US current and veteran military personnel (at reduced entry).

Community love

StayVancouverHotels.com have stepped up their support in a big way in 2023. The official Vancouver booking portal for the event, this year all riders who booked Vancouver accommodation during the event have been offered $75 off their entry fee for the event. Keep your eyes peeled as we hope to bring back this offer for the 2024 edition too.

Tourism Whistler support the event in more ways than you could ever imagine. Their awesome team work alongside our organising committee to help welcome the world to Whistler and BC, knowing as we do the magic visitors feel when experiencing this region. If you meet any Americans, East Coasters, Mexicans, Europeans or those from even further afield at the event this weekend, it’s a strong bet Tourism Whistler helped them get here. Rock on, friends!

The Resort Municipaility of Whistler (RMOW) is the reason Whistler enjoys the deserved and hard earned reputation as a world class resort town. Without them, the events and culture that Whistler is reknowned for would be nowhere the world-class levels on offer today. The RMOW offer incredible support for events and we can’t thank them enough for what they do.

Squamish is a vitally important community that the RBC GranFondo Whistler visits and marks a significant milestone along the Sea to Sky corridor. Their forward thinking Chamber of Commerce help realise the benefits of the event to the Squamish Community and the town provides many of our local suppliers. We are always looking for ways to engage progressively for the benefits of riders and businesses alike, such as this year’s new partnership with the Britannia Beach / MacDonald / Aderra development which will host your 2nd rest stop along the Sea to Sky route! Special shout out to our friends at the Sea to Sky Gondola and Outbound Station - both well worth a visit any time of the year and especially when you’re heading back home on Sunday.

SSR Security are the fine folks who will be keeping the site (and your shiny beloved ride) safe over event weekend. They will also be at the entrance to Celebration Plaza and helping your friends and family get in if they’re not riding themselves.

Finally, thank you to the province of British Columbia. You might be thinking: what does that mean in practice? Simply put, the Province creates programs that allows RBC GranFondo Whistler to expand its offerings for the sport of cycling and paves the way for world-class cycling events to prosper. Without BC’s support, none of us would be riding on Saturday. Let’s not take that for granted!

Thank you!

Partners

RE-REGISTRATION DEALS...

REGISTRATION FOR NEXT YEAR IS OPEN BY THE TIME YOU CROSS THE FINISH! REGISTER at the tent in celebration plaza or online BEFORE SEPT 13 AT MIDNIGHT PST AND:

GET THE VERY BEST PRICE OF THE YEAR

+ WIN A TRIP FOR 2 worth UP TO $8000 WITH TURKISH AIRLINES + GET EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE XFONDO PRESALE

PLUS REGISTER FOR RBCGRANFONDO WHISTLER AND XFONDO WHISTLER 2024 TOGETHER TO SAVE BIG! SEE YOU IN 2024!

good luck on saturday