East Kootenay motorists are being warned to expect increased cyclist traffic and possible delays Saturday as nearly 400 riders take to roads between Cranbrook, Kimberley, Wasa and Fort Steele.
The Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo takes place Sept. 12, with cyclists starting and finishing at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino near Cranbrook.
Drivers travelling through the area are being asked to allow extra time, slow down around cyclists and event volunteers and give riders plenty of room when passing.
Cyclists will travel along Mission Road, Highway 95A, NorthStar Rails to Trails, roads through Kimberley, Wycliffe Road, Highway 93/95 and Fort Steele-Wardner Road throughout the day.
Participants can choose from three distances.
The 58-kilometre Piccolo Fondo travels from St. Eugene through the Kimberley area before returning via Wycliffe Road.
The 102-kilometre Medio Fondo continues through Kimberley, Wasa and Fort Steele before returning toward Cranbrook, while the 152-kilometre Gran Fondo adds a section along Fort Steele-Wardner Road.
The Gran Fondo begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Medio Fondo at 9:45 a.m. and Piccolo Fondo at 10 a.m.
The event is a ride rather than a race, with volunteers, traffic-control personnel, aid stations, medical support and mobile mechanics stationed along the routes.
Beyond the temporary impact on local roads, the event raises money for community organizations across the East Kootenay.
The non-profit Gran Fondo is organized by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Cranbrook in co-operation with JCI Kootenay.
Proceeds support organizations and initiatives including the Kimberley/Cranbrook Hospice Society, North Star Rails To Trails Society, Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol and local Rotary and Lions clubs.
Organizers are asking motorists and residents to watch for riders, volunteers and traffic-control personnel throughout Saturday.
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