With a new route change and events planned at two major Penticton parks, the City is notifying the public about what to expect ahead of next weekend’s Okanagan Granfondo.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Okanagan Granfondo back to Penticton,” says Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “This event not only adds vibrancy and attracts visitors to our city, but also creates opportunities for our residents to get involved, including the free Saturday morning Piccolofondo kids’ race, which is often a summer highlight for local families.”
The Piccolofondo takes place on Saturday, July 12, from 8-9:30 a.m. on Lakeshore Drive, next to Okanagan Lake Park. The next morning (July 13), the main Okanagan Granfondo mass cycling event will begin at 6:30 a.m. from Skaha Lake Park, with roughly 2,000 riders taking part.
Road closure information
Sunday’s big race will start at Skaha Lake Park on Penticton’s southern end, with riders heading south along Eastside Road in a loop travelling through Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Kaleden before returning to the park to cross the finish line.
While this new route reduces the need for extensive road closures, anyone travelling through Penticton and the South Okanagan on Sunday, July 13, is reminded to expect congestion and delays between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The busiest intersection will be on Highway 97 at Skaha Lake Road (the southwest entrance/exit to Penticton). Drivers are recommended to use Eastside Road wherever possible (after 8 a.m.).
Also, Skaha Lake Park will have limited parking options on Sunday. And anyone planning to access Penticton Airport is reminded to allow extra time.
Road closures include:
- July 12: Lakeshore Drive between Winnipeg Street and Riverside Drive will be closed for the Kids’ Piccolofondo event (6 -11 a.m.)
- July 13: South Beach Drive (local access only): 3:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- July 13: Parkview Street (full closure 3:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. and partial closure 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
For all the traffic information, including the Granfondo notice to residents throughout the South Okanagan, visit penticton.ca/granfondo.
Ways to get involved
• You’re invited to sign up your kids – age two to 10 years old – for the free Piccolofondo biking event. Advanced registration required.
• Explore the Okanagan Granfondo Cycling Expo at Skaha Lake Park, with exhibitors and the opportunity to try out or purchase cycling gear.
• Sign up as a volunteer.
• Watch the ride start on Sunday morning at Skaha Lake Park.
Have questions?
Okanagan Granfondo staff are distributing road closure information to any affected addresses. These details, including route maps, can also be found online at okanagangranfondo.com/traffic. For event information, visit okanagangranfondo.com.