Three thousand cyclists, plus supporters and other spectators, will be arriving in Penticton this week for the sold-out Okanagan Granfondo mass cycling event, scheduled for Sunday, July 10. Drivers are asked to use extreme caution throughout the week, exercise patience, and watch for additional cyclists and pedestrian traffic.
Anticipate numerous road closures throughout Penticton and outlying areas from Saturday, July 9 from 5 a.m. to Sunday, July 10 at 5 p.m. On Saturday morning, please be aware that parking will not be available along Lakeshore Drive.
The events include:
- Piccolo Fondo (kids’ race), Saturday, July 9, from 9-11 a.m. at Rotary Park
- Granfondo race, Sunday, July 10, starting at 6:30 a.m. near Lakeshore Drive and Gyro Park. The early start time is intended to minimize traffic disruptions. Cyclists will work their way through downtown Penticton along Main St., Riverside Dr., Martin St., Westminster Ave., South Main St. as well as other local streets.
How to get involved
This high-profile race attracts visitors from all over the world, wrapping up with festivities at Gyro Park on Sunday, which will include a family fun zone, beverage garden and BBQ. This will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parents are invited to register their kids (up to age 12) for the free Piccolo Fondo race Saturday morning, which will be held along Lakeshore Drive.
Also, the event is seeking volunteers for various shifts throughout the week. It’s an opportunity to get front-row seats to the action and to support our community. All information is on their website at www.okanagangranfondo.com.
Route information and maps
- For traffic and full route information, including maps, visit www.okanagangranfondo.com/traffic
- Course route descriptions and maps can be found at www.okanagangranfondo.com/ride-categories
- The weekend schedule of events is at www.okanagangranfondo.com/event-weekend
The Okanagan Granfondo launches a busy month of endurance sports events, followed by the Peach Classic Triathlon (July 17), Ultraman Canada (July 22-24) and Ultra 520K Canada (July 30-Aug. 1). All future road closure information will be posted on the City’s website at penticton.ca/road-closures.