The second annual Bluewater International Granfondo has raised nearly twice as much than its inaugural year.
The August event raised $50,000 that will be split between St. Joseph's Hospice and Bluewater Health's Palliative Care.
Granfondo Chair Ken MacAlpine says they had 767 riders and over 250 volunteers, which helped them raise $20,000 more than last year.
He says the money will help build on the area's world class palliative care.
"The bulk of the money is going to support a palliative care conference, a first for Lambton County, where we are bringing in several world class speakers to educate the nurses and palliative care workers in the community," says MacAlpine.
MacAlpine says he's overwhelmed by the continued support this event receives, especially considering it's just the second year for it.
"We've had a tremendous response from riders right across Canada, Michigan and Ohio," says MacAlpine. "I think about 90% of the riders have already approached me about next summer, asking about registration for 2018. We should have the website up and ready to go in the next week or so."
MacAlpine says they are hoping to get 1,000 cyclist for the third installment, double the amount they had during the first year.
