A new cycling event in the community aims to raise money for two charitable organizations in memory of a Sarnia resident who passed away in a tragic motorcycle collision. The inaugural BIG Gravel Grind will be held on July 7, 2024.
Participants can choose a 40 kilometre or 80 km route, starting from the Legacy Recreation Centre in Thedford. Co-organizer Jonathan Palumbo said the Gravel Grind is the newest event under the Granfondo initiative.
"We knew it was time to build a gravel event. Gravel riding has become very popular for people who are experienced cyclists but maybe don't want to ride on the roads as much and want to enjoy the scenery," he said.
The event is also being held in partnership with The Husky Hustle, a cycling group co-founded by Palumbo's late brother-in-law James (Jamie) Hastings, and his friend Dan Tice.
"The Husky Hustle is a fun group of cyclists who might look a little larger than most," laughed Palumbo. "The Husky Hustle really wanted to develop an event and having the connections through the Grandfondo family, we thought it was the right time to do that."
Palumbo said members of The Husky Hustle also believed the fundraiser posed as a good way to honour Hastings' spirit.
"He became an avid cyclist a number of years ago. He really encouraged people and he really went out of his way to help people," Palumbo said. "Even though he [was] a bit of a character and he's a fun-loving spirit, cycling became his happiness and his joy, and he loved getting other people into that."
Registration for the Gravel Grind is currently open, however, spots are expected to fill up quickly.
"As the inaugural, we wanted to start with an amount that made sense, so we went with 250 riders," Palumbo said.
Before June 1, the registration fee for the 40 km route is $119 and the 80 km route is $139.
Palumbo said the registration cost will include a cycling jersey, a post-ride meal, and refreshments along the route.
Money raised through the event will support the Women's Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton and Weir Active, which is a program within the Youth Wellness Hubs of Ontario.
"They're incredibly important organizations in our community," Palumbo said. "We have two exceptional people on our planning committees who are deeply involved in those two organizations. To bring resources and to bring attention to their mission, I think is just wonderful and it fits our values."
Further details about the routes and registration can be found on the event's website.