Cyclists rollout on the 2019 Lake Huron Gran Fondo in Southampton August 18 in support of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Hub Staff
The streets of Saugeen Shores erupted in a symphony of cowbells and bicycle bells as the second annual Gran Fondo Lake Huron got underway August 18. Thunderstorms were in the forecast but they held off and cyclists enjoyed a beautiful breezy day to journey along the scenic Lake Huron shoreline and inland as far as Tiverton and Paisley.
The sold out event began and ended on High Street in Southampton with 1,000 registrants geared up to raise money for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF). The race offered four routes ranging from 30 kilometres to 160 kilometres, allowing all different levels of athletes to participate.
At 7am 160km riders were the first to click in at the start line near the High and Huron Street intersection. A total of 90 participants in this category were welcomed by Chris Pickering from MultiSport Canada, who reviewed road safety rules and cycling hand signals.
“This is not a timed race,” reminded Pickering. “We’re all just here to have fun.”
Executive Director at the SMHF, Tracy Murray, offered a sincere thank you to all the cyclists who came out to support the event. “You’re not just out here having fun,” said Murray, “you’re saving lives.”
The money raised will be used to purchase a portable ultrasound machine for the Emergency Department, a patient wander safety system and two new hospital beds.
Bruce Power was the Platinum Sponsor for the 160km route and Chief Nuclear Officer Len Clewett spoke of the exceptional healthcare services offered in our community. “Events like this are very important in maintaining that high quality of hospital care,” remarked Clewett.
With a blast of an airhorn, Clewett signalled the official start to the 2019 Gran Fondo Lake Huron, sending the 160 km riders on their way. The 110km riders followed close behind at 7:30pm with 196 participants at the start line. The 70km and 30km rides followed in three heats with a total of 338 and 396 registrants respectively.
By 9:15am, everyone was on their way and event staff dismantled the starting gate, moved up High Street and constructed the finish line outside of Martin’s Bicycle Shop. No sooner had everyone setup and got comfortable when Jamie O’Connor from Dundas flew across the finish with an estimated time of 48 minutes for the 30km race. A few minutes later, Jason Gresel of Sauble Beach completed his 30km race and Celebrity Cyclist Nathan Perrott was the third cyclist to finish.
Gresel confessed he didn’t know about the race until the day before the event. “I literally just found out about the race a day ago,” said Gresel. “The only spots left were for the 30km.”
For his first ever cycling event, former NHL’er Perrott was pleased with his finish. “We cycled for training, but this is my first race,” said Perrott.
Allison Leamon from Guelph was the first female to cross the finish line. Leamon is in the midst of training for the 2020 Invictus Games to be held in the Netherlands this spring.
All Gran Fondo participants were treated to a catered picnic at the Big Flag in Southampton and a frosty beer, courtesy of the Cowbell Brewing Co.
The total raised at the 2019 event was not available at the time of publishing. We will update the article when that information comes available.
Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director Tracy Murray addressed the riders before they set off to cover 160km across Bruce County to help raise money for new medical equipment for the Southampton hospital.
Cyclists tackling the 160km "Bruce County Bucket List" were first to leave the starting gate at the Gran Fondo Lake Huron August 18 in Southampton.
On the left, Christine John of Southampton is set to conquer the 110km Gran Fondo route from Saugeen Shores to Paisley and back August 18. On the right, Robert Starrs and Brett Martin of Martin’s Bicycle Shop cooled off after their 70km venture through Saugeen Shores and beyond.
Cyclists participating in the 110km "Pretty in Paisley" route saddled up at the starting line for the 2019 Gran Fondo Lake Huron in Southampton.
Pauline Watson celebrated her 65th birthday with a 70km ride along the Lake Huron shoreline and the Saugeen River as part of the Gran Fondo Lake Huron August 18. Watson’s riding partner, Geordie Farrell, dutifully decorated her friend for the occasion.
Brett Martin, owner of Martin’s Bicycle Shop in Southampton and a major sponsor for the fundraising event, peddled out on his 70km expedition to support the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Friends, Nancy (left) and Myra (right) pose with their small but mighty fan club Cooper and Chloe before the 30km ride.
Three-time Canadian Paralympian, Boston Marathon Winner and multi record holder, Josh Cassidy, prepared for his 30km race at the 2019 Gran Fondo Lake Huron in Southampton August 18.
Allison Leamon from Guelph joined the Gran Fondo Lake Huron 30km ride as part of her training for the 2020 Invictus Games to be held in the Netherlands this May. Leamon was the first female to cross the finish line.
Riders in the 30km "From Farm to Shore and Back” route coast out of the starting gate August 18 at the Gran Fondo Lake Huron in support of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Jen Harris with sons Henry (left) and Cameron (right) took time out from their Southampton vacation to cheer on the cyclists in the second annual Gran Fondo Lake Huron. You might see these three participating in the event next year.
Josh Cassidy, who is originally from Burgoyne and now resides in Guelph, led the second wave of 30km cyclists at the second annual Gran Fondo Lake Huron in Saugeen Shores.
One of the larger teams at the Gran Fondo Lake Huron was "The Brady Bunch" who sported their purple shirts as they rode out in support of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
On the left, Jason Gresel from Sauble Beach made a last minute decision to participate in the Gran Fondo Lake Huron and ended up as the second cyclist to pass through the finish gate. On the right, Jamie O’Connor took staff and spectators by surprise as he swiftly swept through the finish only moments after the event crew had set it up. O'Connor was the first the complete the course at the second annual event.
Owen Sound native and former NHL'er, Nathan Perrott, received a medal for completing the 30km trek, finishing third in his first ever cycling event.
Peter Olsen coasted a little closer to the ground that most riders for his 30km trip along the Saugeen Shores shoreline at the 2019 Gran Fondo Lake Huron.
Friends Dave Dimmick and Andrew Doern completed their 30km ride together outside Martin’s Bicycle Shop in Southampton while family and friends cheered them on from the sidelines.
98 The Beach morning host Brian Longmire gave the crowd a wave as he rolled across the finish line. Longmire completed the 30km route with his 14 year old son Zac who is not seen in the picture because he finished too far ahead of his father.
These cyclists headed out to tackle the 70km "Winding Past Windmills" route August 18.
From left, Asher, Grace, Lydia, and Rebekah showing their very colourful sign put together by dedicated supporters at the second annual Gran Fondo Lake Huron August 18.
These hardworking volunteers took a moment from answering questions, directing riders and taking pre-ride pictures. From left, Deb Seyler, Rod Linn, and Kathy Linn.
