Editor,

It’s hard to believe the second annual Gran Fondo Lake Huron, presented by Bruce Power has come and gone. An extensive amount of planning and preparation goes into making this event not only one of the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation’s biggest fundraisers each year but also a fun and memorable event for all of our cyclists and volunteers.

We have already begun planning for the Gran Fondo Lake Huron 2020 and know that the support and enthusiasm from our riders, sponsors, volunteers, community businesses, and organizations will help us to create another memorable sold out event in beautiful Saugeen Shores.

A special thank you needs to go to the Thede family. Many of you may have taken a moment during your ride to stop at the Thede farm rest stop to refuel and enjoy the scenic countryside view. Those who participated in the Gran Fondo last year may recall fondly how Harry Thede sat on his front porch waving at and greeting our riders to his farm. Harry quite enjoyed talking with everyone who stopped by and was looking forward to extending his welcoming Bruce County hospitality again this year.

Unfortunately, Harry passed away in July but his family graciously allowed Gran Fondo riders to stop at the farm again this year. In honour of Harry, his family placed a blue painted bike out by the laneway to let Gran Fondo riders know there was a warm Thede welcome still waiting for them on the farm.

Until today the biggest news for this year’s Gran Fondo Lake Huron was that we reached capacity and had a sell-out event. Today, we would like to add to that excitement and officially announce the final results for 2019. Thanks to you, the total net revenue from the Gran Fondo Lake Huron, presented by Bruce Power for 2019 was an astounding $180,000.

Your kindness, generosity and hard work has ensured that the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation can continue to provide high quality healthcare in our community; to our residents, businesses, cottage goers, and visitors from near and far.

You registered. You rode. You saved lives. For that we will always be so very thankful.

Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation and Gran Fondo Lake Huron