Updated March 31, 2024
The Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo is a new event organized by Cycling Events Ontario, a not-for-profit organization comprising a team of passionate cyclists to bring safe and challenging cycling events to Ontario. In October, the UCI Gravel World Series event qualifies for the UCI Gravel World Championship in Veneto, Italy.
The Blue Mountains Gravel Fondo routes include a long course of 76 miles and 4800 feet of elevation gain and a short course of 48 miles and 2800 feet. The routes were developed by consulting with some of the region’s most knowledgeable gravel riders and ensuring the course was designed with rider safety in mind. The organizer has developed a beautiful course that will, in part, favor the power riders as they ride through open, windy sections of wide gravel roads. On other parts of the course, climbers can create separation on some short, punchy climbs. There are other sections where cars cannot pass, and riders with advanced bike handling skills will be able to separate themselves from those without. The entire course provides magnificent scenery for all. Having the right of way is a fundamental component of the UCI Gravel series, making this vent so focused on the rider experience.
The UCI Gravel World Series, sponsored by TREK, is a series of international UCI-sanctioned races. Some 15-20 qualifier events will qualify the top 25% in each age group to the UCI Gravel World Championships, where the champions are awarded the coveted UCI rainbow jersey. The Series is based on the very successful UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which was launched in 2011 as a road qualifier series for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships with events with up to 8000 riders and a yearly World Championships with 3000 participants. Focussing on both elites but also masters and cyclo tourists, these events are long-distance bike races on mainly unpaved roads and paths with an adventurous and often challenging route in the middle of nature. The Highlands Gravel Classic, in June, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the only other North American series event.
Thornbury is a charming town located in Ontario, Canada, on the shores of Georgian Bay, a little over 100 NW of Toronto. Stunning natural landscapes surround it, including the Niagara Escarpment, the Beaver Valley, and the Blue Mountains. The area is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
