The 2019 Bluewater International Granfondo will feature a new route and additional training rides.
As many as 1000 cyclists, from across North America and even some from Europe and Mexico, will be welcomed to the fourth annual event Sunday, August 4.
Event Chair Ken MacAlpine says they wanted to include more beginner and intermediate riders -- so they've introduced a 30 kilometre route that will follow a flat course from Mike Weir Park, Lambton's trail system and Lake Huron.
"Some people found they were stretching themselves a little bit too much to do the 50 K," said MacAlpine. "So we just announced that and so far the response has been just amazing, from people dusting off their bikes in basements and saying 'Hey! That's something I can do. I'm going to get ready and do my training, 30 K is certainly doable for me.'"
Cyclists will still be able to participate in the traditional 50 kilometre, 100 kilometre and 150 kilometre routes.
MacAlpine said they've also decided to offer training rides on Monday night -- in addition to the popular Wednesday night rides.
"Monday night is for beginners, we're thinking we'll get 30, 40, 50 people out on the Monday night and then the Wednesday nights will be a bit more manageable," he said.
He said 160 people signed up for the mid-week rides last year.
Registration is now open at www.bigf.ca, with early bird rates being offered until January 31.
$60,000 was raised for St. Joseph's Hospice and Palliative Care at Bluewater Health this past summer.