A brand new cycling event will take over the streets of Sarnia next month.
The first annual Bluewater International Granfondo Slow Roll is set for Friday, July 29.
Organizer Ken MacAlpine said the leisurely 10 kilometre ride is open to everyone regardless of age, experience, ability, or type of bike.
He expects around 500 people to register.
"People will be getting on bikes that maybe haven't been on their bikes for the past 10 years," said MacAlpine. "We're hoping that grandkids will encourage their grandmothers to get out there. We're hoping that, in some situations, we'll have four generations riding together."
The Slow Roll will start downtown on Front Street, heading south to Devine Street. The route will take the group on Russell Street, Cameron Street, and Superior Street.
They'll ride through Germain Park and Hanna Memorial School before getting onto Maria Street, and back downtown. There will also be music from live bands along the way.
MacAlpine said safety is a top priority.
"Sarnia police have become involved and they're going to have a police car at the front and a police car at the back, and another police car moving ahead doing rolling road closures. We'll have about 20 marshals out there organizing crowd control. It will be at low speed and keeping the group together. Safety is number one on our agenda."
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said this will be the first new major event in the city since COVID-19 started.
"This is the first time we've had the opportunity to bring the public together to enjoy themselves, all ages," said Bradley. "It's a brand new event for the city which will impact everywhere, downtown and throughout the community. I see this as a community healing event."
Those interested can register by clicking here.