To register a participant please click here. The cost is dependent on how early you register.
The Gravel Grind FAQ
HOW DO I REGISTER AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY?
Each entrant will receive the following:
- A great BIG experience you will not forget from an awesome day on your bike with hundreds of your new cycling friends
- A series of fully stocked fuel stops with amazing food and friendly service
- A BIG SWAG bag at registration
- A BIG Signature Giordana cycling jersey
- An exceptional BIG Après ride event with live music, post-ride meal and a cold beer or non-alcoholic beverage
HOW FAST DO I HAVE TO RIDE?
The Course Closes at 2PM. This gives you 6 hours to complete the 80k and 5 hours to complete the 40k. This means you must ride an AVERAGE pace of 13km/hr (INCLUDING STOPS) or faster in order to finish in time.
WHY IS THERE A CUT OFF TIME?
The mandatory cut off is above all, a safety issue. Having riders out on the course, far from the finish, is not only a wellbeing issue, but also one of fatigue and discomfort for the rider. In addition, it is unreasonable to expect our volunteers, some of whom begin before dawn, to remain on course any longer. Beyond the safety issues, we plan to provide an enjoyable experience which includes not only a fun, challenging day on the bike, but also taking in our Après ride event enjoying live music, having a meal and/or a beer with new friends, and not struggling through a prohibitively difficult ride for the entirety of the day. A SAG Wagon will be available to bring you back to the Legacy Recreation Centre in Thedford, if required.
WHERE DOES THE GRAVEL GRIND START AND FINISH?
The Gravel Grind will start and finish at the Legacy Recreation Centre in Thedford, Ontario.
IS THERE PARKING AND A SECURE BIKE CORRAL?
Yes, ample free parking at the Legacy Recreation Centre which is 5 min from the start/finish.
Yes, there is a secure Bike Corral near the Start Line.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE ROUTE?
ARE THERE WASHROOMS ON THE ROUTE?
There will be porta-johns on the route at the fuel stations. Participants can expect 2 fuel stations along the 80k route and 1 fuel station along the 40k route.
Washrooms will also be available at the Legacy Recreation Centre. Please use these facilities and respect the local area and residents.
Please use toilets provided and not the local trees.
DO THE RULES OF THE ROAD APPLY?
YES… You must adhere to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Cyclist’s Rules of the Road for the duration of the event. Cycling – Highway Traffic Act
Many of the roads you will ride are very narrow, with no centre line. They will be shared with vehicular traffic. Please ride to the right when in narrow sections of road/path. Please use rules of the road at all intersections. The roads are not closed and they will be open to non-event vehicles traveling with and against you. While traffic on these roads is minimal, it is still there.
Additionally, riding in the middle of the road/path absent motor vehicle traffic can still cause unsafe conditions for other, faster riders. Regardless of how fast you think you’re going, someone is pretty much always coming up behind you. Get over to the right as far as safety allows and let the faster flow pass you by. It’s better for them and it’s better for you.
HOW MUCH OF THE ROUTES ARE GRAVEL?
Participants can expect to have a 75% Gravel route on the 80k and a 80% gravel route on the 40k.
WHAT ELSE CAN WE EXPECT?
Participants should be prepared for the following:
40K:
- Medium to light difficulty
- Scenic Views – including panoramic country-side
- Some Rolling Hills
- Quiet Roads
80K:
- Medium to challenging difficulty with some spicy bits
- Rail trail
- Rolling and steep hill sections (relative to Lambton County)
- Half the rides elevation is within 5km
- Muddy/potentially buggy sections
- Some heavy bush sections
- Some tractor tire divots
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE DO WE NEED?
40KM: Recommended: Gravel, Possible but not fun: Fat Bike, Mountain Bike, Hybrid
80KM: Recommended: Gravel, Possible but not fun: Mountain Bike
If unsure if your bike meets the requirements, we recommend checking in with our bike shop sponsor:
Great Lakes Bicycle Company
519 491 6285
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
A working bike, extra bike tire tube, CO2 or a pump, bike lights, water, sunscreen and helmet. It may be a good idea for those riding the 80k to bring bug spray as well.
ARE HELMETS REQUIRED?
All riders under 18 are required to wear a safety certified bicycle helmet as stated in the provincial law. However, we strongly urge everyone to wear a helmet.
IS THERE A SECURE SPOT TO STORE MY THINGS WHILE I RIDE?
No. We do not offer a bag check but your vehicle parking is very close to the start line.
IF I NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WHAT DO I DO?
If you need help inform a route marshall or someone at the Fuel Station. If needed urgently please call 911.
WHAT IF I NEED MECHANICAL SUPPORT?
All riders are expected to have a spare tube and a CO2 or a pump. There will be mechanical support at the start and mechanics will be in cars roving covering all routes.
HOW OLD DOES A PARTICIPANT NEED TO BE TO RIDE BY THEMSELF?
Yes, you need to be 15 years of age or older. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. The adult must be present to sign for their minor and must agree to accompany them during the ride. Please email kross@ourbco.ca for exceptions.
WHERE AND WHEN IS PACKET PICK-UP?
Packet Pick-up:
DAY BEFORE:
Where: Great Lakes Cycle, 137 Michigan Avenue, Point Edward
When: July 6th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
DAY OF:
Where: Legacy Recreation Centre , 16 Allen Street, Thedford
When: July 7th, 6:00 am – 8:00 am
I CAN'T MAKE THE RIDE CAN I STILL HAVE MY PACKET?
We will retain your packet until the end of July 2024. If you are local, we will make arrangements for pick up via kross@ourbco.ca if out of the area we can mail to you at a cost of $20.00 paid in advance.
ARE THERE REFUNDS, DEFERRALS, TRANSFERS TO ANOTHER PERSON OR CHANGING OF ROUTE DISTANCE AFTER I HAVE REGISTERED?
There are no refunds or deferrals to subsequent rides. You can transfer your registration to another route distance or to another person. If you change to a longer distance you will be charged the difference in price. If you change to a shorter distance there will be no refund. see this link for “how to”or email kross@ourbco.ca. The cut-off date for these changes is July 1, 2024.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
BIG Gravel Grind will take place rain or shine unless cancelled by authorities due to lightning or severe weather that is judged hazardous to riders. There will be no refunds but do not worry as your money goes to a very good cause.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I REGISTERED AFTER MAY 1?
As all orders are custom made in Italy and require a 9-week lead time. Your size cannot be assured but you will receive a custom Giordana cycling jersey. We usually have additional merchandise, but exchanges would be limited to stock on hand. There are no refunds.
WHAT CHARITIES DOES BIG GRAVEL GRIND SUPPORT?
The Gravel Grind will be supporting the Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia Lambton and Weir Active in our community.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT THE BIG GRAVEL GRIND?
Please send an email with your contact info to volunteer@bigf.ca.
IF WE TAKE SELFIES OR FAMILY PHOTOS, WHERE SHOULD WE SEND THEM?
We would love to see all your shots from the BIG Gravel Grind! Please tag us on social media @bigranfondo and/or utilize #BIGGravelGrind on your social media posts.