“Thank you for a terrific event yesterday!”
It was beautifully organized – from the registration in the morning, to the directions on the ride, to the support stops and the great meal at the end. I appreciate all the hard work that went into the organization and the effort of all the friendly volunteers. It was our first time – but it won’t be our last!
–Fiona Stewart
“The course was well marked, very scenic (loved the stretch from Rockport to Brockville) and I was also very impressed with the support along the way.”
The volunteers were just the most friendly and supportive bunch of people ever – please pass along a HUGE “Thank You” to them all. Cheers to you, thanks again for a terrific day and I plan to see you at the start line for 2020 Century!
–James McGarvie
“As a first time rider in this event, in fact a first time rider in any organized cycling event, I had a great time.”
With a well organized event package pickup, at a great sponsor – Spearhead Brewery, and a well run before race information session, it was apparent that rider safety and enjoyment were key. Following a well laid out course that took cyclists on a variety of country roads, the Thousands Island Parkway and Hwy 2, it was fun to see a part of Eastern Ontario that often gets overlooked when stuck in the 401. My 120km ride was capped off with a delicious post event meal (beer once again available). This is definitely an event I would look to do again.
–Erik Vreeken
“Thank you to everyone that helped with the ride yesterday, it was a perfect day and well executed!”
Especially thank you for helping me with the pedals, saved my ride!
The massage lady did a wonderful job pulling out the kinks afterwards, I should be walking in a few days…
–Steve Bailey
“Thanks so much for organizing a great race yesterday.”
I know how much work is involved and really appreciate everything and your team of volunteers did to make it a great event. See you next year!
–Nancie Evans
“Thanks for putting on a great event”
We had a great time.
–Christian Lee
“I will definitely do it again.”
The Thousand Island Gran Fondo was well organized and well planned. Registration was easy to access, and information on the site was clear and accurate. It was nice to have breakfast snacks available before, during, and after the race. The route was beautiful and was picturesque. I will definitely do it again this Sept. THANK-YOU to all who volunteered to make this ride successful.
–Patrick Robar
“The ride experience was a hoot for me!”
I can’t begin to tell you what a great day we all had yesterday. Everyone in my group finished the race and were all super proud of their accomplishments. I was super thrilled with my ride given my lack of training this summer and since I didn’t have the opportunity to race at all this season, I was super pumped to be out on my bike in a race like (sort of) environment.
Overall, the ride experience was a hoot for me. I loved being handed a water bottle fill up from the support vehicle while I was in motion. That’s the way I LOVE to roll!!! WOO HOO!!! I just loved it. I only stopped at one pit stop, but the others in my group did stop and were very happy with the offerings. I would have loved to have been on a road bike and work with the lead group – maybe one day down the road!
A big congrats to you on doing a superb job in organizing this event. I’m sure it took up many hours of your time. I will definitely spread the word around my area and encourage people to sign up for next year. I hope to participate again next year as well.
–Darlene Howe
“Well organized, great food, and a lot of fun.”
Thoroughly enjoyed this cycling event. Well organized, great food, and a lot of fun. Thanks again to Randy and your team of volunteers! I’ll definitely be doing it next year.
–Trevor Davies
“I feel like I had a personal coaching session!”
I just wanted to send a thank you to the ride organizers. I know these events take a lot of work, and it was much appreciated. Sherpa Ryan was particular helpful in the ride — I feel like I had a personal coaching session!
–Jenelle Power
“One of the best events I’ve had the pleasure of participating in.”
The event was very well organized and a blast to ride. The route was great, and the scenery was beautiful the entire day, but especially along the parkway. Volunteers at feed stations were extremely friendly and helpful. The BBQ and spread to finish off the day was excellent. One of the best events I’ve had the pleasure of participating in and I can’t wait to do it again!
–John Sadler
“Keen group of riders. Will attend again!”
As this was my first Fondo, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was excited to see the keen group of riders, and enjoyed the terrain and lack of traffic, along with the excellent support available. Enjoying the best hamburg I’ve had in years seemed a fitting conclusion. Will attend again!
–Ross McLean
“Currently training for 2016.”
I was concerned about the distance of the event since I had cycled above 100km only a few times in the last ten years. I got home in just under seven hours after starting out, and was very pleased that I had finished. I’m currently training for the 2016 edition.
–Robert Klassen
“I have been telling everyone about this event, and that it is not to be missed.”
I was very impressed with all aspects of my Grand Fondo bike ride, which for me began and ended in Gananoque. I have been telling everyone about this event, and that it is not to be missed. This ride was my third out of four Gran Fondos that I participated in over the year. It was a nice treat to begin my journey with several others at the aid station in the warmth and comfort of the Chev dealership, with hosts Jen Birkas and Katherine Hillen to keep us company, offering us hot drinks to keep us warm.
I was looking forward to exploring a new bike route. I joined two female IronStride members to begin our journey. It was great having company with each of us taking turns to pull at the front. I was very pleased and satisfied with my ride when I stopped at the aid station at grocery store in Mallorytown. The aid station was well run and very adequately stocked. Seeing Randy, Jackie Dwyer, and other support vehicles on the route on a regular basis was comforting. I cannot say enough that the many arrow signs posted at intersections along the route were a welcomed sight to confirm that I was on the right road. On my reaching the Gan aid station, I was feeling good about my ride, despite the initial rain. If I had known that Jen Birkas would be offering her delicious homemade cookies, I would have worked harder. Many thanks for the tasty BBQ offerings back at your studio.
–Mary Jane Phillips
“Throughout the century ride cars came up beside me checking on my welfare and voicing encouragement .”
The Thousand Islands Gran Fondo was a great experience.
First of all a great big ‘Thank-you” for the beautiful gift basket I went home with after the Gran Fondo. Don’t know how I earned it, but enjoyed it enormously, and have been going to Multatuli ever since.
The support system seemed to be functioning by telepathy; when I took off my rain gear, there was a car beside me relieving me of it, the driver assuring me that if it were needed again she’d be back. Throughout the century ride cars came up beside me checking on my welfare and voicing encouragement . We were well-fed and well-watered by several feeding stations, and there was quite the spread of the most delicious hamburgers, and pasta salad from my favorite deli, Pasta Genova, when we arrived back at Focus Fitness. The signage was impressive. To get lost one would have had to work at it. The scripted signs were huge, so were the arrows pointing the way. I actually wondered how Randy made ends meet with all that we received for our fee: a police escort at the start, several support vehicles cruising around all day, food and drink, a VERY cool Jersey (my favorite jersey ever), the excellent signage and other odds and sods.
The best moment of the day was when – me being tired and saddle-sore – Ron came up beside me to shepherd me home for the last hour. He stuck with me and entertained me with tales of races he had taken part in, being injured but racing on.
I am looking forward to riding in the Gran Fondo next time, in brilliant sunshine, no wind or tailwind, enjoying the vistas of the Thousand Islands and the peaceful countryside, and enjoying all the goodies along the way in good company.
–Barbara
“Everyone was incredibly positive and had a great time!”
It was great to be a part of the first official Thousand Islands Gran Fondo. Whether you were challenging yourself to complete, or to hammer the distance, everyone was incredibly positive and had a great time. And this was in a cold rain!
The event was very well organized for being the first time, but in fact it was well organized – period. A well-marked course in very biker friendly terrain. I will be back – hopefully again and again.
–Ken
“I look forward to this ride becoming an annual event.”
Decided at last minute to participate in the 1st Annual Thousand Islands Gran Fondo.
The route itself was challenging at times, but also a great ride, especially on the Thousand Islands Parkway and over some great back country roads. It was well marked and well supported! Several rest stops provided plenty of food, drinks and hot coffee – that was especially appreciated! Upon returning back to Kingston there was also great food waiting that was enjoyed by all. I look forward to this ride becoming an annual event, it’s a great way to finish off the summer season!
Thanks to all who organized and supported us on the ride!
–Donna
“I have already recommended this event to several of my friends.”
Great experience and if all goes well, I’ll be back again in 2016. Great set-up and location, along with wonderfully helpful and friendly volunteers. I especially loved the jersey, and the food was awesome! I have already recommended this event to several of my friends.
–Sue Duval
“Can’t wait to come back next year.”
A big thank you to you and everyone involved with this event. I had a great time and can’t wait to come back next year. Thank you for everything.
—Jason Walz
“All in all a great event that I plan on doing again.”
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Gran Fondo.
I thought it was well organized and the route was very well marked. It is a beautiful ride, one that I think we Kingstonians take for granted. I especially enjoyed the catered BBQ at the Woolen Mill afterwards. It was nice to sit on the lawn overlooking the Cataraqui River and refuel with some excellent food.
All in all a great event that I plan on doing again.
–Tim