Applewood Valley GranFondo

It had been around 3-4 years since I was in Canada, thanks to the Covid pandemic and the border being closed. I was really looking forward to riding in Canada and registered for the Applewood Valley GranFondo in Fort Langley, BC.

I drove up the night before the event and crossed the border in about 10 minutes – a record for me (it usually takes around an hour)! I showed my enhanced drivers license and vaccine card and didn’t even need a passport.

I stayed Hampton Suites in Surrey. Bonus was that they had an attached pub so I didn’t have to leave the hotel for dinner. I did, however, have to head down the street to pick up my bib number and swag. It was raining heavily and I got soaked while the line moved very slowly.

The next morning I loaded up and headed to Eagle Acres Dairy Farm where the event would be held.

The GranFondo riders were lined up first, followed by the Medio, then the Presto (my route of 50km). There were 1500 registered riders and it was hard making it to the back of the line. The was the first time I was actually going to be timed in a race (usually they don’t time ebikes in a fondo).

I loved the route and really wish I could retire to this area, but I know there would be a lot of hoops to jump to make that happen. Oh well…nice to dream.

I really appreciated how well the route was supported. Each intersection or turn had someone directing traffic giving priority to cyclists, so there was no stress riding on roads with traffic. My only complaint is that they needed more than two honey pots at the rest stop.

At the finish it was thrilling to hear my name announced and where I was from as I crossed the finish line!

I was handed a finisher medal then proceeded to the bike valet. The valet area was swampy and muddy, so I was glad they took my bike and wheeled it in so I didn’t have to walk in it!

I had a little time to kill before the food was ready, so I walked along the vendor booths. I got some snacks and beverages and even a free pair of socks since I was registered for the Tour de Victoria in August. I also went into the barn where I was able to pet baby goats, a day old calf and some adorable bunnies.

Food was burgers and macaroni salad. I wasn’t very hungry but knew I needed to eat something since I didn’t eat breakfast and only had half a banana at the rest stop. It was nice talking to other cyclists and listening to the band (playing Beetles music).

The next day I looked at the posted race times and learned that I came in #3 in my division (though I have no idea what that division was comprised of).

I forgot that I ordered the jersey when I registered…it’ll ship to me soon.