Some cyclists will ride casually. Others will race. The beauty of the 2017 Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan (PGAMO) is that everyone will finish in Penticton with a smile on his/her face. All ride categories start at 7 a.m. on Sunday, July 9th, 2017 from Penticton’s Gyro Park (also the site of the Finish Area).

Visit granfondoaxelmerckx.com to find out more about the routes.

RIDE CATEGORIES

Some cyclists will ride. Others will race. Either way the 2017 Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan (PGAMO) offers an epic cycling experience for all skill levels. One of the coolest features that sets the PGAMO apart from many other rides: all four ride categories start and finish from the same location – Penticton’s Gyro Park.

Riders in all four categories will receive the following:

• A fully supported and traffic-controlled ride on some of the most scenic roads in Western Canada.
• Official 2017 PGAMO “Ride Hard. Smile Often.” technical t-shirt.
• Full mechanical support throughout the duration of the ride provided by The Bike Barn and Velofix Mobile Bike ProShop.
• Aid and medical stations along the route, complete with food (Honey Stinger products, SunRype, fruit) and beverages (Ultima Replenisher and water).
• Secure bike parking during post-event celebrations.
• Complimentary barbeque for 2017 PGAMO riders.
• Official 2017 PGAMO swag, including a custom Specialized item, water bottle, and more…
• Pre- and post-event activities and entertainment for you and your family.
• A complimentary beverage at the Tree Brewing Peloton Patio upon completing your ride.
• Final results will be posted by 10-year age categories.

Granfondo (160km)

The Granfondo category features more than 1,000 m of elevation gain along the South Okanagan’s most scenic roads. The ride starts with a ride up Vancouver Hill, rolls along the highway up to Summerland for the Velofix King of the Mountain (KOM) Challenge, before proceeding back through Penticton and onto Oliver, B.C. Riders should expect some fast, flat sections alongside several lakes, and rolling hills punctuated by some >7% pitches West of Oliver. The route continues through the White Lake Grasslands Protected Area – a beautiful, remote area that’s home to White Lake (white mineral deposits precipitate from its waters during hot summer months), as well as the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (an internationally recognized facility for science and technology research related to radio astronomy). The Granfondo includes seven aid stations spaced roughly every 20 km, and passes as many as 34 of Canada’s top wineries.

In the Granfondo category, prizes will be awarded to the ‘top male team’, ‘female team’ and ‘mixed team’.

Velocefondo (126KM)

Our newest ride category, the Velocefondo (126 km) presents the ultimate stepping-stone for Cortofondo and Mediofondo riders looking for an additional challenge.
Similar to other categories, this route travels through Penticton, Summerland, and Okanagan Falls. As the route enters the Oliver area, Velocefondo riders will pass the Inkaneep Provincial Park and continue along Okanagan Highway before turning up the challenging Secrest Hill Road climb. The new section provides participants with one of the best “hidden” climbs in the South Okanagan. Secrest passes the entrance to Covert Farms before heading West and merging with Granfondo riders on Willowbrook Road.

This new Velocefondo intermediate distance originated from participant feedback from post-event surveys.

Mediofondo (92KM)

The Mediofondo presents a terrific challenge for recreational and advanced riders alike. If you think you’re too good for this distance, think again – Eddy Merckx, arguably the greatest cyclist of all time, rode the Mediofondo category in 2011 and 2012. Similar to the Granfondo, this 92 km route travels through Penticton, Summerland and then South through to Okanagan Falls. The Mediofondo features more than 500 m of climbing, including uphill efforts on Vancouver Hill, Peach Orchard Road (aka Velofix King of the Mountain (KOM) Challenge), Vancouver Hill and McLean Creek Road. This category includes three aid stations, and, of course, full mechanical support throughout the entire ride.

Cortofondo (55KM)

The Cortofondo category is the perfect starter distance for those new to cycling or returning to the sport after several years off the saddle. Just like the Mediofondo and Granfondo categories, the Cortofondo route begins on Penticton’s Main Street, near Lake Okanagan and adjacent to Gyro Park. Riders in this category will travel through Penticton, before heading North to Summerland along a flat, traffic-controlled highway section. This route includes two hills – one at the start (Vancouver Hill), and the Velofix King of the Mountain (KOM) Challenge in Summerland, B.C. – and includes two aid stations along the way.