#55 -- A Grand Fondo From The Heart – Bluewater International Grandfondo

Sponsor: RePowerU — a free fitness practices assessment (a 10-minute questionnaire) Outline of Discussion The origin story behind BIGWhat was the result?  Why did it succeed so well?How to replicate this in other cities?  What are the keys?  What are the layers…the sequence of what comes first, second, etc.? Summary of Key Points 4 pillars Community health — Lowering barriers to accessCharityConnectionFun Keys: Non-profit with a cause that resonated with many people, cyclists and beyondQuality volunteers (enabled by the “no one is making money; we’re all in this together”)Support of professional and celebrity cyclists and personalities (no fees, just hotel plus 1 dinner: Hunter Allen, Lance Armstrong guy, Canadian continental league team, …)…also enabled by non-profit status?Effective board leadership…connections plus strong management skillsA great jersey that people liked and wanted to wearInclusive of experienced, inexperienced, and non-riders; weekly rides to provide skills and fitness for 12 weeks in the lead upSome people jumped in early to make it happen, while others saw a success and wanted to be a part of it….a snowball effect. It’s takes a community Cycling shops (and other vendors) help out and get businessCity provide support and get positive Successes Bike ridership is way upCity received a ton of tourism benefit…people came from all over YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqZIaLc_W8koxWvrb4g1nQ B.I.G. Website: https://bigf.ca/ BIG-Highlights-2021-1-1Download BIG-Overview-2022Download