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Volunteer position: Rest stop set-up & take down

Name: Victor Doucet
Day job: Retired
Hobbies:  Gardening, spending time with my grand children
Favorite Gran Fondo moment: Seeing the riders enjoy themselves and the lobster at the end of the day!

Name: Richard Comeau
Volunteer position: Lobster tent greeter / table cleaner
Day job: Retired French and Drama teacher
Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, reading, kayaking
Favorite Gran Fondo moment: When the lobster tent is full of hungry cyclists with smiles on their faces!

Volunteer position: Jersey Swap Coordinator
Day job: registered nurse
Hobbies: knitting, reading 
Favourite Gran Fondo moment: I have enjoyed meeting many new people and also seeing people that I haven’t seen for some time that have come home to participate in the event.

Volunteer position: rest station attendant
Day job: university professor
Hobbies: walking, camping and spending time with my grandchildren 
Favourite Gran Fondo moment: When the cyclists arrive at the rest station and seeing how enthusiastic they are for the event.

Volunteer position: Event setup, cleanup and whatever else needs to get done coordinator

Day job: Owner/Operator of Imprimerie Ed’s Print Shop

Hobbies: Walking, bowling, golf, arts and crafts, cards and board games, and now spending time with my grandson

Favourite Gran Fondo moment: Seeing the riders at the departure leave with their big smiles; when they finish, hearing about their cycling accomplishment, still with a big smile.

This page is dedicated to the cross-promotion of other Gran Fondos and related events and partners. Please note that our sponsors are located on the sponsors page.

Volunteer position: Traffic Safety Attendant at La Shoppe Verte and Mini Fondo

Day job: Registered Nurse at Clare Pharmasave

Hobbies: hockey, biking, kayaking, camping and suppers with my children

"5!.. 4!.. 3!.. 2!.. 1!… Go! And we’re off! The adrenaline and excitement coupled with the cheering fans lining the sides of the road, many waving Acadian flags and yelling encouragement, makes the first part of the ride fly by. Soon we turn right and begin riding into the backcountry. Rolling hills, brilliant sunshine, and friendly smiles from other riders make the day perfect."

Read more on Jason Nugent's blog post "Gran Fondo Baie Sainte Marie 2019" 

2019 Testimonials from Participant Survey

Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is a MUST DO event for any cyclist. There are distances for everyone and the organization is outstanding! The members of the community that come out to cheer you on are fantastic and really make you feel special. The friendliness and hospitality are second to none. DO IT!!! You won't regret it!

Baie Sainte Marie Gran Fondo was a complete delight. Beautiful scenery, smooth quiet roads, and incredible volunteers and community support! A favourite.

What a wonderful event! Nova Scotia, especially the Acadian coast, is breathtakingly beautiful, bike friendly and rich in culture, nature and delicious seafood. I’m coming back for sure!

It was a very well-organized event with great hospitality. Well worth the travel time from Quebec. We hope to come back next year.

This event is extremely well organized, including the logistics of supporting 1,000 or so participants to park, register, ride, eat, and so on. The registration fee provides great value for money. There's a great sense of enjoyment from doing something with many others who share your interest in healthy activities. One of the route marshals was even giving out chocolate chip cookies! Special thanks to all the energetic volunteers! Well done to everyone!

Beautiful scenery, perfect road conditions, safe route, well organized, local people cheering us on, music and lobster - it doesn’t get better than that!!! I highly recommend the Gran Fondo.

The route along the water is spectacular. The roads are quiet and the road surfaces are excellent. The hospitality, friendly volunteers, and cheering locals at the end of their driveways, made it that much more memorable. This event provided us the opportunity to go discover another region of our own backyard and we absolutely loved it.

Wonderful event! Beautiful views, well-marked routes, fantastic community spirit, great food!

Great ride! Great people! Great lobster!

I've done the BSM all 5 years, 3 years of Gran, 2 years of Super Gran. I can't say enough good things about this event, Wonderfully organized, super volunteers and sponsors, and great spectators. A really great experience.

A wonderful event for all involved. Well organized, on time, friendly volunteers, and a fantastic route made for an all-around great experience.

This was my first time riding this Gran Fondo and I found it to be an incredible experience. It was very well organized and there was lots of on-route support. The route was challenging, but fun and took you across some beautiful spots. It was a great event and I can't wait to do it again.

Great ride and would love to return in 2020!

This seems like a true community event, which adds to the enjoyment of the experience. The route is beautiful, and the volunteers do an outstanding job. Overall, this was a very positive experience!

The community support & volunteers are amazing! Very warm & welcoming to visitors! I’ll be back for my 3rd Baie Sainte-Marie Gran Fondo in 2020. Excellent event all around.

This was my first Baie Sainte-Marie Gran Fondo. I did the Piccolo ride this year and plan to challenge myself to the next one up next year. The event was extremely well organized and fun! Loved the Acadian community experience and the scenic beauty of the ride. It felt like the entire community was out there to support us along the way. Way to go Gran Fondo Baie Sainte Marie! You’re the ones who deserve a medal ? See you next year!

The Gran Fondo Baie Sainte Marie was one of the best sporting events that I have ever participated in. Amazing organizers, volunteers and sponsors. The food and music just added to the party atmosphere. This is such a warm welcoming community.

This was my 3rd Gran Fondo! Such a great event - well organized, awesome volunteers! Great to have different ride options for all levels! Looking forward to next year!

Loved the variety of scenery from small lakes to ocean to rolling hills in the countryside. Mostly riding on quiet country roads with lots of rest stops. Such great value for a Fondo. And so well organized.

I travelled from North Saanich (close to Victoria) BC to participate in my second Baie Sainte-Marie Fondo. The event was well organized, the routes were clearly marked and the amazing volunteers and community support were second to none! The routes ensured all participants had the opportunity to roll by the beautiful coastline, experience the thrill of achieving success riding to the crests of the hills and the hospitality of the community rang out to all riders! If anyone is thinking about participating in a Gran Fondo, consider this one! Thanks for a great event, I hope to be back next year again!

This event was well above my expectations. The volunteers were all so lovely and more than willing to help. The breakfast at the Golf club was great and the volunteers there put in such a feed and it was a great way to start the day. The route was beautiful, lots of support staff along the way and ample rest stops. The staggered start was great as it really let people go out onto the course without having to worry about running into one another The members of the town that were out cheering us along was the energy that you needed! I was not able to complete my 118 km ride due to an injury and the staff came to get me and drove me right back to my car. So helpful. We will be back next year and bringing some cycling friends as well. We can can’t wait.

This was my first official ride, lot of hills but the feeling of accomplishment and all the fans, pot bangers and cheers along the way made it fun. Bring the family and stay a few days to enjoy the relaxed beautiful surroundings.

The Baie Sainte-Marie Gran Fondo is not to be missed. It is incredibly well organized, provides sufficient challenge at all levels, and great jerseys, local entertainment and food. Very well done! My 4th ride will be in 2020, for sure.

The route was great, the people are great as well as the sites that we ride by. The cheering along the route helps to give you a boost, all the way thru! The people that run this event are, what I call, the very best! They have been able to dot every I, and cross every T, to there very best!

I'd like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. The rest stops and marshallers were outstanding. To the person who made the energy bars available at the rest stops...Simply FABULOUS stuff.

For a social, sporting, but non-competitive (for most of us) event The Gran Fondo is hard to beat (depending on the weather, of course). It's a great way to stimulate people into taking exercise. The friendliness of the local residents, including the volunteers who run the event, adds greatly to the experience. The effective cooperation of the local emergency associations and police adds much to the functioning of this event.

This was my first year to do the Gran Fondo. I am 71 years old and I did it with my daughter. We felt no pressure to compete against anyone else. The scenery and people were amazing. There were many experiences of others cheering us on, even other cyclers passing us. Getting the metal and hearing our name announced as we crossed the finish line was a super feeling. We hope to come back next year. Thanks for a really nice memory.

This Gran Fondo had always been in my bucket list. Being from the US, travel was a challenge. But that had not dissuaded me from participating. With no ferry service from Maine, I drove further north to Saint John, which was not what I originally planned. I was so determined to experience this event, that I worked diligently with my physical therapist after I tore a knee ligament in June. When the doctor said I need not have surgery, I signed up for this fondo and made it as one of my biggest motivation to heal. And I made it. Thanks to the organizers for the great experience on my first visit to Nova Scotia. I would do it again, soon I hope.

What a wonderful event! Nova Scotia, especially the Acadian coast, is breathtakingly beautiful, bike friendly and rich in culture, nature and delicious seafood. I’m coming back for sure!

Testimonials via Email

I would like to say that this cycling event is the most fun and most well run event I have ever participated in. From the Saturday registration that included Acadian music and local food to the countless volunteers on race day who provided constant support along the beautiful route. The local community folks were out cheering which helped boost your spirits on those long hills! Finally the lobster dinner and music at the finish area added to the fantastic atmosphere. I did the 118km route which was challenging but very scenic. I’m from Ottawa but the drive was worth it and I look forward to returning next year!

To the organizing committee,
Just wanted to let you know how it was an amazing experience. Extremely well organized and such friendly volunteers cheering us on and guiding us. You have a beautiful Town and will be back next year. Thank you for a job super well done. Hats off to your organizing team and volunteers.
Sincerely,

Another fantastic event, for the 5^th year running. Thank you to the organizers, sponsors and all the friendly volunteers who put so much time and effort into this event. I especially liked the 'construction zone' additions at busy intersections this year. See you in 2020.

2019 Facebook Reviews

Recommended
This is an excellent event. Organizers went above and beyond to make all participants feel welcome. The townspeople cheered, the rest stations were fantastic. The volunteers were so friendly and helpful. Finishing with a lobster dinner - perfect way to end the fondo. It was one of the best events I have attended in beautiful Baie Saint- Marie. I Will definitely return!

Recommended
Oh my was this ever fun! Blown away by the hospitality, the beautiful scenery and the pride that goes into this event. Highly recommended!

Recommended
It is an event that is so well organized. Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers for making it look effortless. The course is spectacular along the coast but what made it even more amazing was people outside all along the way cheering the bikers. It’s a community supporting a great event. Everyone is so friendly. Loved every moment of it. Can’t wait to go again

Recommended
Beautiful views, well organized, warm Acadian hospitality with people standing cheering you along the ride, delicious meal at the end

Recommended
Awesome ride. Well organized. And lots of hills.

Recommended
well organized and amazing community spirit.

Recommended
Very well organized. Loved all the people along the entire route cheering us on with signs, cowbells, drums, and shouts of encouragement.

Recommended
The scenery is awesome and the organization is first class

Recommended
good organization and food

Recommended
What a great event well organized and supported!!! Will ride again next year❣

2019 Facebook Posts

Amazing level of organization, carried out by an unbelievable number of volunteers, has made this event so enjoyable for me five years in a row!

I wish to thank all of the organizers and volunteers of this wonderful event. Congratulations on 5 years. Looking forward to 2020!

Great job with all the work that led up to today, it was an excellent event and the marshals were terrific. Whoever made the homemade granola bars at the rest stops may have inadvertently created heaven in edible form.

Big thank you to organizers and volunteers of Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie. Awesome day for our first time participating. Hope to be back.

2019 Facebook Comments

Awesome job! Best home ride ever!????

Thanks to everyone. First time participating and loved it. Well done
✔✔

Merci à TOUS !!!!
Au Cape...overheard from a biker ? “This is nice just like this place”!

Thanks for another spectacular Fondo!!! Always wonderful from start to finish! Roads were great! Well done to everyone including all your volunteers! Home! Xox

Thank you so much to all the great volunteers at Gran Fondo Baie Sainte Marie for making this 5th annual event even better than the first 4! Congratulations all!

Great event, enjoyed all aspects of the Super Grand Fondo. Thanks to all the volunteers and a special shout out to the motorcycle escorts who got me through safely and the directional help. Merci!

Great day ....thanks to all the volinteers who make such an event possible !!!

Fabulous event and thanks to everyone involved... although going into that headwind was dispiriting but when we turned round I flew along..wonderful

Great job by everyone making this happen.

great job everyone,well done

2018 Blog Post

"The sun shines brightly as we make our way to the starting line the next morning. It’s a cool 7 degrees C but it’s dead calm. A cyclist’s dream. Dozens of volunteers are there to help you park and offer pre-ride refreshments. Vehicles pour into the parking area, some with high-end gear, others carrying Canadian Tire specials."

Read more on Jean-Paul's Blog post "Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, 'Es-tu paré?'" 

2018 Participant Video

Facebook Reviews from 2018

Volunteer Position: Sweep vehicle drivers

Day job: Hector is a municipal Councillor and a retired contractor. Jeanne is a retired secretary.

Hobbies: Hector: Looking after my backyard orchard, working in my hobby workshop. Jeanne: Working on family genealogy and sewing.

Day Job / Volunteer position: I'm a retired schoolteacher and your host at Chez Marcel rest stop (Super, Mezzo & Medio rides).
Hobbies: I enjoy playing music with friends, teaching French Immersion at Université Sainte-Anne, managing my small woodlot holdings and producing lumber with my mini-sawmill.

2023

• • September 22, 2023 - "Community helps make resident doctor’s cycling dream come true” (by Nova Scotia Health)
  • September 20, 2023 - "Gran Fondo cycling event's return a grand success” (by SaltWire Network)
  • September 17, 2023 - "GRAN FONDO BAIE-SAINTE-MARIE - “ES-TU PARÉ?” (by Jean-Paul Arsenault, personal blog)
  • September 12, 2023 - "Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie returns for successful sixth edition” (by Gran Fondo Guide)

2020

• • May 31, 2020 - "Popular Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie cycling event cancelled for 2020 because of COVID-19” (by Tina Comeau, Chronicle Herald)
  • April 6, 2020 - "Baie Sainte Marie gran fondo finishes with a lobster feast” (by Joanne Elves, Calgary Herald)

2019

• • October 1, 2019 - "Gran Fondo Baie Sainte Marie 2019” (by Jason Nugent Photography - blog)
  • Sept. 23, 2019 - "Rave reviews follow Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie” (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)
  • Sept. 19, 2019 - "Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie celebrates 5th edition, Sept. 22” (by Tri-County Vanguard)
  • August 16, 2019 - "Big ride, big fun: Gran Fondo cycling events happening all around Atlantic Canada” (by Pat Lee, Chronicle Herald)
  • July 14, 2019 - "10 REASONS TO CYCLE GRAN FONDO BAIE SAINTE-MARIE!” (Bay Ferries blog)
  • July 11, 2019 - "Why ride Gran Fondo in Clare? Organizers offer 10 reasons” (by Tri-County Vanguard)
  • March 18, 2019 - "Organizers expect to attract more than 1,000 cycling participants for 2019 Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie” (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)
  • Jan. 27, 2019 - Fifth annual Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie ready to roll on Sunday, September 22! (GranFondoGuide.com)
  • Sept. 25, 2018 –“1000 cyclists took part in Atlantic Canada’s largest Gran Fondo” (GranFondoGuide)

2018

• Sept. 27, 2018 - GRAN FONDO BAIE-SAINTE-MARIE “ES-TU PARÉ?” (by Jean-Paul Arsenault - blog)
• Sept. 24, 2018 - "'It's a perfect day for a bike ride' Close to 1000 cyclists participate in Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie 2018” (by Amanda Doucette, Tri-County Vanguard)
• Sept. 23, 2018 - 'You can't find a room in Clare': Another banner year for Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie” (CBC news - Stéphanie Blanchet)
• Sept. 18, 2018 - "Sept. 23 Gran Fondo registrations near 1,000” (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)
• August 11, 2018 - Cycling oceanside: Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie returns to Clare in September (by Heather Laura Clarke, The Chronicle Herald)
• July 16, 2018 - "Baie Sainte-Marie Gran Fondo registrations to date up this year over 2017” (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)
• May 4, 2018 - Fourth annual Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie ready to roll on Sunday, September 23! (GranFondoGuide.com)
• March 27, 2018 - "Gran Fondo Sainte-Marie spinning up registrations” (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)

2017

• Sept. 28, 2017 - GRAN FONDO BAIE-SAINTE-MARIE “ES-TU PARÉ?” (by Jean-Paul Arsenault - blog)
• Sept. 25, 2017 - Video montage of Clare residents and cyclists from Gran Fondo 2017 (by Sara Ericsson, Tri-County Vanguard)
• Sept. 25, 2017 - Getting into gear at Gran Fondo 2017 (by Sara Ericsson, Tri-County Vanguard)
• Sept. 24, 2017 - Près de mille participants au Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie (Radio-Canada.ca)
• Sept. 22, 2017 - Clare: Over 900 Registered For Third Annual Gran Fondo Cycling Event (by CJLS Radio)
• Sept. 15, 2017 - Over 900 signed up for Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)
• Sept. 8, 2017 - Nova Scotia’s biking Baie Sainte-Marie provides unique, beautiful views (The Chronicle Herald)
• August 14, 2017 - 48 hours: Acadian Reunion in Baie Sainte-Marie (by Melanie Chambers, Canadian Cycling Magazine)
• June 23, 2017 - Third Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie coming in September (by Carla Allen, Tri-County Vanguard)
• June 13, 2017 - Third annual Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie ready to roll! (GranFondoGuide.com)
• March 17, 2017 - 'The best-kept secret in the world’ (by Heather Laura Clarke, Chronicle Herald Arts & Life)
• Feb. 16, 2017 - Nova Scotia cycling event becomes tourism darling in just 2 years (by Paul Palmeter, CBC News)
• Feb. 14, 2017 - Municipality of Clare cycling event up for award(by Carla Allen, Yarmouth County Vanguard)
• Jan. 7, 2017 - Pedalling for fitness, friendship and fun (by Sandra Phinney, LocalXPress.ca)

2016

• Dec. 1, 2016 - Riding for lobsters! Nova Scotia's Gran Fondo (blog post by Melanie Chambers, Gran Fondo participant)
• Sept. 30, 2016 - The Silver Lining (blog post by Kim Ross, Gran Fondo participant)
• Sept. 27, 2016 - Gran Fondo and Great Big Winds (Traveling Light with Colleen Friesen)
• Sept. 25, 2016 - Chilly ride, warm reception for Gran Fondo cyclists in Clare (Yarmouth County Vanguard)
• Sept. 25, 2016 - Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie a boost to local economy (CBC News)
• Sept. 25, 2016 - 831 cyclistes au Gran Fondo de la Baie Sainte-Marie (Radio-Canada.ca)
• Sept. 25, 2016 - GRAN FONDO BAIE SAINTE-MARIE (blog)
• Sept. 19, 2016 - Close to 900 cyclists for Sept. 25 Gran Fondo in Clare (Yarmouth County Vanguard)
• August 3, 2016 - Gear Up For Gran Fondo (ValleyHarvester.com)
• July 4, 2016 - Hundreds already registered for September Gran Fondo cycling event in Baie Sainte-Marie (NovaNewsNow.com)
• May 2, 2016 - Explore the Acadian Shores in the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie (Canadian Cycling Magazine)
• May 2016 - Chateau Sainte-Marie B&B (The Local Traveler)
• February 18, 2016 - Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie ready to ride again in 2016 (inTouch Blog - Tourism Nova Scotia)
• February 14, 2016 - Registrations ramping for 2016 Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie cycling event (Yarmouth County Vanguard)
• 2016 Press Release: Clare, Nova Scotia to Host Second Annual Gran Fondo Cycling Event

2015

• October 12, 2015 - Guest Bloggage: Lucy is a Sinner (Surly Bikes Blog)
• October 8, 2015 - Grande réussite du tout premier Gran fondo en Nouvelle-Écosse (Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse)
• October 7, 2015 - Nova Scotia’s First Gran Fondo A Success (inTouch Blog - Tourism Nova Scotia)
• October 2015 - Add This Fitness Event To Your 2016 Travel Plans (The Local Traveler)
• Sept. 28, 2015 - Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie a great success (Yarmouth Vanguard)
• Sept. 27, 2015 - 420 cyclistes au Gran Fondo de Clare (Ici Radio-Canada)

Contact

Larry Peach, Marketing Coordinator
Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie
Cell: 902-769-8555
Send an email

Volunteer position: Registration check-in/ Massage Therapist
Day job: Massage Therapist
Hobbies: Dancing, walking my dog, biking, working out

Volunteer with Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie

Thanks to all of the wonderful support our top-notch volunteers provided us! Our riders have been gushing about the terrific assistance and encouragement they received in helping them cross that finish line, and during their post-ride recuperation. Thank you to such a kind, dedicated and hard-working team for a season well done! We look forward to seeing you back at next year’s ride. We couldn’t do this event with you. THANK YOU!

Please note that times are approximate.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023

Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is located in the Municipality of Clare, situated on the shores of Baie Sainte-Marie (Saint Mary’s Bay) in Southwest Nova Scotia, and home to the largest Acadian community in Nova Scotia. Clare is also known as “La Baie Sainte-Marie”, with a dozen coastal fishing villages stretching along the panoramic shores of Saint Mary’s Bay.

On Sunday, September 10, 2023, hundreds of cyclists will ride in the 6^th annual Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie along Nova Scotia's enchanting Acadian Shore for an unforgettable cycling and cultural experience.