Thousands of cyclists passing through the finish line were welcomed with cowbells and applause after completing the Okanagan Granfondo.
WATCH: Penticton's Main Street was closed today as thousands of cyclists participated in the Okanagan Granfondo . Sydney Morton takes us to the finish line to meet some of the riders who took on the challenge.Riders choose between four different distances, the longest one being 150 km which takes participants on a picturesque ride through the
Organizer of the event and owner of OG Events Ltd., Jodi Cross, says that the ride draws people from across Canada and from around the world and says that it’s the camaraderie that draws such a large turnout.“You get to stop, ride with people, talk with people, they stop at the eight stations they hang out, they meet people,” said Cross.
The Okanagan Granfondo doubles as a fundraiser for the Desmoid Tumour Foundation of Canada through an initiative called Athina’s Ride to help raise awareness as well as funds to find a cure.“My daughter is Athina, she has a rare disease and all funds that we raise through there goes directly to the foundation, Desmoid is a rare disease that affects three in a million, it causes tumours in the body,” said Cross.
“Over the years we have raised $360,000 in the last four years and this weekend we are probably going to hit $65,000 $70,000.” This year the top rider was Lee Agur from Summerland, B.C., who completed the 150-km Granfondo in three hours, 48 minutes and 48 seconds.
Athina's Ride Cycling Okanagan Lifestyle
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