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Competitive riders at the Southern Lakes Yukon GranFondo. PHOTO: Courtesy of KCIBR

It is almost June and for Yukoners it means the skis are in the garden shed, the parka is at the dry cleaners, and the bicycle is ready for action. It means the comeback of many favourite bike races, too.

Judging by the number of people riding on the highway in sleek outfits and on speedy bicycles, astute athletes are at it already. And why would they not be?

The popular Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay is happening Saturday June 17. The 240-kilometre race draws a large crowd, and registration spots fill up quickly. Racers are either entering as solo riders or in teams of two, four or eight racers. The Haines Junction to Haines, Alaska race is by far the biggest bicycle race in the territory, with over 1,200 participants.

And then there is the Southern Lakes Yukon GranFondo on Saturday June 3.

Unlike its big sister, the GranFondo is family friendly and doesn’t require a whole lot of logistics.

The one-day event is an annual race around Marsh Lake, Tagish, Carcross, Mount Lorne and Golden Horn, south of Whitehorse. The complete loop, divided into five legs, is about 170 kilometres.

It is no coincidence that the Southern Lakes Yukon GranFondo is scheduled two weeks before the big race. “We kind of have two types of participants. The competitive riders forming a peloton, at the start, and training for the Chilkat race, and the non-competitive teams who are there for the fun and experience,” said long-time race organizer, Peter Heebink.

The race has been happening for the past 16 years, excluding 2020 when pandemic restrictions made the race impossible. Following the paving of the road from Jake’s Corner to Carcross, more than a decade and a half ago, the Southern Lakes circuit was in prime condition for a bike relay race.

The initial format included the involvement of all communities along the course. Each with their own time station, food and drinks for participants. “The goal was to have each community centre participating. It was much more of a true relay race than it is now, but it also meant a lot of work,” recalled Heebink. Volunteer burnout and a lack of interest in hosting community relay stations made the race organizers rethink the format. The race was simplified, allowing teams to switch racers, as they wished, throughout the race. With only one time station, at the finish line in Marsh Lake, it required fewer volunteers. And it also meant fewer vehicles on the road. “This race is much more environmentally friendly than, say, the Haines to Haines race. The amount of cars, trucks, Winnebagos and whatnot is astonishing during the Chilkat race,” said Heebink. 

For the past two years, McClintock Bay Adventures, next door to Swan Haven in Marsh Lake, has been hosting the GranFondo. This is where racers leave their vehicles and get ready at the starting line. The race starts at 10 a.m., but not before a group meeting at 9:30 a.m. when the rules and road conditions are shared with participants. Racers are encouraged to come at 9 a.m. to pick up their registration stickers. The fastest racer usually completes the course in less than five hours.

A meal will also be served on-site, after the race, as biking as fast as you can for 170 kilometres certainly works up an appetite. And, for the keen riders, the lakefront facility also has a beach for a post-race dip in the lake.

Numerous categories exist for entering the race. Adult solo, both male and female, teams (two to five persons), as well as youth and family categories. Funny costumes are encouraged, as well as any choice of bicycles. Each of these categories have their own prizes, although coming last is no reason to go home empty-handed. The Crooked Wheel Award is given to the last rider to make it to the finish line, whether solo or as a team member.

Prizes come from local sources, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors including U Kon Echelon, which plays a major role in promoting cycling in the Yukon and helping with race organization.

Visit the Cycling Association of Yukon website at yukoncycling.com for the race registration link. For more information about the race, or to volunteer, contact [email protected].

See you at the GranFondo!

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