Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fundraising minimum?

We strongly encourage participants to fundraise a minimum of $200
100% of all rider-raised funds go to the fundraising initiatives detailed on our fundraising goal for the year.

Where does the event take place?

In Southampton, Ontario! Located 3 hours northwest of Toronto, off the beautiful eastern shores of Lake Huron.

Do you offer refunds?

Sorry but no refunds will be given.

Where should I stay?

Check out our Community page for info

What is the Post-Ride Picnic?

Be sure to stick around after you have finished your event for the post-ride picnic. We will have a catered lunch and a beer tent.

Which distance should I ride?

All distances offer some beautiful sights and a rest stop where snacks can be found. The Post-Ride Picnic runs from 11:30am – 1:30pm, so please ensure you can finish your distance by 1:30pm so that you can grab your meal.

Is this a timed event?

No, the Gran Fondo Lake Huron is not timed. The primary focus is fundraising for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital. While we encourage everyone to come out and challenge themselves, please remember to obey signs and signals of the road and signal your turns/stops when riding, and to NEVER cross over the yellow (center) line of the road.

Friendly Reminders for the Gran Fondo Lake Huron

  1. All cyclists are to OBEY ALL SIGNS AND SIGNALS during the event. If a light is red you must stop, if there is a stop sign you must stop and look both ways.
  2. All cyclists MUST WEAR A HELMET to participate.
  3. Please SIGNAL your TURNS and STOPS whether you see a vehicle or not. This will help and encourage the other riders around you as well to do the same.
  4. Please bring your own bottles for your bike! We will have jugs at the rest stations to refill your bottles. Please do not throw away your bottles, clean and re-use them ????

Questions on Fundraising

How can I/someone donate?

Simply click DONATE in our menu and follow the instructions.

Question – Do I have to collect all my pledges online?

No – you may download the pledge sheet and attach the donation with the information to the sheet. You can bring the pledge sheet in to the Foundation Office at any time and they will update your pledge page for you. Or, you can bring the form with you to the Registration Desk on event weekend (at the Southampton Coliseum Annex) and they will update your pledge page at that time.

Why Ride?

This year, funds raised through Gran Fondo Lake Huron will strengthen healthcare in our region by enhancing regional stroke care and supporting essential equipment upgrades at Brightshores Southampton Hospital. Every dollar raised helps ensure our healthcare teams have the tools they need to provide high-quality, lifesaving care to our community and visitors.

When a stroke occurs, every second counts. Access to advanced imaging technology and rapid intervention tools can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability. Saugeen Shores residents rely on our designated stroke center in Owen Sound for urgent stroke care. Funds raised will help equip the center with essential upgrades to improve diagnosis and treatment, ensuring faster, more effective care for patients throughout our region.

Funds raised will also help upgrade vital equipment at Brightshores Southampton Hospital, ensuring our healthcare teams can provide exceptional care close to home. This year’s funding will replace essential tools like crash carts, keeping staff prepared for urgent situations. Investing in modern equipment enhances patient care, improves efficiency, and supports our hospital in meeting the community’s growing healthcare needs.

Your participation in Gran Fondo Lake Huron directly strengthens local healthcare. Whether you ride, volunteer, or donate, you are helping provide the vital resources that keep our hospital at its best, ensuring lifesaving care for our community today and for generations to come.