Rider Info

The RBC GranFondo Banff will be an incredible experience for all riders. Below is some important rider information to help our participants best prepare themselves for the event.

David Henderson 

2016 David Henderson is available. This is a accumulation of all the information on this website in one, easy to download file.

Parking at the Start

Wondering where to park for the day near the start line? This parking map of the area lists various parking locations and costs.

Start/Seeding Order

The start line is located at Central Park in the Town of Banff at the corner of Buffalo Street & Bear Street. The start corrals open at 5:30am. All riders are expected to be in position in the start corrals before 6:45am.

The ride starts at 7:00am sharp after the national anthem. Riders will be in a controlled start for the first several kilometres. If you're taking part in the event, just remember to sit tight, relax and simply soak in the experience of the incredible start.

Riders are asked to self-select an appropriate starting position within the start corrals. With such a large number of riders, finding the right spot that best matches your fitness level, riding confidence and anticipated finish time is important for a smooth start for everyone. 

Remember, your official ride time only starts when you cross the start line so it does not matter how far back you start.

Cut Off

Riders must maintain an average speed of 20 km/h (including rest stops) in order to stay within the event. If you are travelling below the 20 km/h average speed, you will at some point be passed by the “Fine Gara” or “End of Ride” vehicle (pronounced “finni garra”). This vehicle will be the first of the Sweep Entourage vehicles. All the vehicles in the Sweep Entourage and their respective roles are as follows:

  1. Event Sweep - Represents the tail end of the official event. It is an indicator to riders, event staff, spectators etc. that all riders following behind it are following rules of the road (more details provided below)
  2. Rider Bus - Will offer a ride to the finish line to any riders following behind the Fine Gara
  3. Bike Van - Will transport the bikes of any riders accepting a ride to the finish line

All official, on-course event support will be closed shortly after the Fine Gara passes. If you are passed by the Fine Gara, you will be stopped by the Rider Bus and offered the opportunity to board it for a ride to the finish. The Bike Van in the Sweep Entourage will take your bike to the finish.

If you do not accept a ride to the finish line and decide instead to continue riding, the following details are in effect for the duration of your ride to the finish line:

  • You shall continue your ride according to Alberta Bicycle Association's rules found here
  • Normal traffic patterns may resume within what is the dedicated lane width for the event
  • The special event traffic control management at intersections and along the route may be removed
  • The event signage may be removed
  • Water, mechanical, nutritional and medical support from the event may be unavailable for the remainder of your trip
  • If you are unable to reach the finish line before 2:30pm, your finish time may not be recorded

NOTE: If you are able to speed up and pass the Event Sweep, please do so safely. You will be welcomed back into the event.

Food and Nutrion on Course

All Rest Stops will supply supplementary nutrition, such as Clif bars, bananas, oranges, waffles, plain chips and M&M’s. We will try to offer a variety of different types of food at every Rest Stop.

Timing

All riders will receive an electronic timing chip. At the end of the ride, you’ll have information about your overall riding time. Results will be posted on our website by midnight on event day. 

Please note, improperly mounted timing chips could result in errors with your time. Ask our timing team at the Welcome GranFesta for a demonstration of how to properly mount your chip.

Teams

Ride with friends and family in the gran fondo! Riders can form teams of two (2) or teams of 5 to 9. Learn more about Teams.

KOM in Banff

This year the granfondo will crown a King and Queen of the Moutain - with a timed hill climb. Challenge yourself or pit your time against the other riders and become King or Queen of the Mountain in Banff. Outbound on the Bow Valley Parkway at 56.6km is the Strava KOM, riders will compete for top overall male and female up a 3.0km climb on the section of the road called The Massive. KOM results will be included in the overall results so Hammer That Hill.