The 2022 inaugural Ontario Police Foundation Gran Fondo was a great success! We had over 90 riders participate, with the majority choosing the challenging 120 km route.
Led by OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrigue and Beaches East York City Councilor Brad Bradford, the combined group consisted of representatives from many GTA Police Services, friends and family. The weather co-operated giving us dry roads. A stiff westerly wind made the initial push out and up to Stouffville a little challenging.
The Main Street Bakehouse in Stouffville took fabulous care of all the riders providing pastries, muffins and cookies along with much needed hot and cold drinks.
Riders familiar with the terrain in Durham Region knew it was going to be tough after the break. The pace increased with a tailwind and a seemingly unending series of short climbs dropped a number of riders from the peloton. By the 60 km mark, the front group, escorted by police motorcycles , was down to 20 riders who survived the assult being driven by the Commissioner and the Councilor. The terrain settled slightly as the group started to turn south and head back down to the finish line. The pace didn't slow though and it was duly noted that there was not a lot of chatter in the final group.
By the 90 km mark, the group relaxed slightly with the residential area's starting to appear in the distance marking the final stages of the ride.
Finishing where we started at the Audley Recreation Centre, the overall reflection of the group was that the route was challenging but enjoyable. Traffic in Durham Region was quiet, the road conditions at times a little bumby but hte countryside scenery and the crisp clean air took care of everyone's good mood. The rest of the riders arrived soon after and the consensus was definitely "lets do this again next year !"
So please join us again, bring a friend and enjoy a great day of riding the Durham countryside with some great company all for the greatest cause of supporting the Ontarion Police Memorial Fund!

120km and 50km routes have been created that will take participants through many of the quiet and picturesque country roads in Durham Region. Don’t let the short distances fool you. They offer a decent amount of elevation!