LYNX club member Camelia rode the RBC GranFondo Whistler in September 2026. She shares what the route was like, how she prepared for the climbing, and whether she’d recommend it to other club members.

The Ride to Whistler

The Fondo started at sunrise in Stanley Park. Next thing I knew, I was riding across the Lions Gate Bridge, greeted by the Ride Club cheer station—a whole spin class on the bridge!

The climbs started pretty much right away. Everyone had warned me about Taylor Way in West Vancouver, but it was short, so I didn’t find it too bad. The first real climb was around Furry Creek, and honestly, the rest of them all blended together. The hills were relentless, but I tried to stay positive and focus on the spectacular views: mountains on the right, water on the left. They made all the climbing worthwhile.

The roads were in great condition, and I didn’t feel unsafe at any point. There were people cheering us along the highway, and the aid stations were well stocked and well-spaced. The first one, at Britannia Beach, was practically a buffet: pastries, fruit, sandwiches, waffles, quesadillas and ravioli. The pickle and chips I ate at the last aid station probably saved my life! It was almost as though the organizers knew what we’d want at each point in the ride.

Tao pointing to the upcoming climb at the “pickle” aid station.

I can’t speak to the porta-potty lines because I didn’t use them, though I heard Tao say they were long. The finish line area was set up in Whistler Olympic Plaza and was the biggest I’ve ever seen. The organizers made the whole experience feel special.

Getting home

There are a few ways to get back to Vancouver. I saw some people riding back while I was still making my way up! You can also book a bus or shuttle ticket, with a bike shuttle available too.

I was lucky to have a friend drive up and meet me in Whistler. We spent the night there and drove back the next morning.

Preparing for the climbs

I knew what I’d signed up for. I expected a sufferfest, so there were no surprises there! I did hill repeats and even added them to the end of my long rides. I also rode two loops of Road to Nepal, but it was demoralizing to see that they didn’t even add up to 1,500 m of elevation gain.

Having done the Fondo now, I’d say it’s hard to train for that much climbing in and around Calgary without heading to the mountains. I remember coming upon the Alice Lake climb and feeling my heart skip a beat when my Garmin told me it was 8.77 km long. By the end of the ride, my Garmin had registered 25 climbs.

Would I recommend it?

Definitely—to anyone who loves a good challenge. Riding in a closed lane from Vancouver all the way to Whistler is a rare opportunity. The views are spectacular, the ride is well supported, and it makes a great weekend trip to the West Coast. Really, if I can do it, anyone can do it (ha!).

I’ve already signed up for the Forte distance (146k, ~2,700m) next year. I think I’ll be on the hunt for some longer climbs next summer to prepare!

Camelia post ride!

Thanks, Camelia, for sharing your ride with us. We’re looking forward to tackling some big hills with you next summer!