The largest annual cycling event to occur in the Okanagan is set to make its return to Penticton this weekend.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Okanagan Granfondo back to Penticton,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield.
“This event not only adds vibrancy and attracts visitors to our city, but also creates opportunities for our residents to get involved, including the free Saturday morning Piccolofondo kids’ race, which is often a summer highlight for local families.”
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The weekend of activities will start with the Piccolofondo kids’ race from 8-9:30 am on Saturday, along Lakeshore Drive next to Okanagan Lake Park.
The following day, the massive Okanagan Granfondo will begin at 7 am at Skaha Lake Park with roughly 2,000 riders participating.
Riders will head south along Eastside Road and Hwy 97 to Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos before turning around and taking Hwy 3 to Keremeos and continuing north to Kaleden before returning to Skaha Lake Park.
While the Okanagan Granfondo will be using a new route this year, there will still be road closures and drivers should expect congestion and delays between 7 am and 3 pm on Sunday.
Commuters are being warned that the intersection of Hwy 97 at Skaha Lake Road is expected to be the busiest area and anyone planning to go to Penticton Airport should schedule extra travel time.
Weekend road closures in Penticton include:
• July 12: Lakeshore Drive between Winnipeg Street and Riverside Drive (6 -11 am)
• July 13: South Beach Drive (local access only): 3:30 am – 5 pm
• July 13: Parkview Street (full closure 3:30 am – 8 am, then partial closure 8 am to 5 pm)
More information on the planned road closures can be found online at this link.
