Second annual Gravel Grind charity ride returns to Fredericton on May 29, supporting Special Olympians

For the second year running, the Gravel Grind, an exercise in non-competitive cycling, returns to Fredericton this May, supporting the ambitions of Special Olympians in New Brunswick.

The 2016 edition of the event will roll out on May 29, 2016.

As those who recall last year’s installation are aware, the Gravel Grind, sponsored by The Radical Edge, has more in common with a gran fondo than a criterium. Participation, not victory, is the focus. Beyond supporting the province’s Special Olympians, the priority, organizers say, is on maintaining a laid back, fun atmosphere that appeals to riders of all disciplines—whether their background is road, cyclocross, cross-country or urban cycling.

Given the terrain, though, some of those disciplines and the preparation they offer might come in more handy than others.

The course features a variety of distances, intended to challenge cyclists of all skill levels and degrees of experience. Where the fun comes in, of course, is in the similar variety of terrain offered. With routes different lengths and degrees of difficulty, cyclists will take to everything from multi-use trails, made interesting by the presence of a lot of crushed, dusty gravel, to dirt roads and asphalt. As an event, it’s a multi-disciplinary celebration of cycling itself—and all for a good cause.

Further information is available at gravelgrindfredericton.com.