CELEBRATE CYCLING

Reflecting on Life's Priorities: The Transformative Power of a Cancer Diagnosis
They say that life has a way of putting things into perspective when we least expect it. And for me, that moment came with an unexpected prostate cancer diagnosis.

As I navigated the uncertainty and challenges that lay ahead, a profound shift occurred within me—a shift that allowed me to realign my priorities in a way that was more fulfilling, meaningful, and authentic.

Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of daily life faded into the background, and what truly mattered rose to the forefront: family, friends, and doing what we love to do. In the face of adversity, I came to realize the sheer preciousness of time and the immense value of nurturing and cherishing our passions. Every moment became an opportunity to reach out to those who matter most and deepen the connections that make life worthwhile.

I found solace and joy in pursuing my passions—with newfound purpose and passion in life. Through the lens of my diagnosis, I discovered the profound beauty in a life lived for love, laughter, and the pursuit of our deepest passions.

Join me for Festivus of Gravel - a Celebration of Cycling! A gravel-ride-weekend on Friday, August 16, Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024. This is a weekend cycling festival including camping, music, fun, gravel rides and a fund raiser for cancer research. Let’s Go!!

-Alex Stieda

SCHEDULE:

Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Location: Thorsby Lions Campground
Sign-on: Thorsby Recreation Center
Time: Evening arrival at campground to set up your campsite and get signed in at the Thorsby Rec Center.

REGISTER HERE
There will be price increases on May 15 and July 16 so get your entry in early!

RVRGVL
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
Start/Finish location: Downtown Thorsby
Departure times:
- 6AM - RVRGVL280 ride departs*
- 8AM - RVRGVL180 & RVRGVL100 rides departs*
- 10AM - RVRGVL50 ride departs*

REGISTER HERE
There will be price increases on May 15 and July 16 so get your entry in early!

*ALL RIDES ARE NOT A RACE AND ALL RIDERS ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD AT ALL TIMES.

4 different rides for 4 types of riders!

With only 210m of elevation gain, the RVRGVL50 “Starter Pack” has +/-90% gravel and introduces you to the joys of gravel riding with 1 rest stop half way through the 50km route. Take your time and enjoy the sights and smells of Leduc county!*

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The RVRGVL100 “Middling Lap” has 400m of elevation with +/-90% gravel and gives you the best of both worlds…2 rest stops, a few challenging ‘ramps’ and a 100km distance to sap your strength if you’re going for a fast time! Otherwise, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the countryside for 4-5 hours!*

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The RVRGVL180 Tri-County “Endurance Mission” is a major challenge…longer than most gravel fondos around here at 180km with ‘only’ 1,000m of climbing and +/-90% gravel, the route traverses 3 county lines from Leduc to Brazeau to Parkland and back to Leduc county. You’ll encounter every kind of terrain on this very remote lap as you pass the “Mines of Sufferlandria” so be prepared for any eventuality. We will have aid stations on the route but be sure to be prepared to be self-sufficient. A red rear light (minimum 100 lumens) is recommended for this ride especially to be used while on the paved sections of the route.*

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The RVRGVL280 will be 1 lap of the RVRGVL 180 Tri-County “Endurance Mission” and 2 laps of the 50km Starter Pack course and is the ultimate challenge…At 280km with ‘only’ 1,400m of climbing and +/-90% gravel, the first lap traverses 3 county lines from Leduc to Brazeau to Parkland and back to Leduc county. You’ll encounter every kind of terrain on this very remote lap as you pass the “Mines of Sufferlandria” so be prepared for any eventuality. To finish this off, you’ll then complete 2 laps of the 50km short course, but it will take all of your resolve to get through this.*

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We will have aid stations on the route but be sure to be prepared to be self-sufficient. For the 280km route, we will endeavour to support your whole ride so you will need to be extra well prepared. A fully operational white front light and red rear light (minimum 100 lumens each) are MANDATORY for this ride as you may be riding in the dark at some point!

Routes: GPX files for Saturday’s rides will be provided (approx 50km, 100km and 180/280km loop options w/90% gravel - gravel surfaces will be "varied” with some classic “Alberta Gravel”, meaning freshly graded & soft!). All rides will be UNSUPPORTED and you MUST FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD. This is NOT A RACE - at least not this year :-) Each ride will be a ‘lap’ so it will be imperative that you are self-sufficient.

*Each ride may include a ‘surprise’ feature going off the gravel road, so be ready!

Preview the initial route maps here: https://www.komoot.com/collection/2471412/-festivus-of-gravel-rvrgvl

or scan this QR code:

We reserve the right to change courses at any time.

Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024
CRTGVL
Start/Finish location: Downtown Thorsby
Start time: 9AM - Gravel circuit racing begins!
Racing should be done by Noon in time to check out of your campground and get home with plenty of time.

REGISTER HERE
There will be price increases on May 15 and July 16 so get your entry in early!

Sunday Social Ride - free option to do a casual group ride to the beach on the river!

Start/Finish for all events - Thorsby, Alberta - approx. 1 hour drive Southwest of Edmonton.

Activities:

• The Thorsby Lions campground will be assigned to our event so bring your camping gear! Overflow camping will also be provided close to the Rec Center.

• We’ll have a family-oriented post-ride celebration, food vendors, music on Saturday night as well as cheering on the finishers as they roll in!

Technical Support: Pedalhead, Revolution Cycle, Mud Sweat & Gears. We will endeavour to have at least 1 roving support vehicle and multiple motos.

Event partners: Town of Thorsby, Wahoo, Castelli, Skratch Nutrition, BMC bikes, Shimano, Lazer, Pro.

Entry: Register below to confirm your spot.

Cost: $125 per person for 18+ categories however there are multi-event discounts for both days (Under 18 are highly discounted)

REGISTER HERE
There will be price increases on May 15 and July 16 so get your entry in early!

Emergency Action Plan & First Aid: basic emergency first aid services may be on site at Start/Finish as well as with roving tech support on course at various points. The nearest hospital is the Devon General Hospital (101 Erie St S, Devon, AB T9G 1A6, Canada). Use 911 in case of an emergency.

There will be prizes., but it’s not a race! The first 50 people to sign up will receive a Skratch nutrition pack as well as a gift from Shimano. Lazer helmets will provide draw prizes! We’ll also have food and drink to get you feeling better post ride!

Be prepared to support yourself with spares, tools, CO2, water, fuel, etc. There are very limited areas where you can stop and purchase food and water. Additionally, the gravel sectors will be ‘varied’. Depending of weather (dry = loose and dusty) (wet = compact and fast) and wind, the time to finish will change accordingly. We recommend a red tail light for the paved sectors.

It will be a fundraiser for cancer research.