Cycling is more than just riding a bike. It’s the way locals light up talking about the must-do rides, the cafe stops to refuel with your crew and the finding of a mechanic at your local bike store who just gets it. It’s discovering the language of the sport – the Stravas, the polkadot jerseys, the “chapeaus!”, and knowing the perfect brewery and food truck to end a ride at. It’s the community advocacy groups, clubs and group rides, not to mention the events that bring everyone together in equal amounts of challenge and celebration
The Lower Mainland’s cycling culture has grown unanimously alongside RBC GranFondo Whistler since its inception as an Olympic legacy event. Today, the region hosts a cyclo-centric environment with plenty of greenways and bike lanes which snake through city grids and coastlines; and you can get experience it all by bike.
My goal is to inspire more women, especially new and expectant moms to step into the sport and confidently take on their first fondo. When I joined the ambassador team the first time, I had a one-year-old and was navigating the balance between being an athlete and a new mother. That experience shaped how I encouraged others, showing that cycling can still have a place in this new chapter of life.
In 2026, I’ll be expecting our second baby, and I’m excited for the opportunity to document my journey of continuing to ride through pregnancy, staying active safely, and rebuilding postpartum. My hope is to show other moms that the cycling community welcomes all stages of life, pregnancy, early motherhood, and beyond. And to share what it looks like to return to the start line. I want to inspire other moms by being open about the process and, fingers crossed, complete my first fondo about four months after the baby arrives. I’m really excited to keep representing the community and helping more women find their way into the sport :)
Connect: Instagram
Connect: Instagram
Harry began cycling at age five but took a temporary break at age six following a major crash during a race. Over the following decades, he rode a variety of bikes, including BMX, mountain bikes (1990–2020 models), and drop-bar bikes. He has a true appreciation for all bicycles.
After recovering from shoulder surgery (the result of numerous mountain biking crashes) and with the onset of COVID-19, Harry began seriously focusing on drop-bar cycling. He started training for 200 km and occasional 300 km rides, achieving a few KOMs along the way. He has completed notable rides such as the STP (Seattle to Portland), Forte - RBC GranFondo, the 4600m Bowen Island ride, and the BWR (Belgian Waffle Ride). Harry says he is humbled to serve as an ambassador for the RBC GranFondo Whistler and XFondo.
Mélanie is a Vancouver-based cyclist, content creator, and community-builder who has quickly made her mark in the endurance world. Originally from Québec, she discovered cycling only a few years ago—and has since racked up over 100,000 kilometres, countless memories, and two back-to-back second-place finishes in the Forte category of the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Known for her grit on steep climbs and her infectious, hype-everyone-up energy, Mélanie brings passion, determination, and a whole lot of heart to every start line.
Beyond racing, Mélanie is dedicated to growing the women’s cycling community by creating accessible entry points, sharing her journey openly, and empowering riders of all levels to chase their goals—whether that’s tackling their first Fondo or pushing for a new PR. Through storytelling, content creation, and real connection, she bridges the gap between sport and community, inspiring others to show up bravely, ride boldly, and find joy in the adventure.
Connect: Instagram
Connect: Instagram
In her own words: "I’m so excited to be an ambassador for the RBC Whistler Gran Fondo again this year! I’ve enjoyed this event for the last three years, both the St. Regis Race and the regular Fondo, and it’s the ride that keeps me focused through summer training.
"As someone who loves climbing and spicy endurance rides, this route is for sure my favourite event of the year. When I was new to riding in 2023, having the fondo as an anchor on my calendar led me to an incredible season of training, in which I fell in love with the road cycling scene.
"I’m looking forward to seeing more women on the start line in 2026!"
My name is William Tsui. I first got into road cycling on my commuter bike in 2016. For a while, I rode solo and as life and parental responsibilities grew, getting on the bike became more challenging.When the world shut down in 2020 due to Covid-19, I got back on the saddle and haven’t looked back since. What began as a solo pursuit turned into a shared passion as I joined group rides and connected with an incredible cycling community.
Along the way, I’ve built confidence on the road, improved my bike handling skills, and deepened my knowledge of hydration and nutrition. More importantly, I’ve come to see that cycling is more than just a sport, it’s about pushing limits, building resilience, bringing people and communities together. I’m passionate about helping others discovering the joy of cycling. It’s an honor to represent RBC GranFondo and continue making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone.
Connect: Instagram
Connect: Instagram
I started cycling 2.5 years ago and instantly fell in love. The unique physical challenges, never ending exploration, inspiring races (#1: Whistler Fondo!), and above everything, community, all contribute to my love of this sport. I was fortunate to start riding with some seasoned pros (aka ultra fast dads) who were more than willing to share their knowledge and support my progress. While that often meant getting dropped, it only fuelled my desire to improve.
Since then, I’ve competed in crit, road and gravel races, including the Whistler Fondo and XFondo, and I now race with the Meralomas. I am lucky to ride with such a stunning group of people, one of whom also happens to be my mum! Podiums have been pretty cool, but my proudest accomplishment is leading a local gravel ride with friends. Watching riders build skills, confidence and friendship week-over-week has been nothing short of tremendous. I’m here for the ride, but I stay for the people. Also the pastries :)
Hello, my name is Hanoch Yeung.
I am a Canadian-born Chinese cyclist, coder, commuter, climber, and content creator based in Seattle. I run the channel Best Side Cycling where I am passionate about creating community and want to be people's friendly guide to cycling.
For the past few years: I've been sharing local events, the latest bike infrastructure updates, and personal adventures (especially on my Brompton) to inspire my audience to ride. RBC Granfondo is one of my favorite events in the region.
Always super happy to connect and talk bikes!
Connect: Instagram / YouTube Best Side Cycling
Strava
My name is Christina Krause, and I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for the RBC GranFondo Whistler. Cycling has become such an integral part of my life, and the Fondo captures everything I love about the sport—community, challenge, and an experience that feels truly unique. Over the past few years, I’ve been dipping my feet into racing through the Spring Series, Tour de Bloom, the Penticton Fondo, and local criteriums, each one fueling my motivation to keep growing as a rider.
What inspires me most is the community that surrounds cycling. I’ve been especially supported by an amazing group of women riders, Ruckus, who continue to encourage me to push past my comfort zone and show up with confidence. I’m grateful to be part of a group that values connection, fun, and showing up for one another, and I’m excited to bring that same energy to the ambassador team.
Hey there! I'm Dan (aka Dude), an average cyclist based in Vancouver, BC.
I've always loved cycling, whether riding a bmx as a kid or shredding singletrack on a mountain bike. 5 years ago, a friend suggested I get a road bike but I said "No" to wearing lycra. However, the first road ride changed everything.It's been an amazing cycling journey, from 10km rides to 100plus km GranFondos.
The RBC GranFondo Whistler is a special one for me and 2026 will be my fifth one. Beyond the sport, it's the camaraderie, community and friendships that have grown my passion for cycling.
As an ambassador for RBC GranFondo Whistler, I'm stoked to represent this special ride.
Connect: Instagram / YouTube DudeLum
Connect: Instagram
As a passionate community advocate, I believe cycling is for everyone regardless of background, ability, or experience. Over the past year, I’ve proudly organized and led inclusive, women-only group rides that welcomed riders of all skill levels.
Looking ahead, I am currently working on creating a women’s forward cycling club to further champion inclusivity and representation in the sport. Most importantly, I’m thrilled to support you on your Fondo journey, whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out. My role is to help you get going, build confidence, and discover the joy of showing up for yourself.
Outside of cycling, I work as a registered nurse in clinical informatics. I’m an avid dancer, love adventuring with my dog Millie, and often find myself immersed in new hobbies - pottery being the latest. I’m always up for a good chat and making new connections
From our base here in Vancouver BC, we’ve come to explore and love the many beautiful routes available to ride.
If you’re just starting to explore road riding in the Lower Mainland, we’ve compiled a list of beginner to more challenging rides to help get you started and inspired.
“One of my favorite routes takes you from the park to Horseshoe Bay along some beautiful coastline. My other favorite is biking at Demonstration Forest – an amazing cool closed road that has the most West Coast feel."
“My favourite ride is the “donut ride” from Stanley Park to Deep Cove. It’s a great tour across the North Shore, and Deep Cove is an awesome place to reward yourself with a tasty snack after your ride.”
“The UBC loop is a good and varied day in the saddle, offering a longer ride without too much uphill. I like to grab a coffee on the waterfront once I get to Steveston, then it’s back the long way through the Richmond farms.”
The not-so-secret sauce of community is the people. If you’re looking to make new friends, look no further!
CyclingBC: Find clubs, events and coaching for all abilities.
HUB Cycling: Vancouver’s advocates for cycling infrastructure and community building.
Indoor Cycling Options: It’s not always dry in Vancouver, but that shouldn’t stop you riding!
There are tons of clubs and teams in the local area that can help you become a better cyclist while also providing fun, social and inclusive environment. Check out the list of clubs on the CyclingBC link above and find the one that’s the right fit for you!
The Lower Mainland has a vibrant series of events throughout the year. Get to know a few of them here!
Go by bike: bike to work / school week
Tour de Concord Bike and Family Festival
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