Frequently Asked Questions
No refunds are available for any reason, medical or otherwise. However, we do recognize that unforeseen events may occur. We have created the Transfer Entry Policy and Deferral Policy to help riders who become unable to ride with us.
Please see the Refund Policy page for more details.
The Transfer Entry Policy allows you to transfer your RBC GranFondo Whistler registration to another rider for a $100 transfer fee. Deadline for all transfers is August 28, 2018 at noon (12:00pm PST). Absolutely no transfers will be permitted after that deadline. Please contact CCN at [email protected] to coordinate the transfer.
A position on a team is not included in the transfer (i.e. if you are receiving a transferred entry and want to be on a team, you must contact the team captain to add you to the team). Upgrade items purchased in the online store such as jerseys are not included in the transfer. To arrange pickup of such items, please contact [email protected]. If you have technical issues or the transfer is not completed, you must contact Athlete Services at [email protected] before the deadline of August 28, 2018 at noon (12:00pm PST).
You can confirm your registration by searching on the Registrant Search page.
Yes, we will transport one bag (no bigger than a personal item allowance on airlines) for all registered riders to the finish line. Please pack all of your belongings in a bag and drop it off at VeloSpoke on Friday. Please note that due to the traffic delays on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler on event morning, there will be no bag drop at the start line except for Alta Classe riders.
Yes, we will be offering both passenger and bike transportation (travelling seperately) by bus from Whistler to Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday
Please visit the Travel page for more information.
Yes, we will be offering passenger and bike transportation from Whistler to Vancouver on Friday, September 7, 2018.
Visit the Travel page for more information.
No – participants must come to VeloSpoke and pick up their own packages. All riders will be asked for photo ID and to sign a waiver form if they have not done so online. If you are unable to get to VeloSpoke, please e-mail us at [email protected]
Spectators are not permitted on the course and there are no safe places for spectators to pull over to the side of the road to watch. We recommend all spectators cheer riders at the Start in Vancouver or Finish in Whistler.
Catch up on the event as it happens by using the hashtag #rbcgranfondo
Riders 18 and under must have a permission form signed by a parent and/or legal guardian in order to participate. A “Minor Participation Form” should be completed by their parents or legal guardian to authorize participation – contact [email protected] to request a copy. Minors are strongly encouraged to carry a cell phone, ride with an adult during the event, and ensure support are there to greet them at the finish area. The official permission form will be emailed to all registered minors 2 weeks before the event. The signed permission form is to be handed in at Velospoke Package Pickup on Friday, September 7th 2018 for the youth rider to be given their Rider Package.
Yes, riders can absolutely switch between categories. Please contact Athlete Relations before the close of online registration and we’ll make that happen. Email us at [email protected].
We recommend a well-maintained road bike for this journey. One that has been looked over by a bike mechanic recently and that you are comfortable with riding. Make sure that your gearing is suitable for riding the hills. Some riders may be tempted to ride their mountain bike on this journey. It can be done, but it’s a harder challenge. The use of aerobars is not recommended for the RBC GranFondo Whistler and is, in fact, strongly discouraged. Please see Ride Rules for further details.
Some riders may want to use a Tandem bike – these bikes are deemed a “non-standard” bike. Riders wishing to use a non-standard bike must apply for permission by requesting and completing the Non-Standard Bicycle Application Form (email us at [email protected] for a copy). Only riders that submit the Application form and are approved by RBC GranFondo are permitted to ride a Tandem bike in the event. Please note, both riders must be registered and each have their own event wristband. Riders who do not have a wristband will be asked to leave the event.
Yes. We have a number of ways mechanical support is available throughout the event and for just a flat in need of a tube, we’ve got Ride Marshals on course that will have a tube or two to help out.
Riders are expected to be prepared on course with at least an inter-tube and pump. But in the event of mechanical problems, assistance will be available at the start, the Rest Stops, and the finish. Mechanical stations will be equipped to fix flats and minor repairs or adjustments. To signal you need mechanical assistance, pull over to the side of the lane and turn your bike upside down so it’s sitting on the handle bars and saddle.
If you’re not comfortable changing a tire, head on down to your local bicycle shop and they will gladly show you how it’s done.
Emergency Vehicles ALWAYS have the right of way. If a rider encounters an emergency vehicle, the rider is to give way to the emergency vehicle by pulling over, stopping and dismounting.
There are three distances for the event: Forte – 152km, GranFondo – 122km, and Medio – 55km.
Volunteering is a great way to be part of the experience without climbing the mountain. We’ll need about 700 volunteers to make this a spectacular ride. Register as a volunteer on the website and review the roles available.
Unfortunately we do not provide individual medical insurance for riders. We do offer on-site medical services and hire BC Ambulance support on event day, however if you are injured and admitted to the doctor/hospital, it would need to go through your own coverage.