Good morning WCC,
I thought I would add a report on my experience at GFLH 2026. This event has happened in the Southampton/Port Elgin area for many years and is a very well organized and executed event. The Fondo is a fund raiser for the community hospital and is supported by many of the major community corporate entities (Bruce Power, AECON, TD Bank, etc.) which gives it a very professional feel for a small town Fondo.
This past week my family were renting a cottage in Sauble and I noticed a posting on Strava that the Fondo organizer was looking for 50km route sweepers. As I was in the area, and available, I gladly stepped up to offer my services. I only had my E-Bike to ride, but figured that was adequate to stay behind the slowest riders of the 50km route (indeed it was more than adequate). I was put in touch with the organization and they gladly accepted my services.
Saturday morning broke with a pristine sky, very comfortable temps and light NNE breeze. An absolute perfect day. I drove to the start of the Fondo and prepared for the day. I had picked up my kit the day before, which includes a volunteer T-shirt I am expected to wear in the ride. Everything ready I headed to the start line…and was pleasantly surprised they had total road closure on the start corals and both side streets coming into it. Something I had not expected, but very much appreciated. I had to wait 45 minutes to the start of the 50km ride, as they started the Fondo in waves. Each distance starting separately at 15 min intervals (110, 80 Gravel, 75, 50, 30, 10 & 2). There were probably 800 riders total, but difficult to say from the start line. The 50km route had maybe 100…but I was only concerned with the slowest of those people.
The ride started with a neutral, police escorted roll-out for 2 km. Then we were on our own. However, every corner was well signed, with a Marshall or police officer at every corner. We rode out into the spectacular sun-rise, enjoying every moment of the glorious morning. I was extremely relaxed and comfortable on the bike, chatting with the other sweep volunteer for a very long time.
After what seemed like 30 minutes (was more like an hour) we arrived at the first rest stop. The stop was serving up water, electrolytes, fruit and… BUTTER TARTS!! are you kidding me? Nope, fantastic absolutely delicious butter tarts. Flakey crust, delicious filling and absolutely perfect snack at 8:45 a.m. 
. My sweep partner and I stayed at the rest stop trying to gauge when the last 50km rider headed out…and we thought we had. It turned out we were looking for the wrong number colour and ended up leaving before the last 50km people had left. Fortunately, the 50km route diverged from the other routes shortly and we were behind some slow riders. The other riders eventually caught us and passed.
About 5 km later there was a group of riders stopped on the road, one working on his tire. The tire had exploded with a very large hole in the centre of the tread, with belts protruding from the hole and the inner portion of the tire was a complete mess, no where to attach a patch. I had to call the organizer/mechanical service truck and have them come pick them up.
Once we were satisfied they were okay, we continued on and reached a corner shortly, since we were on the 50k route only and we’re the last riders, I asked the volunteer Marshall to go back and wait with the couple until Support got to them.y partner and I then rode on to find the last place riders ahead of us. I did an epic pull on the E-Bike pushing that tank of a bike up to 40km/h (that is all leg power no e-assist after 32). We made it back to the tail in 5 minutes…and then settled into their pace.
A short while later, we met up with a small band of riders who were gathered at the top of a hill. The one rider has a bandaged knee and she was terrified of going down hill…so she walked down and rode up the next hill. Luckily the course only had a couple Hills and we rarely saw them again. The people we were behind were all much slower…one older couple on a tandem, and a gentleman on a recumbent… Both had e-assist on their bikes, but rarely used them…they were out to enjoy the beautiful day and scenery. I can honestly say I don’t blame them.
We made it to the hydration stop outside MacGregor Provincial Park and stopped for all 50km riders to leave and continue on through the gorgeous park. We then ride along the beach road and the views were spectacular, sun glistening on the glass smooth water, locals all cheering us on. It was a glorious morning.
After 2.75 hours of riding we made it back to Southampton, finishing at the flag pole. It was a perfect day. In the end, I ride the entire 50km on less than 10% battery usage. I pedaled that 60# behemoth of a bike on my own for the most part. Only using assist on the short major hills (3x) and for starting from a stop for ease of getting moving.
After the ride was over they served up a delicious meal in the arena, BBQ chicken, salads and one free beer. I’d say it was well worth the admission fee to the ride…and as a volunteer my admission was free. 
I would have gladly paid the $110 entry though, as it does go to a great cause… Brightshore medical services hospital.
It was an epic ride in spectacular roads, that had very little traffic. I would highly recommend this Fondo to anyone…and might have to organize a group to go up next summer.
Kevin
