Updated August 2023
Each September, riders in the RBC Granfondo Whistler take on the 122+ km ride from Vancouver to Whistler. The largest Gran Fondo in North America, it’s a spectacular ride making it onto many a road cyclist’s bucket list.
While offering spectacular views the Sea to Sky Highway is no easy route, people train hard to make sure they’re able to get across the finish line on the day. Some teams take on the RBC GranFondo Whistler competitively, but many riders are just in it for the ride with rolling across the finish line surrounded by the beautiful Coast Mountains the main goal.
As with many of the races and challenges in Whistler, that finish-line feeling is the reason people strive so hard. So it makes total sense to keep that feeling of exhilaration and achievement going as long as possible. With that in mind, here are 10 ways to celebrate through the weekend and take care of yourself after the ride.
1. Celebrate with Friends and Family
They’re the ones who keep you going and support you through the training after all! Find them at the Post-Race Celebrations in the Whistler Olympic Plaza; give them a hug and a high five for getting you all the way. They’ll have a great day out too, with meals, refreshments, live entertainment, and a playground for kids.
2. Raise a Post Ride Beverage
There’s a beer garden waiting for you at the Olympic Plaza, so if you’ve been looking forward to a cold ale for the past 100+km, you’re in luck. The Red Truck Beer Company supplies a hard-earned beer for all finishers.
There’s also no shortage of places to après-GranFondo if you want to continue the celebrations. Hydration is key, after all…
3. Jump in a Lake
It’s a bit of a Whistler tradition to go for a bike ride and end with a refreshing dive off a dock. In early September the water could be cool, but that’s not a bad thing after a couple of hours riding a mountain highway in the sun. We recommend Lost Lake near the Village if you like the water warm, Alpha Lake in Creekside for cold-but-just-bearable. Green Lake for the polar bears.
4. Go into Full Recovery Mode – Hot Tub, Massage, Spa
Heading back to your accommodation to soak in the hot tub is a great idea, as is checking out Whistler’s spas for options such as hot/cold pools, saunas and steam rooms. Massage is also recommended but make reservations ahead of time as demand is sure to be high.
5. Eat A Big, Tasty Meal
Take a look at the elevation map for the RBC GranFondo Whistler here – that’s 1,900 metres of elevation to work through during the ride. You’ll probably burn a few calories, which means you can eat whatever you want post-ride. There will be food at the finish line, but we highly recommend checking out the dining guide to familiarise yourself with Whistler’s restaurants, and reserve a table ahead of time to make sure you aren’t sitting there hangry (hungry + angry – you know the feeling).
6. Party on a Patio
After the Celebration Plaza closes, it’s a short walk from the race end to accommodation to freshen up – then the wonderful world of Whistler is yours for the night. There’s always something going on in the evenings – if you can stay awake after your ride.
7. Sunday Spin and Coffee
Get the legs going again with a spin to a local café for a wake-up brew. Try Fix Cafe in Creekside, Purebread in Function or Whistler Olympic Plaza, Forecast Coffee in the Village or Portobello in the Upper Village for a bike-friendly patio. You can also visit the Whistler Farmers Markets on the Sunday for all sorts of drinks and treats.
8. Have the Best Brunch Ever
Whether you choose to party or sleep after the ride, a little lie in then a hearty meal will set you up nicely for recovery. Check out Whistler’s brunch spots here.
9. Move Gently
Go for a scenic ride around Whistler, check out a yoga class, go for a walk or a hike, or play a round of golf. There are a ton of ways to get out and about and moving to help your muscles recover. Prefer to dial it back completely? Go sightseeing and let the gondolas and chairlifts do all the work.
10. Don’t Rush
Last but definitely not least. That finish line feeling is special, why rush back to reality after the race? Take an extra day or two away to rest, sleep well, move and breathe the fresh mountain air. You deserve it.
Good luck to all the riders taking on the 2023 RBC GranFondo Whistler On September 9, 2023– find all your race day information at the RBC GranFondo website. For more information about Whistler including activities and accommodation, check out Whistler.com.