Every year we send out an anonymous post-event survey to gather your thoughts and discover how we can make the event even better.

After our first ever sell-out year in 2026, be inspired to ride in 2027 by some of the human stories from this year's RBC GranFondo Whistler.

One rider told us they’d started road cycling for the first time in June through our women’s introductory clinic. By September, they’d completed a challenge they’d never thought achievable.

We heard from another participant whose highlight was crossing the finish line with their husband, a cancer survivor, and all the meaning that had attached to their achievement.

Elsewhere, a rider described overcoming the adversity of having to learn how to walk again from scratch last year, and building themselves back to being able to complete the Medio Callaghan climb.

Then there was the story of a participant who finished alongside a son and daughter before experiencing the elation of cheering her husband across the line shortly after. A parent riding Forte with their son told us he’d never tackled that distance or elevation before - and how much he enjoyed earning the big medal and the right to call himself a Forte finisher.

For others, the highlight came in the months beforehand: their training had given scores of friends something to talk about and look forward to together.

As Canadians, one of the things we're proudest of is our desire to help and support others, and this was a theme that shone through in the responses:

One participant who normally rides alone told us how much they’d enjoyed meeting people willing to help and encourage them along the way. Another recalled being helped by fellow riders through the dropped chains, flats, cramping and fatigue. And one described finishing despite earlier mechanical issues not ruining their day, but feeling instead they'd been supported alongside “a thousand friends”.

There were the stories of those who'd chosen to volunteer at the VeloSpoke Expo before riding the next day - and getting to encourage hundreds of new faces the day before. And then out on the course, that recognition was noticed by scores of people, thanking them for helping out - a moment of feeling valued that truly landed.

Many of you rightly lauded the volunteers and cheering spectators for giving them the encouragement to keep going. For those that don't know, over 600 volunteers in our team Squadra put in over 3000 hours of selfless effort across event weekend, involving a gargantuan effort of time, coordination and teamwork. Without these amazing individuals, the event simply could not happen (and without the energy of supporters, you'd never get that electric finish line experience either!).

Unsurprisingly you scored the volunteer efforts at a 96% satisfaction rate. The great news is that volunteer applications are now OPEN for 2027 - and you can secure your favourite roles today! But be quick - the most popular openings fill up fast!

Looking back, it’s those moments that stay with us: families cheering each other home, riders helping strangers through a difficult stretch, and volunteers discovering how much their kindness meant.

To everyone who rode, volunteered, supported or cheered, thank you for the part you played in our 17th annual event. Your stories have given us so much to feel grateful for - and so much to look forward to sharing again in 2027.

Sign up today to take advantage of super early bird rates, and we'll see you there!

The move to Callaghan brought a new tactical question to our rockstar category: with the big climb coming later, where should you conserve energy, and when should you attack? Debating the approach became part of the build-up excitement, as riders worked out how to arrive at the mountain ready to make their move.

If you’ve been waiting for their insight before taking on Forte yourself, the survey feedback might offer a useful insight: keep your tank filled before Callaghan. The route to success seems to have found a pattern in opting for an early effort controlled, fueling consistently and saving something for the mountain section. Once the climb begins, find a rhythm you can sustain before unleashing what you've got - that's where the best time gains were coming from.

But 2027 is still yet to be written. Who's to say another approach won't work even better? Maybe you'll just need to try it to find out!

Forte sells out well in advance. Secure your 2027 place early, and give yourself a full season to prepare for your rockstar moment.

With Remembrance Day approaching, a reminder that preferred pricing is available for serving military personnel and veterans from both Canada and the USA. We are incredibly grateful for your service.

It's simple: choose the dedicated category when registering and bring your military ID or Veteran Service Card to package pickup. You'll be amongst plenty of your fellow members.

Know someone who should join you? Pass the invitation along.

Morning espresso, rides through hilltop villages and long Italian lunches. At the multi-award winning Belvedere Bike Hotel in coastal Riccione, Italy, Marina and her team make you feel part of the family.

Expert guides lead rides for all levels, whether you’re chasing climbs or taking your time to enjoy the heritage and scenery, with the pool, spa and exceptional food waiting when you return.

Rated 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor and a 2026 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best winner, the Belvedere is a cycling holiday worth dreaming about.

For your chance to experience it, make sure you’re registered for RBC GranFondo Whistler 2027 before December 15, 2026 - all riders who are will be in a draw to win a week's stay!

And those who know, know: there simply isn't a better experience out there.

Aaaand now, to announce the winner of our Turkish Airlines prize to win return flights for 2 to Istanbul....

This year, we offered up a special prize courtesy of Turkish Airlines to win a trip to the city that spans the two continents of Europe and Asia: Istanbul.

With an incredible mixture of culture, history and welcoming people, it's with great delight that we can now announce the winner!

Winner: Alicia Andrew, North Vancouver BC

Here's what Alicia had to say:

"Winning this round-trip airfare from YVR to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and RBC Gran Fondo means so much to me. It’s an incredible opportunity to explore a new part of the world and experience a different culture.

"I love being active and trying new things so this is such an exciting and unexpected gift. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to turn a dream into an adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime."

Congratulations to Alicia and her companion, and we can't wait to hear about the stories from your upcoming trip!

A personal milestone, someone you love or simply the joy of being out there together.

This year we partnered with DJI and asked riders at the finish line their reason for riding.

Check out the first watch on social, then tell us what brings you to yours. We'll be sharing more of your stories throughout 2027!

Whether you’re carrying memories from this year or imagining your first finish in Whistler, there’s something special about having a day like this to look forward to. A goal as exceptional as the RBC GranFondo Whistler gets you out on the bike, new friends to share the training with, and a finish line that makes you proud to be the person you are.

Thank you for being part of this community. Join us for the next edition on September 11, 2027, and claim yourself another illustrious story to look back on in the annals of your life.

We acknowledge the land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.