With the 152km Forte drawing an increasing level of attention from overseas and selling out earlier each year, we spoke to international cyclists Larissa Rubago of Mexico and Hanoch Yeung from Seattle, WA to bring you their inside-scoop on just why you need to try it for yourself.

But first...

We are constantly challenging ourselves to reduce barriers into our events, which new for this year has included freezing rates at 2024 levels and pioneering our first ever loyalty reward program.

Now, on top of these, we are delighted to introduce Save My Spot.

Save My Spot allows you to pre-register with an initial deposit.

The benefit: break up your registration into smaller amounts and pay off the balance when you're ready.

You only pay $150 upfront - so take advantage of Save My Spot today!

Registration is not complete until balance is paid, deadline to do so Aug 1st. Initial deposit is non-refundable.

Larissa: I really didn't have much idea what to expect, I just knew it was going to be a demanding event and I am the kind of a person that loves challenges.

The event blew my mind, it exceeded my expectations in every way with the incredible route, landscapes, organization and the race atmosphere during and after the race.

It was definitely challenging starting the ride with a mountain ascent!

However if you are like me as someone who love challenges, it's very fun. 

Usually in Gran Fondos, you get groups of cyclists riding close to each other. However, with a mountain climb like Cypress, the groups get to separate and the riders are more spaced out which feels great.

I have to say, the 10km of Cypress Mountain downhill descent was. a. BLAST!

I absolutely loved the route, the landscapes are wonderful. Riding along iconic the Sea to Sky highway totally free of traffic was simply a unique experience you cannot get any other time. 

For me, seeing the beautiful sea, forest, rivers, mountains and lakes during the race was pure soul food.

I would definitely improve my preparation and training, because make no mistake, the Forte is tough.

Another point would be my nutrition during the race. I should have eaten more. Although there was plenty of food at the aid stations, I think I could have done better with taking more on board.

GranFondo Rivieria Nayarit in April, baby! I'm super excited to try out this brand new Gran Fondo put on by the team behind Whistler in my home country of Mexico.

We Mexican knows how to party, so I can't wait to get to the start line and then celebrate completing the 100km with everyone else after!

If you thought riding the Forte was impressive, how about completing it on a Brompton folding bike?

That's exactly what Seattle's Hanoch Yeung of the Best Side Cycling YouTube channel did - and he's put together a complete guide to RBC GranFondo Whistler's ultimate challenge for your viewing pleasure.

Over in Washington State, Hanoch's mission is to get more people on bikes and to share the joy of cycling.

In his video, he takes you all the way from the startline to finish, pointing out the stops, landmarks and offering hints and tips along the way.

The waffle station was a big talking point at the Britannia Beach aid station this year - especially as we didn't tell you it was coming!

Golden, soft but crispy, topped with fresh bananas and cream - not a bad way to reward yourself for the first half of the ride!

Now firmly entrenched in tradition, the extra large medal Forte riders receive has earned its place in the 152km lore. And there's only one way to get yours - by entering!

Whether it's personal pride, the looks of envy or simple extra training for your neck muscles, this is one elevated accolade that continues to keep people talking.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 2025 medal reveal later next year!

Although by nature cycling is environmentally friendly, mass participation events still hold the potential for significant landfill contribution and waste.

Since 2017, we've been working with AWARE to continually reduce RBC GranFondo Whistler's footprint. While diversion rates excluding course have averaged 91% over this time, it was a key goal of ours to significantly raise the 2017 figure of only 40% course waste diverted.

Now, with a combined diversion rate of 90.95%, the 2024 edition is the first to be officially designated as a Zero Waste event (90% and up).

This could not have happened without the tremendous effort and mindfullness of riders and participants, and so we would like to share a huge word of thanks and congratulations.

This is important as it not only protects the lands on which we live, but sets a legacy which helps to educate and inspire future generations too. We encourage you to keep pushing for more sustainability in our lives, and look forward to building on these strong foundations in 2025.

This summer, YWCA Gear Up partnered with RBC GranFondo Whistler as their charity of choice. It couldn't have been a more perfect fit: the program empowers youth by providing skills and training to pursue careers as bike mechanics, and the RBC GranFondo is the most prominent cycling event in Canada.

The partnership is a great benefit to the graduates, said Gray Myrfield, YWCA Gear Up Program Manager:

"It lets them engage with the cycling industry, connect with cyclists and build up work experience. Having a certificate of volunteering for RBC GranFondo Whistler gives these youth a solid leg up when pursuing employment in the industry.

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