Last Saturday - at a time in the morning few know exist - hundreds of cyclists gathered in the mist at Stanley Park to cycle from Vancouver to Whistler. We got the chance to see their journey first hand and to be a prize in winners’ goodie bags!

We were super stoked to see the amazing turnout and probably the most expensive collection of tricked-out bikes ever assembled. After some pump-up music and deep lunges, we were ready to hop into our corral and slap on one last coat of sunscreen before riding into the sunrise.

The way up was filled with gorgeous views (and thankfully some thoroughly delicious rest-stop waffles) that made the hellish hills a tad less…well hellish.

After all that cycling, we were rewarded with some pretty sweet views, complimentary of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and a performance by young up-and-comers, Trooper. We even got a peek at a real-live Whistler bear hanging out on the mountain-biking course! Can you spot him beneath the gondola? Someone give that bear a bike to hug!

Thanks to Kate Dearness for getting us involved in the Grand Fondo 2015, and we’ll see you next year!