September 1, 2026
Dear residents of Clare,
The Municipality of Clare and its community partners are excited once again to be organizing the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie cycling event on Sunday, September 13, 2026!
Click here to open a map with time estimates of lead cyclists passing key locations.
Why a Gran Fondo?
Gran Fondo is a fun cycling event that extends our tourist season, while combining a healthy lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and Acadian hospitality into an unforgettable experience for participants. We strive for continuous improvement and sustainability by reinvesting revenues, if any, into the next year’s event. Our event creates a significant amount of economic activity in Clare and the region. Everyone benefits!
How will traffic be affected?
We are working closely with the RCMP and NS Public Works to develop a traffic control plan to safely start the event at the Clare Veterans Centre (9938 Highway 1, Saulnierville). Traffic will be restricted from passing on Highway 1 between Eustache Comeau Rd and C Saulnier Rd from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. (except in the case of local traffic and emergency vehicles) on Sunday, September 13, 2026. When possible, please use Highway 101 for travel.
- The 128 km Gran Fondo starts at 8:30 a.m., the 67 km Medio Fondo starts at 8:45 am and the 35 km Piccolo Fondo starts at 9:00 a.m. The start and finish lines will be at the Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville.
- Please drive carefully throughout the day as there will be 500+ cyclists enjoying our incredible scenery and culture from New Edinburgh to Mavillette Beach and along our back roads!
- There will be a motorcycle escort for each ride as well as lead and sweep vehicles (motorcycles and trucks) for the duration of the event.
- Volunteers will be situated at several intersections throughout Clare to assist cyclists in navigating key turns. A reminder that traffic will be temporarily restricted from passing on Highway 1 from Eustache Comeau Rd and C Saulnier Rd from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.
- It is expected that the Gran Fondo rides will last for several hours until approximately 3:00 p.m.
What is the best way to share the road with cyclists?
- Please drive extra careful on the day of the event and leave at least 1 metre (3 feet) of space when passing a cyclist.
- You may cross a yellow line to pass a cyclist if it is safe to do so. Only pass if there is no oncoming traffic. If you can’t pass safely, wait behind the cyclist.
- Cyclists can’t always ride on the extreme right. Sometimes the edge of the road may be in poor condition, or the cyclist may be preparing for a left turn. Watch for hand turn signals and only pass a cyclist when it’s safe.
How can I help?
Since most participants are from outside of Clare, let’s show off our famous Acadian hospitality! Please support the cyclists by cheering them on with our Acadian flags, cowbells or other noise makers, and words of encouragement as they pass through Highway 1, Highway 340, Second Division Road, and roads in between! Tune into Radio CIFA (104.1 FM) on the day of the event for live updates on where the cyclists are riding. Please see the attached map showing approximate times of when the lead cyclists will be passing by along the routes. If you have dogs, we’d appreciate it if they were kept on a leash or tied up. We encourage you to take photos and share!
For more information: granfondobaiesaintemarie.ca/en or “Like” our Facebook page! #GranFondoBSM
Thank You! - The Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie team