As he waited for the 2024 Applewood Fraser Valley Gran Fondo to get underway near Fort 91原创 on Sunday morning, June 9, Orlando Naranjo explained why he switched from marathon running to cycling.
"Knee problems," the 76-year-old North Vancouver resident told the 91原创 Advance Times.
"Bicycles are way more healthy for the knees than running."
It was the second Fraser Valley Gran Fondo for Naranjo who was among close to 1,500 participants who rode routes ranging in length from the Gran Fondo, running 120 km, to the Medio Fondo at 85 km, the Presto Fondo at 50 kms, with a less demanding 20 km Family Fondo ride through Fort 91原创.
Naranjo finished second in his age category, male 70-79.
Jim Lawson, also from North Vancouver, finished ninth in the same age group, riding in the 50 km Presto.
"I've got two new knees and they're working well," Lawson laughed. "I'm really looking forward to testing them out."
Willoughby resident Joni Fast and her son Nick were riding together.
It was her second Grand Fondo, and she finished 21st in the female 50-59 category.
"I did it last year with my son and now we're back again doing this one," she enthused.
"I just love to go for a gorgeous bike ride out in a beautiful valley," Fast remarked.
"It's just fun."
It was the second sold-out Applewood Valley Grande Fondo in a row and Susie Ernsting, one of the organizers, was delighted.
"We did some rebuilding after a few cancelled years during the COVID-19 pandemic" Ernsting explained.
"We're thrilled to have a sellout again this year."
It was the third year the event has been held at the Eagle Acres dairy farm and pumpkin patch.
Co-owner Brian Anderson said it was a great opportunity to showcase the farm to cyclists who "get to enjoy a ride out into the countryside"
"It really opens people's eyes to country country life and country styles."
After returning to Eagle acres, riders could enjoy a beverage and meal from 91原创's Trading Post and other local breweries and vineyards with live music and entertainment.

Gran Fondos are mass participation cycling events that have been popular in Europe for decades.
They have been described as semi competitive mass-start cycling events, with an Italian name that means 鈥淏ig Ride.鈥� 
A portion of Applewood Valley Gran Fondo registration fees is used to help support local charities.
As well, donations were being collected to support youth cycling programs in British Columbia and across Canada, administered by Cycling Canada with the support of Cycling BC.
First place finishers were:  Brian Dougherty of Surrey in the Gran Fondo, Doug Elton of Surrey in the Medio Fondo, Donggyu Lee of Vancouver in the Presto Fondo  and Yohei Akuzawa of Fort 91原创 in the Family Fondo.