An estimated 1,000 cyclists took part in the return of the Fraser Valley鈥檚 largest cycling festival, the event, held at Eagle Acres farm near Fort 91原创 on Saturday, June 4.

It was the first Valley GranFondo since the pandemic, and organizer Mark Ernsting was delighted with the turnout, calling it a 鈥渉uge success.鈥�

Ernsting was especially pleased with the response to the brand new 鈥淔amilyFondo鈥� course that offered a relatively flat, 20km route around Fort 91原创 for less advanced riders, which drew 75 cyclists.

鈥淥ur goal was 50,鈥� Ernsting remarked.

鈥淚 think we can get [the number up to] 200 to 300 in years to come.鈥�

Among the FamilyFondo riders was Angela Chang from Vancouver鈥檚 Kitsilano, and her 11-year son Josh, who said he was 鈥渧ery much鈥� looking forward to his first GranFondo.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 fantastic, to be with friends and family,鈥� Angela commented.

Ernsting expressed gratitude toward the volunteers and riders who helped make the event a success.

鈥淚t was awesome,鈥� Ernsting told the 91原创 Advance Times.鈥�

READ ALSO: Valley GranFondo returns to Fort 91原创 this weekend

For the first Valley GranFondo since the pandemic, the event was relocated from downtown Fort 91原创 to the less confined space of Eagle Acres Dairy Farm, which hosted a day-long festival with live music, food and cycling-related educational games.

Over the years, a portion of registration fees from the Valley event has gone to support various youth cycling initiatives throughout the province, as well as development cycling teams that represent Canada abroad.

READ ALSO: Our View: Cycling boom will have long-term implications for Canada

More photos from the day can be viewed on the 91原创 .