Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cycling Canada has recommended that all events up to July 6th be cancelled or postponed. In cooperation with Cycling Canada, the Fernie Gravel Grind scheduled for June 20th will be postponed. It would not be prudent to maintain the original date for the gravel ride which would encourage highly inappropriate activities given these times. The return to group activity will be determined by the local and provincial health authorities. The Fernie Gravel Grind fully supports their efforts to minimize the impacts of Covid-19 and to ensure the health and safety of our community. If there is any sort of risk to the community during the future event, the event will be canceled entirely for 2020 and rescheduled for 202 1.
You can expect a clear decision mid-June on when and if the event will take place. Though an exact date has yet to be selected, the plan for the Fernie Gravel Grind is currently looking like late August. I’m staying optimistic that we will have a Fernie Gravel Grind this year in some capacity. Many options are being explored in the ways in which we can put on a socially distanced fundraiser event.
Obviously changing dates of an event is not ideal for anyone, so the Fernie Gravel Grind would like to give you some options as we navigate through these rough waters together.
1. Save the date.
Keep your registration and donations and plan to ride with us late August. If the pending date in August does not work for you, or it ends up being canceled all together, here are some more options.
2. Refund.
A 90% event refund is offered to all registrants, and a 100% refund to all donations by registrants. The remaining 10% is to cover registration fees and other event expenses already paid.
3. Donate.
Rather than asking for a refund, keep your registration as a donation to the Fernie Trails Alliance. All remaining proceeds will be donated directly to the FTA, regardless of the outcome this year.
This is not an easy time for any of us as I greatly appreciate your support and patience. If you would like a refund, please email carternieuwesteeg@icloud.com. But please keep in mind where your donations are going, regardless of the final outcome.
Better days are on the horizon, in the meantime ride safe and keep well.
Carter Nieuwesteeg
Event Director
