Amid West Michigan’s
first heat wave of the summer
, the Gran Fondo returned to downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday.
The race, known as Michigan’s “signature cycling event,” drew participants from near and far.
Cyclists could choose between
four different courses
, the first of which kicked off at 8 a.m. at the start line just outside of Van Andel Arena.
There was an 80-mile route that stretched to the lakeshore, a 40-mile route that ran along the Grand River valley, a 25-mile route for more recreational riders and a 12-mile family ride for cyclists of any skill level.
When cyclists finished their race, they could join a finish line festival with live music, craft beer, gourmet food and vendor booths.
In addition to the event being centered around the joy of cycling, it also functions as a fundraiser to support West Michigan organizations.
The event previously supported the fight against skin cancer as well as West Michigan trails.
In 2024, $81,000 was raised for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.
This year, race organizers have raised the bar and set a goal of raising $125,000 for Mary Free Bed.
According to the Gran Fondo’s website, 100% of the fundraising efforts will go towards the hospital’s mission and the work they’re doing in Grand Rapids.
This includes supporting the hospital’s pediatric rehabilitation, wheelchair and adaptive sports, and recreational therapy programs.
Nicole Ver Kuilen, a ride ambassador, said that while it’s the first time she participated in the Grand Rapids Gran Fondo, she’s raced all over the country.
Ver Kuilen said she was chosen as an ambassador to bring awareness to the disabled community and some of the legislative work they’re doing in Michigan as part of a movement called ”
So Every BODY Can Move
.”
The mission is personal to Ver Kuilen, as she lost her leg to bone cancer when she was 10 years old.
“Immediately after my amputation, I was only able to receive one prosthesis to do everything,” she said. “It wasn’t waterproof, it wasn’t meant for physical activity, and that’s all insurance would cover.”
She said their goal is to have 28 states enact the legislation by the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
“We’re working to enact legislation here, and all across the country, to ensure that individuals like myself who are living with limb loss and who need access to prosthetics can get the tools that they need to be able to be physically active. Because prosthetics for physical activity are currently not covered by insurance,” she said.
Earlier this week, 13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke to two other athletes whose personal health journeys led to their participation in the Gran Fondo this year.
Eric Forrester
rode the race with his daughter, celebrating his recovery from a critical illness two years ago.
Paul Gobble
participated in his fourth Gran Fondo after overcoming severe injuries from a 2016 biking accident when a vehicle drove right into his biking group.
As of Saturday afternoon, nearly $59,000 had been raised for Mary Free Bed. Those interested can
donate here
.
