The Hunter Fondo

Saturday August 19th 2023

Ashburnham Memorial Park

The Fondo is in memory of John Hunter; an avid cyclist who inspired people to ride bikes wherever he went.

About The Hunter Fondo

We are excited to invite you to join us for an unforgettable ride in memory of John Hunter, a beloved local cycling enthusiast who passed away in 2021. John was a local legend, known and loved far beyond our community for his dedication to cycling and the Peterborough Cycling Club (PCC). To honor his memory, we’re organizing The HunTer Fondo, an event that aims to bring together 250 local and regional riders for a great cause.

Funds raised from this event will support Peterborough Regional Hospital Centre, Campbellford Memorial Hospital, and Peterborough Cycling Club. We’ve designed three routes for cyclists of all levels: the 40K Trial Heaven Ride, 65K Frappe le Rue, and the thrilling 125K “It’s going to be a fun ride.” All rides will start and finish at Ashburnham Memorial Park, followed by a BBQ and social at the Heritage Pavilion at the museum.

The Hunter Fondo’s 2023 support of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation will help shape the future of cardiac care in our region – expanding cardiac services at PRHC to empower world-class treatment, close to home.

Every year, thousands of people from the Trent Hills and surrounding area come to Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) seeking expert care and/or treatment to help restore their health. The CMH Foundation is currently raising funds for the purchase of a new CT Scanner for the Diagnostic Imaging Department. The current CT Scanner is thirteen years old and is reaching the end of its useful life. Investing in new computerized tomography (CT) technology will mean the continuation of this critical service for our community.

$10 from each registration goes directly to the foundations, plus the net proceeds are divided between the two hospital foundations. Riders aged 18 and under can register for just $20!

We are honored to keep John’s spirit and passion for cycling alive through this event. In its first year, The HunTer Fondo attracted 91 cyclists, featured two routes covering some of John’s favorite roads, and concluded with a cold beer, a delicious BBQ and social hosted by the Ashburnham Ale House at the Rugby Club. Thanks to your support, we’ve donated $8,951.88 to the PRHC Foundation and the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of cardiac care.

Let’s come together to celebrate John’s legacy and support these important causes. We can’t wait to see you there!

3 Great Routes to Choose From

Trail Heaven: 40KM

$75 (all inclusive)

9:30am Start

Frappe le Rue: 60KM

$80 (all inclusive)

8:30am Start

It’s Going To Be An Easy Ride: 125KM

$95 (all inclusive)

7:00am Start

This is a flat ride out the Great Canadian Trail heading south-east towards Hasting (aka Hasting Rail Trail) with a scenic lollipop in around Lang Village and Hope Mill. This is an out and back so very easy to cut short or add in extra K. This was a classic fall night ride of John’s.

‘Frappe le Rue’ was John’s subtle hint that the chit-chat was over and it was time to hit the road. This lovely route takes you east towards Hastings through the drumlins, so you will get some climbing and mixed road surfaces including gravel. The final section comes in the Hastings Trail.

Annually John would plan an Epic Ride and convince others to join in his test of endurance. When John said “It’s going to be an easy ride” you wanted to think about it. It was usually something tough that was likely going to hurt at some point. Adventures that were ‘retrospectively fun’ and kept us coming back for more. This route is a combination of routes John had ridden. He’d marshal the pace so that everyone had an enjoyable day in the saddle and be in it for the long haul. If you were legitimately suffering John provided encouragement and shelter to get you home.