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Why hold a Giro di Toronto?
Toronto is known worldwide for celebrating its cultural diversity. Villa Charities is known throughout the GTA for celebrating Italian culture and offering culturally sensitive services in a Canadian context. Giro T.O. will celebrate Italians and Toronto, interwoven as they are through their pasts, present and into the future.
For Italians, cycling is a national pastime. And throughout Toronto urban cycling is a trendy and eco-friendly means of transportation. So Giro T.O. is back, a symbolic two-wheeled tour of Italian-Canadian settlement in Toronto and Vaughan. Aside from a landmark cultural event, Giro will be a celebration of food, fresh air and exercise that promotes urban cycling as part an active and healthy lifestyle.
Giro T.O. is a charity bike ride that will raise funds to help Villa Charities give more amore to the seniors who cared for us, provide more invaluable job training to adults with intellectual disabilities and increase the cultural programming that enriches the lives of thousands annually.
Is Giro T.O. a race or a ride?
Giro is a fundraising ride for Villa Charities Foundation through the streets, parks and trails of Toronto and Vaughan. It is not a competitive bike race.
What is Il Giro d'Italia?
Il Giro d'Italia, usually held every May, is the legendary cycling event on par with the Tour de France. The Giro d'Italia is a key inspiration for the Giro T.O. Every year hundreds of top cyclists - aka girini - tour 3500 km all across Italy in a grueling test of stamina and skill. Similarly, riders in the Giro T.O. will compete with each other, but to raise the most funds. See the official Giro d'Italia site.
How long is the Giro T.O. route?
Riders have the option of completing the full course (75km) or a shorter version (35km), both of which end at Villa Colombo Vaughan in Kleinburg. The full Giro route will take approximately 4-6 hours to complete. Giro begins early and avoids traffic and traffic-lights as much as possible, but expect a slightly slower pace in the downtown area.
Will there be rest stops?
Yes, there will be Italian-themed rest stops downtown and in the suburbs. Refreshments served by sponsors from various businesses and Italian-Canadian social clubs. Sponsor a rest stop or the finish line party.
Who can ride?
Any person aged 18 or over. There is a $50 registration fee for each rider.
Do I have to be of Italian background?
NO! Determined fundraisers from all cultural backgrounds are welcome!
How many riders will there be?
There are 400 spots open on the ride. Begin raising pledges today to stand among this year's group of Giro T.O. girini.
What if there is bad weather?
You still ride. Giro T.O. is cancelled only in case of heavy thunderstorms and lightning.
Are the streets going to be closed off?
No, the streets will be not shut down. All riders must obey the rules of the road. The ride will be well-supported with police, first aid, repair crews and route marshals. Traffic on a Sunday morning will be light.
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