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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?
IlIl 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 or a shorter version, both
of which end at Columbus Centre in Toronto. 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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