Mud, trails and sweat: CrossFondo turns Saanich into a cyclist’s playground
Published 5:00 pm Sunday, October 18, 2026
Combine cycling with hiking and you get cyclocross, a sport that takes riders through mud, dirt and rough terrain.
On the morning of Oct. 18, nearly 300 cyclists gathered at Saanich’s Layritz Park for the 10th annual Tripleshot CrossFondo.
This year’s event drew 290 riders aged 11 to 81, who took on either a 45-kilometre or 25-kilometre route through the backcountry of Saanich and Highlands.
Race organizer Joanna Fox said about 80 per cent of the routes run along trails and private property, offering riders a chance to explore the region’s landscapes while minimizing traffic-related risks.
Launched more than a decade ago, the event was created to raise money for young ones interested in cycling. Today, it is the Tripleshot Cycling Club’s largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting various grassroots programs.
“We try to keep the fees of our youth program affordable, so we look to raise funds and get grants,” Fox said. “Essentially it goes to fund our certified coaches who on average have 25 to 30 kids per year aged 11 to 17.”
The event has grown considerably since its early days, when it attracted 117 riders. It now draws nearly three times as many participants, Fox said.
“I would say it’s become so popular that a lot of riders only ride gravel now,” she said. “Cyclists like being in the woods better. They don’t want to be on the roads with the traffic.”
Despite the challenging terrain, which includes steep climbs, mud and rough trails, Fox said the event welcomes riders of all experience levels. Rather than a competitive race, she described it as a community ride focused on enjoying the outdoors.
“We do call it an event or a ride, it’s not a race,” she said. “We don’t take times, (riders) can time themselves if they like.
“We just want people to enjoy the ride and have fun out there.”
Fox encouraged both newcomers and experienced cyclists to take part in next year’s event and bring friends along.
“I see a lot of smiles coming across the finish line,” she said. “We’ve seen parents and children crossing the line together, a grandmother and her grandson. These are all special moments and it’s just about enjoying being outdoors and having fun.”
The event is supported by 140 volunteers and more than 50 landowners who open their properties to riders for the day.
For more information about the event and the Tripleshot Cycling Club, visit tripleshotcycling.ca.