As he waited for the 2024 Applewood Fraser Valley Gran Fondo to get underway near Fort Langley on Sunday morning, June 9, Orlando Naranjo explained why he switched from marathon running to cycling. "Knee problems," the 76-year-old North Vancouver resident told the Langley Advance Times. "Bicycles are way more healthy for the knees than running.
" It was the second Fraser Valley Gran Fondo for Naranjo who was among close to 1,500 participants who rode routes ranging in length from the Gran Fondo, running 120 km, to the Medio Fondo at 85 km, the Presto Fondo at 50 kms, with a less demanding 20 km Family Fondo ride through Fort Langley. Naranjo finished second in his age category, male 70-79. Jim Lawson, also from North Vancouver, finished ninth in the same age group, riding in the 50 km Presto.
"I've got two new knees and they're working well," Lawson laughed. "I'm really looking forward to testing them out." Willoughby resident Joni Fast and her son Nick were riding together.
It was her second Grand Fondo, and she finished 21st in the female 50-59 category. "I did it last year with my son and now we're back again doing this one," she enthused. "I just love to go for a gorgeous bike ride out in a beautiful valley," Fast remarked.
"It's just fun." It was the second sold-out Applewood Valley Grande Fondo in a row and Susie Ernsting, one of the organizers, was delighted. "We did some rebuilding after a few cancelled years during the COVID-19 pandemic" Ernsting explained.
"We're thr.
