Welcome to The Fiddlers Fondo, a community gravel cycling event hosted at Keppoch to kick off the opening of the Antigonish Highland Games weekend.

The event will showcase the scenic gravel roads and trails surrounding Keppoch and is designed to be accessible to riders of all abilities and families.

Riders will start and finish at Keppoch, kicking off the Highland Games celebrations .

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Staged start from 9am (more information to follow)

Intro Ride – The Wee Highlander

~4-7km: Accessible loop through Game Changer and Shindig Hollow trails. All on Keppoch gravel trails and a great introduction for young and old.

$20 (youth or youth at heart)

Stage 1- The Caber

~20km: This loop from Keppoch the route will take you up Keppoch mountain on quiet backroads before dropping back down to Ohio, St. Josephs and the finish back at Keppoch

$65

Stage 2-

40km: Extended gravel route through through the top of Keppoch backroads and the heart of Antigonish County’s backcountry.

$65

Stage 3- The Highlander

60km: The Highlander is the signature challenge of The Fiddlers Fondo. Long endurance gravel route through the top of Keppoch backroads dropping down to either the St Mary's River or Lochaber Lake before making making the loop back. Final route to be selected once road conditions improve.

$65

Note: Due to the rugged terrain and mixed gravel conditions across all routes, mountain bikes are permitted and encouraged for riders seeking additional comfort, traction, and control. Gravel bikes are also suitable, but participants should ensure their bike setup is appropriate for rough backroads, loose surfaces, and varying trail/road conditions.

Gravel bike, Hybrid bike, or Mountain bike with tires of a minimum of 40c or 1.9”. There is some rougher terrain that a larger tire will aid in the safety of the rider. A smaller tire is allowed but not recommended.

It is a self sufficient event. It is highly recommended that riders bring repair kits and adequate food and water. There will be periodic checks of the course for rider safety but the sweep car is for emergency’s only.

There will be no feed stops so bringing enough food and water for the duration of the event. Outside help from other riders is considered ok. There will be no disqualification for helping other athletes during the event.

First aid will be on site as well as on the sweep vehicle in case of emergency’s.

Volunteers will be on course to help guide athletes in the right direction but it is ultimately up to the riders to navigate the course.

GPS files will eventually be provided to athletes closer to the date of the event.

Location: Keppoch

Contact:

petescycleryandoutdoor@gmail.com

Sanctioned and Approved by Cycling Nova Scotia