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07152025Tue
Last updateThu, 10 Jul 2025 5pm

Gran Fondo entries swell to1,500

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The Gran Fondo Badlands grew again as about 1,500 cyclists pedalled their way up and down and through the valley last Saturday, July 5.
The Gran Fondo Badlands has continued to take on momentum, and this year was the largest yet, and the third year that TransRockies has been organizing the event.
Aaron McConnell, President and Chief Cycling Officer, tells the Mail, they had about 1,500 riders, almost doubling the result of the last year, which was around 800.
“We did cap it at one point. We sold more entries than 1,500, but we always expect a few no-shows," he said.
The Gran Fondo offers the full Gran Fondo experience of the Brontosaurus, a 163-kilometre ride that spans from the Bleriot Ferry on the west and passes Dorothy on the east. It also has the options of the 100-kilometre T-rex course, the 75-kilometre Triceratops course, or the 50-kilometre Velociraptor course.
Upon returning to the Badlands Community Facility, riders enjoyed a beer garden, lunch, medals and even live music, making it a festival-like atmosphere. On the previous Friday evening, there was also fun with youth and women's rides, as well as a strider parade. There were also several vendors on site and a pre-event meeting.
“We built up the Friday with more of a registration setup and pre-riding,” said McConnell.
The Gran Fondo Badlands has become a destination event for many riders. There were a few local riders on the course, including Jim Milman, who might have been one of the most senior riders, but there were also riders from throughout Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Washington, California, the NWT and Mexico.
“The cycling here is really spectacular, it is a really beautiful ride, the roads are relatively quiet, so it makes for a nice day out on the bike," said McConnell. He adds that the event went smoothly.
The Bleriot Ferry, which was down for repairs, was up and running by race time.
“There are a few capacity things we need to work on, but overall it went well."


STARS responds to fatal motorcycle collision

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On July 9, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Drumheller RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision involving two motorcycles along Highway 838.

 The Drumheller Fire Department, AHS EMS and STARS also attended the scene near the Drumheller Golf Course. It appears the two riding togther collided. Road was closed while emergency services attended to the scene.

Life saving methods were attempted on one of the drivers, a 52-year-old female resident of Camrose County. Unfortunately, she was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second driver suffered minor injuries.

The investigation continues but no charges are expected.

RCMP sends condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Homestead Antique Museum marks 60 years

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The Homestead Antique Museum is marking a milestone this summer, celebrating its 60th year.
The Museum on North Dinosaur Trail has been a fixture in the community, with its unique dome that displays artifacts from the pioneer days and the early roots of the town.
The Homestead Antique Museum was established as a “shared vision of 10 men to preserve Drumheller Valley history and to give all visitors “a better understanding and greater appreciation of our early pioneers.”
They include Harold Chambers, James Gaschnitz, Tom Kempling, Francis Porter, Bob Hoy, Larry Poland, Fritz Dekeyser, Murray Olsen, Ned O’Conner-Browne, and Eugene Kush.
The sod turning was in November of 1964 and in attendance were MLA Gordon Taylor and contractor Trygve Seland. Interestingly, the same week they broke ground, another Drumheller landmark, the CNRL Roundhouse, was demolished after about 50 years of service.
They started work on the unique “Dome Coverall,” which, according to an advertisement, could be built for as low as $1.25 per square foot.
The doors officially opened on May 28,1965.
What makes the story interesting is that the families of the founders have remained involved, serving on the board, keeping the museum a place to celebrate the past and present.
According to a release, the Homestead Antique Museum is home to more than 10,000 artifacts, mostly from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Displays are organized by theme and include a wide range of subjects, including cars and carriages, dresses & suits, medical & musical instruments, bills & coins, cameras & clocks, and even a two-headed calf.
Many of these artifacts are donated by the founding families as well as other local families, telling the unique story of the valley.
The museum has a busy summer ahead with its two major fundraising events. The Antique Tractor & Farm Equipment Show on July 12 and its Show & Shine Car Show on July 19. Spectators may attend for free, and there is a small registration fee for participants to show off their antique cars or tractors.
For more information, contact the Homestead Antique Museum at 403-823-2600 or hamuseum@telus.net.


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