Specialized Gran Fondo
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Gran Fondo Road and Mountain : What Is Gran Fondo?
Saturday, April 21, 2012
What Is Gran Fondo?
Gran Fondo (“Great Endurance”) is a mass-participation riding event that is sweeping North America and originated in Europe. In France, such rides are known as cyclosportifs. The Gran Fondo was introduced at Sea Otter in 2010, the first year for Gran Fondo events in the USA.
A Gran Fondo is a cycling event, not a race. The Sea Otter Gran Fondo welcomes riders of all capabilities to register for any of the three routes. Children ages 12 and up are welcome when accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
Gran Fondos lie somewhere between a charity ride or tour and an actual bicycle race. For some cyclists, it is an achievement just to cross the Gran Fondo finish line, while others enjoy lighthearted competition with friends during this long ride.
Gran Fondos are often named after famous cyclists of the past, or after companies with a long heritage in cycling. Some of the most famous Gran Fondos include the Prosecco Classic, the Nove Colli, and the Felice Gimondi.
Savor the Ride
The Gran Fondo routes (Carmel Valley, Coastal, and Mountain Bike) are intended to be enjoyed with family, or with friends--whether they are old pals or friends newly made on this ride. Have fun in the company of others, surrounded by beautiful vistas of Monterey County, and take time for refreshment that awaits you at each rest stop.
Challenge Yourself
Although this is a ride, not a race, there will surely be riders who desire a challenge! For their benefit, the three Gran Fondo routes will be timed from start to finish, pitting you only against the elements and the clock.
Refueling Stations
The Specialized Gran Fondo presented by Bicycling Magazine provides scheduled refueling and hydration stations. Those committing to the Carmel Valley Route will be refreshed with light snacks and beverages in the lovely settings of Zabala Vineyards and Los Laureles Lodge, along with two more remote stops, including at Cahoon Summit. Cyclists on the Coastal Route will enjoy a more extensive refueling location in Monterey, plus a smaller, more basic refueling stop near Pebble Beach. And the Mountain Bike Route will have its own two refueling spots along the way. For more details on the rest stops, see the routes page.
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