The Gran Fondo in San Diego

The Gran Fondo is not a race, it’s a cycling event for the masses!

“Gran Fondo means long distance or great endurance. Some cyclists ride for the satisfaction and pride of just making it to the finish line. Others want to improve upon their previous times, and to challenge themselves, their friends, their teammates. And some ride to win!”   BiciVeneto.

The Gran Fondo & Campagnolo

The fifth annual Italian-inspired Gran Fondo is back in San Diego. With four successful years of mass cycling through the scenic areas of sunny Southern California starting in Little Italy, this will be the first year San Diego is sponsored by Campagnolo, a world-renowned  manufacturer of cycling components in Italy. Campagnolo has an impressive history working with the New York and Rome Gran Fondos. Tobias Panek, the owner of the San Diego Gran Fondo event, proclaims that “…this partnership will take San Diego to a new level.”  

There are three different mile routes for you to choose from. So whether you are an seasoned expert in cycling or just want to ride for fun with your friends and enjoy the scenery of San Diego, check out the different courses available.

1. The Newest Addition to the San Diego Gran Fondo

The Piccolo Fondo Route is a 38-mile course created for cyclist who prefer a short distance ride yet still want to experience the Gran Fondo first hand, from start to finish. The Piccolo Fondo route only has 900 feet worth of climbing, which is great for first time riders! This route is a flat-to-rolling course and also has two aid stations well-stocked and available for your needs.

2. For the Intermediate Rider

The Medio Fondo Route is the intermediate route that spans from the Pacific Ocean to the San Diego backcountry and out to Otay Lakes in Chula Vista. The elevation gain is 1,500 ft and paired with the 56-mile route, the Medio Fondo is a great compromise between the beginner and advanced routes this year. This route also has two additional aid stations compared to The Piccolo Fondo, making a total of four aid stations available for you to keep moving and stay well fueled.

3. For the Ambitious Cyclist

The Gran Fondo is the classic 105-mile route that also includes the “Great Western Loop” which takes cyclists through East County’s beautiful back-country. This route also takes you climbing up to a maximum elevation of 2,600 ft and has six well-stocked aid stations. The Gran Fondo is an ambitious ride for those who dare to challenge themselves, set or beat personal records and simply enjoy their ride through San Diego.

There is something for everyone at the Gran Fondo in San Diego, Sunday April 14th 2013.

With a 2000 rider limit, sign up and register now before it’s too late! San Diego Gran Fondo website, http://www.sdgranfondo.com/registration.html