From GranFondoGuide.com
15. Phil’s Cookie Fondo
October 14th – 15th 2017, Malibu, California
Inaugural cookie crazed Fondo sells out in advance with over 1,000 riders
Well known Californian Pro Cyclist, Phil Gaimon has called time on his career last season, to move onto new challenges. He’s held the record for the Mount Washington hill climb and several stage wins too. He previously rode for Cannondale-Drapac, one of the top teams in the UCI WorldTour. Phil hasn’t stopped cycling, actually the reverse.
Phil has been taking Strava KOM scalps all over California and beyond. Recently Phil took the KOM on Mount Baldy, previously held by Team Sky’s Ian Boswell. Boswell’s record was set in the 2015 AMGEN tour of California. Boswell’s time up the 4.3 mile climb which is an average of 9.3% was 22m 42 secs. Gaimon beat this by 17 secs. He spent New Year’s Eve riding 62 miles up Mauna Kea in Hawaii, to bag the ultimate Strava KOM.
Every time Phil mentioned that he lived in Los Angeles, people would ask him he can train in a town known only for traffic and movie stars? This was Phil’s answer, “I’ve ridden all over the world, and with great climbs, ocean air, and perfect weather year-round, I don’t want to live anywhere else. This event was my idea to show off my home roads and help Los Angeles get the reputation it deserves as a cycling destination. I designed the courses myself, and chose the food, drinks, sponsors, and high-class amenities to give riders the full LA experience. Pro teams have held their training camps here for years. Here’s your chance to find out why!”
Phil loves cookies and as a Pro, fans would bring him cookies for him to munch on at the end of every stage, hence cookies became Phil’s signature and hence he came up with the one of the coolest names for a Gran Fondo.
Phil’s Fondo has 3 cleverly designed routes using the roads Phil uses regularly to train on, the 46 mile Sugar Cookie, the 87 mile Chocolate Chip and the 118 mile Double Fudge.
The 46 mile Sugar Cookie is the shortest route, but don’t think it’s be easy. Starting in Malibu, it climbs Potrero Road, cruises along the top of Sycamore Canyon a short climb up Decker Canyon from Westlake. Survive that, and you’ve earned a fun descent down Mulholland Highway to the Pacific.
The 87 mile Chocolate Chip is the most popular ride. Experience the best that Southern California has to offer, with a total of four climbs, and an optional fifth on the unpaved Sycamore Canyon if you’re still feeling ambitious. This is a serious route with serious altitude gain, not for beginners.
The 118 mile Double Fudge, nearly crazy by all measurable standards. This route will test your endurance, climbing legs and will power. Select this route and you’ll get a glimpse into a Pro Tour stage race. Designed by Phil himself, survive this route and you’ll have something to brag about! This is probably one of the hardest Gran Fondo’s in California, if not North America containing around 12,000 feet of climbing!
The inaugural event in 2016 was a sell-out, attracting well over 1,000 riders.
Hands down, the best Fondo I’ve ever done. Logistics were perfect, cheerful and well thought out. Mavic neutral support cars and moto’s was a bonus. Loved hanging out with the pros – very nice guys. Brutal route. Fantastic scenery. I’ll be back! – Todd Nelson
Awesome event! I suffer like a dog but the food especially the cookies made it all worthwhile – Qoc Vo
Remember to #earnyourcookies
For more information, please visit: philsfondo.com
14. The Malibu Gran Fondo
March 4th – 5th 2017, Malibu, California
America’s 5-Star Gran Fondo
“Imagine rolling into Malibu, California with the sun overhead, ocean breeze at your back and the mountains in the near distance rousing your legs to ascend like the great champions of the Tour de France – this is the Malibu Gran Fondo.” – Peloton Magazine
The crew at Serious Cycling has created one of the best cycling events you will find in America: a two-day, two-stage event along the California coastline. Only in its fourth year, the Malibu GRANFONDO has exceeded expectations in offering an event that combines the spectacular cycling terrain around Malibu, California, with a full weekend of riding, dining, and unparalleled pro-level support. Though there is no shortage of Gran Fondos in Southern California, the Malibu GRANFONDO has carved its niche as a more exclusive event that maintains a 250-rider field limit, and the opportunity for a second day of fully supported riding following the 151km Fondo on day one. This year’s event will be held on March 4 & 5, with Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village playing host to the start and finish, in addition to offering a complete cycling package with luxury accommodations.
The Malibu GRANFONDO is designed for those who train regularly, love to travel and enjoy making new friends from around the world. The event draws athletes from Canada, Germany, Italy, UK and numerous outlying States – all seeking warm weather, premium riding terrain, and great camaraderie. To commemorate their achievement, ASSOS of Switzerland has designed the 2017 Limited Edition Jersey, available to event participants only.
The Malibu GRANFONDO features 22 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway, passing by some of the most famous beaches in the state. While PCH makes for mostly flat riding, the final twisting climb up Latigo Canyon, featured as the KOM/QOM of the event, is not quite so gentle as it heads up for 10 miles and presents the day’s biggest challenge, as well as numerous of photo opportunities.
Post-ride is all about the experience back at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village – instead of packing up their bikes and heading home, cyclists are rewarded with a full bottle of wine, an exceptional and relaxing gourmet meal in the Garden Pavilion, a live jazz band, Cyclists Massage, as well as a bike wash/lube & valet service following the ride – ALL of which is included in the entry fee.
But the event does not end there – participants and their guests are invited to a complimentary Wine and Tapas Evening Reception, also hosted by Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, where they can share tales of the day and view the starting order for Day Two’s event, the 20 k Individual Time Trial along PCH in Malibu. Athletes also have the option on the second day of a non-timed recovery ride along the same route. For those completing the full omnium pro experience, overall prizes will be awarded based on cumulative time from the two days. To round out the event weekend, Vintage Grocers of Malibu provides a full service gourmet brunch under the sun at the finish line.
The Malibu GRANFONDO celebrates all that is great about the world of cycling; beautiful landscapes, long arduous climbs rewarded with incredible views, healthy food (and plenty of it!) and the chance to spend a whole weekend with a team of likeminded athletes.
Offering pro-level on-course support, gourmet rest stops, catered receptions, concierge services, post ride massage, bike wash/valet, camp experiences, and forums for advocacy, Malibu GRANFONDO is the Complete Cycling Experience. Day one hosted by Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village; day two hosted by Vintage Grocers Malibu. Please visit the Malibu GRANFONDO website for more detailed information on all the full service luxury amenities provided and opportunities for engagement with the community.
For more information, please visit: ridemgf.com
13. Tehachapi Gran Fondo
September 16th 2017, Tehachapi, California
Award winning Gran Fondo puts Californian community on the tourist map, as it celebrates “Best Century in California” for the 3rd year in a row
The city of Tehachapi is a beautiful mountain community nestled between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert. Located at approximately 4,000 feet, with picturesque views and friendly outlook, it will give you a fresh perspective on life on your first visit. Tehachapi is only 60 miles from the bigger cities, with clean air and a beautiful location, cyclists in the know love it.
The Tehachapi Gran Fondo isn’t just a cycling event, it’s an entire weekend celebration. On the day of the ride the entire community comes out to support, with over 260 volunteers and the public cheers from many places along the route waving their cowbells. The Tehachapi Gran Fondo is much more about the whole experience than the cycling itself.
The 3rd edition of the annual event in 2016, drew in over 1,000 cyclists from 163 different cites, 6 different states and 2 different countries contributing to an estimated turnover of over $300,000 dollars for the local economy.
The 2016 Tehachapi Gran Fondo was voted Champions of Economic Development in Sports Tourism by Destination Sports Management Magazine (National Magazine) such is its success at putting Tehachapi on the tourist map and making a huge impact on the local economy with the communities wholehearted support and love of cycling. Such is its reputation, it was named “Best Century in California” for the 3rd year in a row by Cycle California Magazine.
The Gran Fondo is timed so that participants can compete for fastest times on certain timed sections (climbs). It takes cyclists on beautiful routes that showcase the areas scenic beauty and points of interest.
The mass start road cycling event features multiple routes ranging from 18, 38, 60, 86 to the full 104 mile Gran Fondo, so that all abilities of riders can participate. Participants wear a timing chip that records how long it takes them to complete the course. The Gran Fondo is an annual tradition imitating the Italian theme and participation is open to all recreational and amateur cyclists.
The weekend long experience is a festive one which includes a large cycling expo and an Italian themed pasta feed for participants. The FREE BIKE VALET service will watch over your bike while you enjoy lunch as part of your registration and participate in the festivities. Wash the road dirt off with a glass of cold beer and kick back to DJ music.
With activities for all ages, invite your friends and family to join you to celebrate your completion of the Tehachapi GranFondo and celebrate cycling with the whole community.
Working with the Kern County Board of Trade the Tehachapi Gran Fondo is destined to become the Premier Kern County Event, drawing several thousands of participants from across California and North America.
Register by April 30th and receive a 15% Discount with Promo Code: CC17
For full information, please visit tehachapigranfondo.com
11. The Jensie Gran Fondo of Marin
October 7th, 2017 – Marin County, California
Shut Up Legs!
In 2015, in its inaugural year, over 1,200 riders celebrated with Jens Voigt along the best roads that Marin County has to offer. The 3rd edition of the 2017 Jensie Gran Fondo of Marin County is shaping up to be a spectacular ride yet again.
Anyone who enjoys road cycling regularly will love the Jensie Gran Fondo of Marin. They have chosen three routes so that riders of all abilities can have a great experience. Distances of 40, 70 and the aptly named “Shut Up Legs” 100 miles. Be safe in the knowledge that should you require any assistance, it will not be far away.
You can expect an awesome and memorable day with Jens Voigt, arguably the most fun guy in pro cycling. You’ll be treated to a Pro Tour level experience with on course neutral support. You’ll ride along the world-class roads of Marin County, with notable views of Alpine Dam, Mount Tam, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Point Reyes and Tomales Bay. We’ll keep you fueled with fully staffed and stocked service stops. At the finish, you will enjoy the Gran Fondo village where you will be treated to a Jensie inspired recovery meal, music and an ice cold local brew. All registered riders will also receive a swag bag with the official Gran Fondo rider guide, goodies from participating sponsors and a Jensie Gran Fondo commemorative water bottle.
The Jensie Gran Fondo has been designed to be an extraordinary day in Marin County, with a focus on enjoying the best of Marin with Jens Voigt and our respected event partners. At the conclusion of the event, “suffering” the Jensie way, they will have prepared a “village” environment for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Taking an hour or two to relax and recover is a part of any cycling event’s tradition. You’ll find a wide range of foods available from some of the best vendors in Marin County. You’ll also find a glass of something cool and refreshing to wash it down with, whilst you sit in the shade, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the moment.
For those of you who have come along with the family, they’ve arranged for their friends at Stafford Lakes Park to offer some fun activities which will keep them engaged and occupied, and wishing their parents had not ridden the course quite so fast. This includes the new bike park that any non-Jensie riders can enjoy.
New for 2017 is the Jensie Founders Club, from the moment you register your unforgettable experience will begin. You will receive VIP service at registration, ProTour level support on course and access to recover in the exclusive Founders Club tent, where you’ll rub elbows with Jens and other famous types. On Sunday, Jens will lead the Founders Club on a recovery ride followed by an intimate lunch. It’s will be an extraordinary weekend. Simply bring your bike and they will take care of the rest!
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is the direct beneficiary of The Jensie Gran Fondo and is the premier bicycle advocacy group of Marin County. They are responsible for Safe to School programs and the maintenance and introduction of all bike paths all over Marin County. They are focused on connecting communities through cycling and ensuring safe roads and paths while providing riders with amazing bicycle routes that span the entire county.
Jens Voigt recently rode through the night Everesting for Charity
The affable and ever popular Ex-Pro, Jens Voigt battled through ice, snow, hail and wild boar for 27 hours to raise 25,000 Euros for cancer research organisation Tour De Cure Australia. The retired Tour de France stage winner and former UCI Hour Record holder, Jen Voigt rode up and down the famous “Teufelsberg” which loosely translates to “Devils Mountain” in Berlin’s Gruenwald forest, his home-mountain which features about 90m of elevation.
He climbed the “Teufelsberg” over 100 times in the 27 hours, which is the accumulated vertical elevation of the world’s highest mountain, Everest which is 29,029 feet or 8,848 metres high. Jens was hoping to raise around 10,000 Euros, for the charity Tour de Cure to help find cures to beat Cancer, however after regular updates on social media, wishes of support and dozens of riders joining him on his quest, his total reached over 25,000 Euros.
Voigt is also an ambassador for the 2017 AMGEN Tour of California, the U.S. leg of the UCI WorldTour.
For more information, please visit: thejensiegranfondo.com
10. L’Etape California by Le Tour De France
April 30th, 2017 – Ontario, California
Come and celebrate the U.S.A’s Premier Professional race, the 2017 UCI WorldTour AMGEN Tour of California.
Be a pro for a day and experience one of the Amgen Tour of California’s toughest stages the men will tackle on Stage 5, Thursday May 18th. Join thousands of cyclists taking part in the seventh edition of the L’Etape California.
The steep switchbacks up to the Mt. Baldy Ski Area at 6,500 feet elevation could serve as the deciding factor in crowning the overall champion for this year’s race. Mt. Baldy is located 45 miles from downtown Los Angeles and is a popular location for hikers, sightseers and cyclists year-round.
Cyclists from far and wide visit Mt. Baldy to climb the challenging switchbacks, which ascend over 2,000 in only 4.3 miles. The stage includes the categorized climbs of Glendora Ridge Road, Glendora Mountain Road and Mt. Baldy Road and is approximately 80 miles and includes around 11,000 feet of climbing. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to tackle the same stage on April 30th, just over a week before the racing begins.
AMGEN Tour of California organizer AEG announced the 575-mile course for the 2017 UCI WorldTour race, which will take many of the world’s best cyclists on an always picturesque, challenging and highly competitive competition through California’s iconic highways, byways and coastlines this spring.
The four-day AMGEN Breakaway from Heart Disease Women’s Race empowered with SRAM will bring the best in the sport to race in Northern California May 11-14, followed by the men’s seven-day stage race May 14-20. The twelfth annual edition of the men’s race will visit 12 Host Cities from Sacramento to Pasadena. Former Champions Kristin Armstrong, Jens Voigt and Freddie Rodriguez were recently named official race Ambassadors.
Peter Sagan, the 2015 overall Amgen Tour of California winner and record holder with 15 stage victories since riding for the first time in 2010, will headline an all-star peloton when America’s most prestigious cycling stage race launches the 12th edition in May, 2017. Sagan, one of the most popular cyclists ever to compete in the Amgen Tour of California will be racing for his recently launched BORA-hansgrohe team hoping to add on to his current record of 15 stage wins including two in 2016. The 2015 and 2016 (current) World Champion will be racing in the Golden State for the 7th consecutive year.
L’Etape California by Le Tour de France is a ride designed to challenge cyclists on a course comparable to an Alps Mountain stage of the world’s most well-known cycling race. It is part of the Etape du Tour Series which encourages cyclists around the world to ride like Tour de France legends in over 10 international locations including Japan, Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. Three-time Tour Champion Chris Froome serves as an ambassador for the series.
Previous editions of L’Etape du Tour have allowed cycling enthusiasts to ride the Queen stage of the Tour of California which have include the climbs of Mount Diablo, Rock Store in the Santa Monica Mountains, and Gibraltar Road in Santa Barbara County.
For more information, please visit letapecalifornia.com
9. SLO Gran Fondo
October 28th – 29th, 2017 – San Luis Obispo County, California
The fourth edition of this classic annual fall cycling event, presented by VisitAvilaBeach.com, will again feature three routes of 25 miles, 61 miles or 100 miles that all showcase the scenic Central Coast of California. Enjoy epic coastal and wine country vistas, in 70 degree fall weather over rolling miles of clean open road.
The SLO GranFondo attracted a HUGE amount of attention last summer, when it was revealed that Stage 4 of the 2016 AMGEN Tour of California, which began near the iconic Morro Rock on Wednesday, May 18th and headed up Highway 1 for the first time, that produced a taste of what the San Luis Obispo County and the SLO GranFondo had to offer.
Event weekend begins on Saturday, October 28 with our three timed rides. The 100 Mile SLO GranFondo includes an incredible 4.5 Mile, 1300ft. KOM / QOM up Green Valley Road, just outside the serene coastal town of Cambria. Traditional pink jerseys go to the winner of the GranFondo and polka dot jerseys to the KOM / QOM!
Also on Saturday, all of the riders will then enjoy the celebrated Race SLO Finish Line Festival featuring award-winning Central Coast BBQ, local beer, wine and music. New in 2017 will be the Pro Panel hosted right on stage with television personality and the often irreverent Bob Roll, USA Cycling Chairman Bob Stapleton and our invited pro riders. Listen in on all the best of 2017 and look ahead to what the 2018 cycling season will have in store. All riders will also be able to take advantage of our Bike Valet, washing tents and recovery lounge.
On Sunday, October 29, a limited amount of tickets are available for the VIP Recovery Ride & Wine Event with Bob Roll and our pro riders starting and ending in Avila Beach at Sinor-Lavallee wine tasting room.
The event draws in top teams and hundreds of riders, including professional cyclists Alison Tetrick, Ian Moore, Holly Beck, Matt Bigos, Ina Teutenberg, Neil Shirley and the Clif Bar Team. The event weekend also includes an engaging Pro Panel reception, which for the first time will be held during the finish line festival at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, featuring all the pro riders along with author, Tour de France & Tour of California commentator and former professional Bob “Bobke” Roll and USA Cycling’s Bob Stapleton. Enjoy the Race SLO VIP race experience provided for all of the riders from the beginner to the pro.
Last year Vinny Owens, 35, of Fresno, CA and Jane Despas, 51, of Menlo Park, CA won the coveted pink jerseys in the SLO GranFondo 100 Mile race in 4 hours, 24 minutes, 39 seconds and 4:44:50, respectively. For Despas, an Australian native, impressively three-peated as the women’s champion. In the 100 mile GranFondo, the fastest rider to the top of Old Creek Highway 46 climb, Kevin Bernotas, 28, from Irvine, CA and Despas were also crowned King & Queen of the Mountain (KOM / QOM), clocking 18:22 and 24:02 respectively for the 4.5 mile time trial featuring 1,339 feet of climb, and each earned the coveted polka dot jersey.
Organized by Race SLO, it was recently revealed that the California Central Coast’s leading endurance sports event producer had completed an economic impact study of its three 2016 events: 5th SLO Marathon + Half and 5K (Spring), inaugural SLO Ultra trail races (late Summer) and 3rd SLO GranFondo cycling festival (Fall). According to the comprehensive study compiled by Productive Impact LLC, overall, the three events produced $4.01 million of total economic impact in San Luis Obispo County plus more than $230,000 in local tax revenue.
“Our family of annual Race SLO events created not only healthy & fun experiences for our participants as well as their family & friends, but our 2016 community events also proved to have tangible positive economic benefits to our local economy and governments,” said Samantha Pruitt, Race SLO Founder & CEO. “This economic impact survey reinforces the growing Race SLO footprint and our beloved Endurance Town USA’s reputation as a healthy & athletic, connected to nature, event destination.”
The SLO GranFondo is happy again to support ALPHA and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital Medical Center, two San Luis Obispo County not-for-profit organizations.
“Our fourth SLO GranFondo promises to be another spectacular cycling event stocked with pro riders and cyclists from all over the state visiting us to not only experience Fall on the beautiful Central Coast, but to also enjoy some exciting time trial climbing action at the top level,” said Samantha Pruitt, Race SLO Founder & CEO. “Along with the GranFondo pink jersey ride champions being crowned, we’ll once again celebrate our top Queen and King of the Mountain with the highly coveted polka dot jerseys on stage in Avila Beach at our post-ride food and wine festival.”
Come experience the best the California Central Coast has to offer: year-round sunshine, rolling green hills, unspoiled open roads, first class finish lines and more!
Come Race SLO: #EnduranceTownUSA #SLOGranFondo
For more information, please visit: slogranfondo.com
1. Levi’s Gran Fondo
September 30th 2017, Santa Rosa, California
Levi’s Gran Fondo makes our number one spot after it was announced, early in 2016 that Stage 7 of the 2016 AMGEN Tour of California would cover the same roads and KOM climbs as the popular annual Levi’s GranFondo. It has raised over $2 million dollars for charitable causes.
Starting and ending in Santa Rosa in the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country Stage 7 of the Tour of California course featured four Lexus King of the Mountain points along King Ridge Road, Pacific Coast Highway and Coleman Valley Road. Cycling fans from around the were able to watch best riders in the world compete for 4 KOM’s and battle it out for the general classifications on that very same route, aptly named the King Stage.
The social media frenzy that surrounded the news, the AMGEN Tour of California, Stage 7 and the resulting impact on the eighth annual Levi’s Gran Fondo was off the Richter scale in terms of popularity. The AMGEN Tour of California is America’s Premier Race, and part of the 2017 World Tour.
The King Stage of the Tour of California saw race leader Alaphilippe chase down several attacks including Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing). Peter Sagan attacked the breakaway but sat up with 14 miles to go and joined the peloton for a bunch sprint. Team Katusha lead Kristoff out to take the bunch sprint by a tire width over Sagan.
Founded in 2009 and in its ninth edition this year, Levi’s Gran Fondo is America’s Premier Gran Fondo. It’s also one of the biggest and most popular bike rides in the U.S. with cyclists participating from all over North America and Internationally.
You too, can join up to 6,000 cyclists taking part in Levi’s Gran Fondo – a must do “Bucket List” ride for every cyclist on September 30th 2017.
With 11 routes on offer, Levi’s Gran Fondo is designed for cyclists of all abilities; from the 8 mile Family Ride, 30 mile Piccolo, 60 mile Medio, the 100 mile Gran, and the challenging 116.8 mile Panzer. For gravel seekers, the Willow Creek option can be tacked on to almost any route and adds 1240 feet of climbing on packed dirt under a thick canopy of Redwoods.
The 100 mile Gran Fondo, the biggest and most popular distance, will allow cyclists to ride near enough the same route and KOM climbs as used in the Tour of California. A definitive cycling experience in northern California that mustn’t be missed. From the damp redwood forests at the base of King Ridge to the 360-degree panoramas at the butcher knife-thin top, this is the stuff of memory. This includes the KOM climbs of King Ridge and Coleman Valley Road to name a few.
And if you think the climbs are amazing, the descents down Hauser Bridge Road and Meyers Grade will stay with you for the rest of your days.
Ahead of you is an unforgettable day’s cycling, with a mass start, full support on course, with mobile mechanical support from SRAM and full emergency services. Up to eight rest stops, each with whole foods as well as on-bike liquid and gel energy. The Panzer includes a full service Espresso bar with a selection of sweet and savory hand made Panzerotti pastries. Expect mechanical service at each stop, as well as medical personnel, on top of what’s driving around on-course. Once the pedalling is done, riders and their families come together at the Fondo Sonoma festival at the Finley Center for a fun day filled with plenty of activities, live music, and great food and beverages.
Levi’s dual mission is to share a legendary ride experience and to raise money and awareness for at-risk youth organizations across the country. “We’ve been producing world class GranFondo’s longer than anyone else in North America and we’ve been very successful at it. Tens of thousands of riders from around the world have come to our ride. We have an audience, and we are poised to do something very meaningful and on a large scale. In your town, in your city and community there are kids who need help. We believe, no child should have to deal with at-risk circumstances. Yet the awful truth is that nearly 50% of youth in America do. Levi’s Gran Fondo wants to help change that. We’ve raised over $2 million dollars since our inception and we encourage you to help us take it to the next level. Choose an organization. Set up a campaign. Join us for the challenge, the adventure, and what some say is the best produced ride in North America.” – Levi
Learn how to support at-risk youth in your community through Levi’s GranFondo at kingridge.webflow.io
To register please go to: levisgranfondo.com/register
For more information go to: levisgranfondo.com
For the complete list click here.
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