Information

Q: What is a gran fondo?

Gran fondos are long distance, mass-participation cycling events - not races - that have become immensely popular in Italy and are quickly gaining popularity in the United States. Gran fondo races are usually 100 miles long. The majority offer an additional medio fondo course (50 miles), and sometimes even a piccolo fondo course (around 20 miles) for those not wishing to ride the longer distances. These shorter courses are just abbreviated versions of the longer ones, utilizing most of the same roads, but taking shortcuts to avoid some of the climbs. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and thousands of riders of all abilities participate.

Some cyclists enter for the challenge and satisfaction of making it to the finish line; others want to push themselves and their friends. Regardless of ability level, a gran fondo is an unforgettable cycling experience!

Q. Is the event timed?

A. Yes, participants will wear a timing chip that records how long it takes them to complete the course.

Q. What are the routes like?

A. SLO GranFondo offers 3 routes:

GranFondo – Over 100 miles on a challenging ride from San Luis Obispo up the beautiful northern coast to Piedras Blancas and back. If you are planning on doing this ride, you need to be fit. You will be accompanied by top riders from the pro circuit who will lead the way on a beautiful and equally challenging course.

MedioFondo – This approximately 50 mile course shares the same routes as the Gran Fondo but returns after reaching the beautiful coastal town of Cayucos. This is a good ride for enthusiasts who want the chance to ride with the pros, improve upon times, and challenge themselves, their friends and teammates.

PiccoloFondo – Just over a 25 mile loop through rolling countryside which unfolds onto the picturesque Morro Bay estuary. This is perfect for riders wanting to experience the beauty of the Central Coast but prefer to avoid the climbs and leave the challenging distance treks for the pros. Bring a friend, or maybe a bicycle built for two!

Q: How much does it cost and what is included?

A: Registration is $125 (with discounts for registering early! See registration for more information). This assures you a chance to meet and greet members of Team HTC-Columbia (the world’s most successful men’s and women’s pro-elite level international cycling team), ride with them on one of three courses, enjoy fixed and roving mechanical and medical support (including repairs), refuel at feed zones (staffed with enthusiastic volunteers serving food and water), and finish up with a delicious lunch upon return from your ride.

Q. Could it get much better than this?

A. Yes. SLO GranFondo will also have jerseys available for purchase on the registration website. Jerseys must be purchased separately and will not be available at the ride. Order yours early before supplies run out!

Q: Who does the ride support?

A: San Luis Obispo ALPHA, Inc. is a local nonprofit agency serving Central Coast families for 30 years. Alpha provides an important safety net for local women, their infants and families during pregnancy and for a year after birth. Alpha’s compassionate services for families facing pregnancy under challenging circumstances include: pregnancy/parenting support groups, individuals/couples counseling, prenatal vitamins, maternity and infant clothing, formula and baby food, diapers, equipment (cribs, strollers, etc.) and more. By supporting low-income families through pregnancy and early parenting, Alpha helps provide infants a safe start.

Q: Why do it?

A: Passion for the pedal.
Olympic champion Antonella Bellutti, writing for Il Gazzettino, expressed it well:

"What is it that attracts people from all over the world to massacre themselves on a such a difficult course, which calls for a 6:30 a.m. start, not to mention paying an entry fee that is not exactly small? I asked lots of participants and their answers were all the same: the satisfaction of completing such a hard test, pulled along by the enthusiasm and energy that so many people, all peacefully together, know how to produce! The satisfaction is that of being there, of being a protagonist in a moment of collective joy, of the sublimation of fatigue in the name of the bicycle...Young and old, men and women, competitive and touristic, well trained and less so, alone, couples, and groups, Italians and foreigners: a variegated universe but with one passion: the bicycle!"

Q: Can I get a refund?

A: No. All registrations are final and non-refundable.

Q. Is there a minimum age limit?

A. Yes – All participants should be 18* years of age or older in order to participate.

*Contact us at info@slogranfondo.com or call (805) 541-3367 for special circumstances.