Gran Fondo

The Minnesota Gran Fondo

Welcome to the 2nd annual Minnesota Gran Fondo. We welcome all individuals, teams and clubs of ALL ABILITIES to join us for this event. It’s fun. It’s a challenge. It’s not a race. It’s the Minnesota Ironman kicked up a notch. It’s the Minnesota Gran Fondo.

For 2012 we are offering a 100 mile route (same as the MIBR route) and a 50 mile route (new!). It is, in effect, an event within an event. Therefore riders will be mixed (Gran Fondo and Ironman riders) out on the 100 route and for part of the 50 mile route. You will know MGF riders by the timing plate on their bicycles, and by their pedal-pushing, time-saving demeanor.

What the heck is a Gran Fondo?

A Gran Fondo (translated from Italian, meaning “Grand Ride”) is a timed cycling event – a classic, mass participation cycling event for all ages and abilities. Gran Fondos are popular rides in Europe, and gaining momentum on the west coast of the US. It’s not a race, per se, but it gives riders the opportunity to formally time themselves, to gauge their fitness level, and to add excitement to their ride.

In some ways the Gran Fondo is like a marathon for cyclists. There will be an official start/finish line, and a mass start (complete with lead out cars and police escort). Each cyclist will be given a timing plate to attach to their bike, which will register their time across the starting line and across the finish line at the end of the day. Your total elapsed time will be registered online shortly after you cross the finish line.

So what’s the difference between the two rides? MGF riders will be given a timing chip which will time their progress over the entire course. Upon finishing they will be ranked among their age group classification. There will be a mass start – including a police lead out – from Lakeville High School.

What’s with the registration fee? The registration fees offset all of the extra overhead we incur in producing the MGF: the extra police/sheriff support, the fees to the city of Lakeville, the timing chip company, extra SAG wagons, etc.

MGF registrants will get a free synthetic t-shirt with their entry – and we are looking into a few other perks as well.

Ride Schedule & What To Expect

Ride Date: SUNDAY May 6, 2012
Ride Start/Finish: Lakeville North High School
100 Mile Ride Start: 7:00am
50 Mile Ride Start: 7:30am

There will be a mass start for the 100 Mile Gran Fondo riders at 7 am, followed by a mass start for the 50 mile Gran Fondo riders at 7:30 am. Cyclist who choose not to participate in the mass start should still cross the start and finish line before and after their ride. The timing plate on their bike will register their time no matter when they cross the lines.

Gran Fondo riders will line up behind the start line in front of Lakeville North High School. Riders should organize themselves according to riding ability: speedy riders up front, medium riders in the middle, and the more scenery oriented riders bringing up the rear. Teams should also orient themselves accordingly.

This event, like the Minnesota Ironman, is on open roads. During the ride cyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals. Riders must practice safe, responsible cycling in regards to vehicle traffic and other cyclists–especially those not riding the Minnesota Gran Fondo. We want everyone to have a good time, be safe doing it.

The mass start is optional. Your time will register whenever you cross the start line on ride morning. Upon completing your route, you must cross the finish line in front of Lakeville High School. Your total elapsed time will be registered online. Check our web site to see final times and positions within age groups.

Pricing

$70 January 1-Feb 15 midnight
$75 Feb 16-Apr 22 midnight

MGF Team Registration

We are offering all teams a registration discount for the Minnesota Gran Fondo. What makes a team? Any group of 8 or more riders qualifies as a Team. Individual team riders can choose either route to ride – regardless of what the rest of the team is riding. Yehaw!