10 April 2014

A new Gran Fondo in Colorado

The Gran Fondo Italia comes to Colorado

Gran Fondos are certainly a growing trend in the United States and the long roads of Colorado are perfect for these challenging timed events. Cyclists now have reason to visit Colorado and enter one of many Gran Fondos on offer in our short but sweet season of road cycling in the high mountains.


The best fact about this newest Gran Fondo is the date. By August, cyclists are in shape and wanting something more. The popular Copper Triangle ride takes place August 2nd this year at the Copper Mountain Resort near Vail, Colorado. Why not continue deep into the mountains and try this new Gran Fondo in Aspen/Snowmass. There is truly fantastic bike riding in this central area of Colorado.

Gran Fondo Italia - Snowmass website
The company is organizing four events in 2014: Aspen-Snowmass, Atlanta-Roswell, Miami-Coral Gables, Rio de Janeiro.

If you missed registration for the tremendously popular early season Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, do not fear, you have more options for long distance timed cycling events. Here are your Gran Fondo choices for the 2014 season:

2014 Colorado Gran Fondos or timed events

May 17, 2014 - Pony Xpress (Gravel), Trinidad, Colorado. 160//90/50 
May 24-26, 2014 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango (Sold-out)
May 25, 2014 - Growler Gran Fondo, Gunnison, Colorado
June 22, 2014 - Black Forest Classic Gran Fondo, Parker, Colorado
June 28, 2014 - Vuelta a Keystone, Keystone, Colorado
June 29, 2014 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, Colorado  
July 27, 2014 - Durango 100 Gran Fondo, Durango, Colorado
August 10, 2014 - Gran Fondo Italia - Snowmass, Snowmass Village, Colorado
Aug/Sept ??? 2014 - The Coal Miner Gran Fondo, Steamboat Springs, Colorado   
August 31, 2014 - Dave Wiens West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB (134 miles) 
September 4-5, 2014 - Rock 'n Road Challenge, Copper Mountain (MTB + Road)

Read a bit about the Golden Gran Fondo here: Photos of the Day - Lookout Mountain
See more nearby Gran Fondos here: 2014 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides
The 2014 USA Pro Challenge begins again in Aspen/Snowmass, read more:
USA PRO CHALLENGE

Riding near Snowmass in 2013

On the road to the Maroon Bells

Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

You never know who you will see riding in the Aspen/Snowmass Valley

Chris Froome and Richie Porte riding up the road to Snowmass Village in 2013.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®
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