Looking for a Gran Fondo to ride near you? We’ve gathered up this list of every single Gran Fondo in the USA that we could find. If we have missed any, please leave a comment and let us know so we can look it up and verify and add it here.
What is a Gran Fondo?
A Gran Fondo is like a mix between an organized bicycle rally and a race. You can ride them fast or you can ride them slow, at your own option.
Originally introduced in Italy in the 1970s, they are timed like a marathon rather than like a traditional bike race. You’re racing against the clock instead of trying to sprint for the win at the end, even though it’s a mass start event. Most Gran Fondos have chip timing.
Gran Fondos are generally at least 120 kilometers in length, which is around 75 miles. Many of them also have shorter timed sections, so that you could just choose to try for winning a KOM (king of the mountain) on a big climb and not trying to compete for the overall fastest time. It’s your choice, and there’s no wrong way to ride one. You don’t have to try for a fast time at all if you don’t want to.
January
Happy New Year Bike Ride – Blue Ridge, Texas
The event is held on January 1st and it now offers three routes of up to 40 miles. Registration is required in December.
January 1st
New Years Day Ride – Long Beach, California
http://www.socalvelo.com/sub/rides/newyears.htm
With a length of up to 88 miles, the ride starts at the Alamitos Bay Marina. The ride ends back along the Pacific Coast Highway.
January 1st
Polar Bear Ride – Greensboro, North Carolina
http://www.greensborovelo.com/
The race stretches up to 61 miles. Shorter marked routes are also made possible at 25 and 41 miles.
January 1st
New Years Day Ride – Orlando, Florida
http://www.dailygrouprides.com/event/the-new-years-day-ride/
The route stretches to 44 miles. It is popular as it takes participants or roads which would not be available at any other time of the year.
January 1st
Loop For Literacy – Lake Worth, Florida
http://support.literacypbc.org/site/TR?fr_id=1171&pg=entry
The event is based requires ticket purchases as it helps raise funds for literacy. The route’s total length is 40 miles.
February
February 3rd
Tour de Palm Springs – Palm Springs, Florida
https://tourdepalmsprings.com/
The event stretches up to 103 miles. It already raised $1 million for charities.
February 10th
Velo Love Ride – Gridley, California
Offering pre-ride coffee and snacks, the event is relaxing, taking participants over mostly flat terrains. 40, 60 and 100-mile adventures are marked.
February 11th
Chilly Hilly – Seattle, Washington
https://www.cascade.org/rides-and-events-major-rides/chilly-hilly
The short 33 ride runs along the scenic Bainbridge Island. The event also supports local charities.
February 25th
Pedal for a Purpose – Waller, Texas
https://www.boysandgirlscountry.org/
Starting early in the morning, the event stretches to 70 miles. Discounted tickets are available since February.
March
March 3rd
Road Apple Roubaix – Garrettsville, Ohio
https://roadappleroubaix.wordpress.com/about/
There’s a mass appeal about the event as there are 3 routes to choose from. 15, 25 and 40 mile sections are available.
March 3rd
Ride Robeson Metric Century – Lumberton, North Carolina
https://www.active.com/lumberton-nc/cycling/races/ride-robeson-20-miler-and-100k-2017
The event is characterized by a flat and low traffic ride. Access is exclusively based on ticket purchases.
March 4th
Solvang Century – Solvang, California
3 routes are established within the event. Their maximum elevation is 4.950, 3.000 and 1.850.
March 10th
El Tour de Mesa – Mesa, Arizona
http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-mesa/
The event is based around Mesa. Immersive scenery includes the road around the Red Mountain.
April
April 7th
California Classic Century Ride – Fresno, California
http://www.californiaclassicweekend.com/
Routes of 35, 60 and 100 miles are offered at the race. The city of Clovis and the city of Fresno are involved in the event.
April 7th
Tour de Summerlin – Las Vegas, Nevada
With a large number of biking lanes, the event started back in 2002. It already is a stable of the Southwest.
April 7th
Forsyth Metric Century – Cumming, Georgia
http://forsythmetriccentury.com/
The event is marked by its charitable profile. But it also takes participants through the scenic Forsyth County roads.
April 21st
Wine Country Century – Santa Rosa, California
With a long ride of up to 118 miles, the event is recommended for Sonoma County backroad cycling. The Russian River is crossed 6 times during the race.
May
May 5th
Tour de Lincoln – Lincoln, California
The event is characterized by Class-2 bike lanes. Participants can admire various attractions along the ride, such as the Lincoln Hills Golf Course.
May 12th
Gran Fondo Salt Lake – Salt Lake City, Utah
Plenty of hills need to be tackled in the 100-mile event. Medals are offered to all participants of this demanding event.
May 19th
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic – Durango, Colorado
http://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/
The event is mainly addressed to those seeking a combination of gravel, dirt and paved roads.
May 27th
Flying Wheels Summer Century – Redmond, Washington
https://www.cascade.org/rides-and-events-major-rides/flying-wheels
The rural side of the route is what mainly attracts its participants. Organic farms can be spotted at various points along this route.
June
June 2nd
BCLC Ramble – Wilmot, Wisconsin
http://bikebclc.com/ramble-ride/
The events starts and ends at Kenosha County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available on the day of the event.
June 10th
Garrett County Gran Fondo – McHenry, Maryland
http://www.garrettcountygranfondo.org/
As the unofficial climbing Gran Fondo king, the event supports Garret Trails and their efforts.
June 23rd
Farm to Fork Fondo Pensylvania Dutch – Wyebrook, Pensylvania
http://www.farmforkfondo.com/pennsylvania-dutch/
The event is a top choice for those with a sweet tooth. Local fresh treats are offered at every stop as well as a post-race barbeque.
June 30th
Triple Bypass Ride – Evergreen, Colorado
With thousands of participants, the event is characterized by distinct mountain passes. The longest version of the event is 120 miles.
July
July 14th
Black Bear Gran Fondo – Grayling, Michigan
http://blackbeargranfondo.com/
45, 62 and 100-mile versions are available at the Gran Fondo. Rustic camping is possible at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area.
July 14th
Salmon Cycling Classic – Wilsonville, Oregon
https://salmoncyclingclassic.com/
The event has a distinct mass appeal. Avid cyclists can also test their limits at a 5.000 feet elevation.
July 21st
Pining for a Cure – Whiting, New Jersey
With reduced traffic, the event is suitable for its flat profile with a low elevation of up to 1.500 feet.
July 29th
FCCUSA – Davidson, North Carolina
http://fondocyclingcircuitusa.com/davidson-nc/
Held in 6 cities, the event is both recreational and competitive. The full length of the event is 75 miles.
August
August 5th
Tour of Napa Valley – Yountville, California
https://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/tour.html
Cycling through the charming vineyard countryside can’t be matched by many other Gran Fondos.
August 19th
GFNS Golden Gran Fondo – Golden, Colorado
https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/golden-gran-fondo/
With some of the most scenic cycling locations, the event has plenty of attractions. From the Rocky Mountains to the continental divide, it stretches to 91 miles in length.
August 26th
High Pass Challenge – Packwood, Washington
https://www.cascade.org/rides-and-events-major-rides/high-pass-challenge
The demanding ride is also one of the most spectacular as it passes through Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
August 27th
MACC One Love Century – Atlanta, Georgia
5 well-marked courses are available at the event from 16 miles to 101 miles. Horse farms a the South Fulton County are among its attractions.
September
September 1st
Tour de Fuzz – Santa Rosa, California
There are three Wine Country rides to choose from within the event. Small hills are included as a result.
September 8th
Gran Fondo NJ – Morristown, New Jersey
With festive stops and 5 included routes, the event welcomes all participants. Held 5 times per year, the ride is most popular in September.
September 9th
Icon Tour of the Moon – Grand Rapids, Colorado
The event has been popularized by the American Flyers movie. Up to 2.000 participants are expected each year.
September 29th
Mount Dora Bicycle Festival – Mount Dora, Florida
http://mountdorabicyclefestival.com/
With an impressive number of 16 routes, the event has more than 700 marked miles. Tickets are available online.
October
October 4th
Levi’s Gran Fondo – Santa Rosa, California
https://www.levisgranfondo.com/
Covering 117 miles, the popular event is bound to gather up to 4.000 participants. Various charities benefit from all sold tickets.
October 6th
Between the Waters Bike Tour – Cape Charles, Virginia
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eajj1o4ddc240ad0&llr=min7t4cab
With a coastal appeal, the event is held between the bay and the sea. There are no hills to tackle during the ride.
October 27th
FCCUSA – Ridgeland, Mississippi
http://fondocyclingcircuitusa.com/ridgeland-ms/
Ridgeland is a top sporting destination. The ride follows the travel corridor used by American Indians.
October 28th
Cycle of Hope – Palo Alto, California
https://www.habitatcycleofhope.org/
With a total length of 100 miles, the ride has a charitable purpose. It helps Habitat for Humanity build more local affordable homes.
November
November 3rd
El Tour de Tucson – Tucson, Arizona
http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/
Held before Thanksgiving, the event gathers up to 9.000 cyclists. It also has a shorter time-based indoor alternative.
November 17th
Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally – Denton, Texas
https://www.dentonbreakfastkiwanis.org/
With a shorter 68-mile profile, the event offers interesting prizes and various snacks supporting local schools.
November 17th
Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen – Pittsburgh, Pensylvania
http://www.dannychew.com/dd.html
Going over Pittsburgh’s 13 steepest hills, the event is won by the fastest cyclist who crosses the finish line without stopping.
November 24th
JHOP 100 Century Ride – St. Cloud, Florida
https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15583/jhop-100-century-ride?aff=0CWS4&aff=0CWS4
The event is held on comfortable country roads. Cheap tickets are sold until August each year.
November 24th
Gravel Fondo Parkersburg – Parkersburg, Pensylvania
https://gravelfondo.tumblr.com/
With gravel and pavements, the event in the Amish Country can be joined with cross-type bikes and mountain bikes.
November 25th
The Iceman’s Challenge – China Springs, Texas
https://gravelfondo.tumblr.com/
Based on varied surfaces, the event offers both time and non-competitive versions.
December
December 1st
Mission to Mission – San Antonio, Texas
The event is dedicated to individuals and families. Individuals head towards Braunig Lake while families pass the Spanish Colonial Missions at the San Antonio River.
December 1st
Highland Bike Fest – Sebring, Florida
http://www.highlandsbikefest.com/
Offering rural Florida’s best attractions, the event invites participants of all levels. Low traffic roads are among its strengths.
December 7th
Hains Point 100 – Washington, District of Columbia
Specifically made to boost the popularity of cycling among women, the event has a short history, with its first edition held in 2012. Distance and time-based routes are offered.
December 16th
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