Top 11 US Gran Fondos for 2015

Here's our selection of the biggest and best American Gran Fondos for 2015.

A Gran Fondo is a mass-start, timed cycling event, run over closed and open roadways, with full support and post-ride podium presentations. In short... it's the closest most of us will ever come to knowing what it feels like to be a full-on Italian bike racer... and... it could be the most fun you've ever had on a bike!

Many cyclists use Gran Fondos to challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock. Some participants will ride the event like a race, with prizes awarded and considerable prestige for top place finishers.

This ride is for EVERYBODY - But don't be intimidated. You can ride a Gran Fondo at any pace you choose, and no matter what your speed or competitive nature, a big event like this is guaranteed to be an experience unlike anything you've ever done before.

May be raise some money for a worthy cause too ...

1st - Gran Fondo New York

New York City, New York, 17th May 2015

The Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York brings Italian cycling culture to the world's greatest city. Join over 5,000 cyclists on a challenging 50 or 100 mile course. Campagnolo From New York City to Bear Mountain and back in an experience fit for a pro and open to anyone who loves to ride. Closed Roads, over 5,000 athletes, 70 countries.

Raising funds for Operation Smile who's medical volunteers provide free surgery for children all over the world who suffer from cleft lip, cleft palate and other life-threatening facial deformities. Help change children’s lives forever by cycling for smiles!

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/212/Campagnolo-Gran-Fondo-New-York

2nd - Levi Leipheimer's King Ridge Gran Fondo

Santa Rosa, California, 3rd October 2015

Levi’s Gran Fondo is both a challenging and competitive mass-start cycling event with riders of all ability levels from around the world. It began in 2009 with the inaugural event hosting 3,500 participants, and is the brainchild of professional cyclists Levi Leipheimer. Levi donates 100% of his time and involvement for the benefit of his community and the charities that benefit from the money generated by registration and fund-raising.

Levi’s GranFondo is owned and governed by a 7-member 501(c)3 non-profit, VeloStreet Inc. and is produced by Bike Monkey.

Levi’s GranFondo is heralded as one of the best-organized cycling events in the world by sources such as Red Kite Prayer, Road Bike Action and Outside Online and of course GranFondoGuide.com

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/218/Levis-Gran-Fondo

3rd - Gran Fondo NJ

Morristown, New Jersey, 13th September 2015

Gran Fondo NJ 2015 offers four challenging routes of 107, 62, 42 and 18 miles, with timed hill climbs on the Gran, Medio and Piccolo routes. The 63-mile Medio Fondo route was selected by the editors of Bicycling Magazine as one of "The 50 Best Rides in America."  All routes begin and end in historic Morristown, New Jersey. For the 3rd year in a row, in our post-rider survey over 97% of our riders said they would recommend the event to a friend.

You'll feel like pro finishing the ride in our finish line chute, and welcomed by our encourging volunteers.  Relax and recover at our Post Ride Food Festival and Expo and re-live the excitement and challenges of the day with other participants as we celebrate the awards for KoM, QoM and Team winners in front of the Podium Stage and Banner.

Gran Fondo NJ 2014 is the first Cycling Event to Earn Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport for its implementation of Sustainability practices.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/243/Gran-Fondo-New-Jersey

4th - Hincapie Gran Fondo

Greenville, South Carolina, 24th October 2015

Cyclists can choose from 3 routes of 15, 50 and 80 miles along the scenic Blue Ridge Foothills. Although these rides vary in length and intensity, each provide an exciting challenge for cyclists of every level.

Join George Hincapie and cycling stars of the past, present and future on a challenging ride through upstate South Carolina. View the leaves changing from one season to the next as George leads cyclists along the same roads he has ridden on training for races like the Tour de France and the Paris-Roubaix. After completing the ride, join family and friends for a fun festival at the picturesque Hotel Domestique. Complete with live music, cold beer, and rides for the kids, this festival is a great way to cap off the day.

A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the local charity Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels provides nutrious meals and personal contact to seniors throughout Greenville County. Almost 10,000,000 meals have been provided since the charity was established.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/226/Hincapie-Gran-Fondo

5th - Tour of Battenkill Gran Fondo

Cambridge, New York, 18th-19th April 2015

America's largest one-day Pro/Am cycling race. Racers compete over 68 miles of rolling terrain on both dirt and paved roads as they travel through the world famous Battenkill Valley. Set in early spring, the race starts and finishes in the scenic village of Cambridge, New York and courses through covered bridges, family farms, and rural villages along the many challenging backcountry roads that traverse Southern Washington County, New York.

The 2014 edition played host to nearly 3,000 amateur and professional cyclists from throughout North America and dozens of nations worldwide. 

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/429/Tour-of-the-Battenkill-Challenge-Gran-Fondo

6th - MSU Gran Fondo Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 27th June 2015

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Gran Fondo, a fun, non-competitive cycling event to benefit skin cancer research at MSU. Scenic route to Lake Michigan and back. Start, finish, and After Sparty at the B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids. Gourmet food stations presented by the Gilmore Collection Gilmore Catering's Superfood Stops featuring local and sustainable products. 

Non-competitive ride with 12, 25, 40, or 80 mile loops for riders of all skill levels. Electronic timing and ride results posted on website. Support wagon & mechanical support.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/489/msu-gran-fondo-grand-rapids

7th - Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego

San Diego, California, 12th April 2015

Southern California meets Italy in this celebration of cycling, food, and San Diego’s picturesque water front. Held in beautiful Downtown San Diego, the two-day festival features a mass-start, timed Gran Fondo with 4 route options, timed King and Queen of the Mountain, The Bike & Fitness Expo, challenging and picturesque routes, outstanding Campagnolo ride support, and delicious food on course.

The Party — You will be cheered into the finish line, awarded your medal, and ushered into enjoy the Fantastic Finish celebration with live music, bike valet, Italian Pasta Fest, Beer Garden, and a well-deserved massage. Open to all levels of cyclists with 4 Route Options: 105, 56, 34, 20 Miles.

No matter which your distance you choose, you will be Rewarded with the Full Gran Fondo Experience!

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/404/Classic-Gran-Fondo-San-Diego

8th - Gran Fondo Italia Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, California, TBC September 2015 

Cyclists of all abilities can experience the best of Italian-style cycling with an unforgettable ride starting on Rodeo Drive, moving to the Pacific Coast Highway and touring the beautiful views in the Santa Monica Mountains.  

Take on the Piuma Road hill-climb, finish at Beverly Hills City Hall, and enjoy the post-ride celebration in the famed Beverly Canon Gardens.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/587/gran-fondo-italia-beverly-hills

9th - Giro di San Diego Gran Fondo

Solana Beach, California, 13th September 2015

Experience the passion and thrill of an Italian crafted Gran Fondo cycling event here in Southern California. The location for this event is the charming seaside city of Solana Beach California. The routes for this event will host many of the best rides in the north county as well as the most frequently traveled paths taken by the many professional athletes that ride in the area.

These roads have likened the wheels of riders as Lance Armstrong, Chris Horner, Axel Merckx, Thurlow Rogers and many others. The long Gran Fondo will also boast the fiercest of all climbs in San Diego, the south grade of Mt Palomar. This climb was featured on the 2009 Tour of California and will be our official KOM/QOM for the Gran Fondo course riders. 5 different routes on offer for all cycling abilities.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/405/Giro-di-San-Diego-Gran-Fondo

10th - Specialized Gran Fondo Sea Otter Classic

Salinas and Monterey, California, 18th April 2015

The Specialized Gran Fondo Sea Otter Classic brings to Monterey the Italian cycling tradition that combines fitness, the love of bicycles, and a festival atmosphere. The event is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists. Children age twelve and up are welcome when accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

The two Gran Fondo routes (Carmel Valley and Coastal) are intended to be enjoyed with family or friends — whether they are old pals or friends-newly made on the ride. Have fun in the company of others, surrounded by beautiful vistas of Monterey County and take time for the refreshment that awaits you at each rest stop. Although this is a ride, not a race, there will surely be riders who desire a challenge! For their benefit, the Gran Fondo routes will be timed from start to finish, pitting you only against the elements and the clock.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/231/specialized-gran-fondo-sea-otter-classic

11th - Rollfast Gran Fondo

Carmel, Indiana, 13th September 2015

The Rollfast Gran Fondo is Indiana's first and only Gran Fondo. It isn't a race - it's a timed event. It is intended to be a relaxed, safe, social and fun atmosphere for anybody with a bicycle.

The Rollfast Gran Fondo consists of 3 route options of varying lengths. Approximately 25, 60 and 100 mile options will be available for riders of all abilities.

The Rollfast Gran Fondo is more than just a bike ride. It's a full blown family friendly festival of fun! Admission to the festival is free, the public and all ages are welcome.

Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/511/rollfast-gran-fondo