Full preview of the Inaugural Harrisburg Gran Fondo
Check out the routes of the new Harrisburg Gran Fondo, August 25-26, in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, the capital city of the state of Pennsylvania, hosts the second round of the Fondo Cycling Circuit’s series this August 26. Harrisburg was rated one of the “best places to raise a family” by Forbes magazine. Worldwide renowned Hershey’s chocolate maker is not far away, the area is big on farming and hosts the largest outdoor sports Expo in America.
The three routes for the Piccolo, Medio and Gran have been cleverly designed to offer cyclist’s a superb days riding. The three standard distances of 32, 51 and 74 miles cater to cyclists of all abilities.
Enjoy the quiet, rolling countryside of rural Dauphin County that is a favorite with the local cyclists.
The Gran Fondo
The routes suit all abilities and the 74 mile Gran Fondo contains over 3,350 feet of climbing with some great climbs and gradients of up to 11%. For experienced riders the Gran Fondo will be a true climbing challenge on quiet roads!
It boasts four feed stations that will allow you to hydrate and re-fuel around route.
GPS Download: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27523592
The event boasts with a high-profile start at the popular Broad Street Market in downtown, the start rolls past the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building as you head north on 6th Street enjoying a nice flat warmup. After 6 miles you turn right towards Linglestown Road pass the gentle climbs upwards.
It’s after 15.5 miles, you reach the first challenge of the day, with the timed climb of Piketown. It’s a 1 mile climb at an average of 5%. You’ll be rewarded with the first fully stocked feed station at the top after 16.7 miles where you tuck into lots of nutrition and hydration too.
https://www.strava.com/segments/681793
It’s also signifies the split of the 32 mile Piccolo course, where riders head west and get to enjoy the long descent down Sleepy Hollow Road back towards Harrisburg.
Medio and Gran Fondo riders turn east to enjoy the descent down through Manada Gap on the way to Fort Indiantown Gap. It’s after 24 miles that Medio Fondo riders turn south towards Grantville towards the second feed station, whereas Gran Fondo riders continue on to Fort Indiantown Gap.
It’s here Gran Fondo rider reach the second challenge of the day with the tougher climb of Moonshine Road. The climbs is again a mile long at an average of 5%, but has gradient reaching 15% in places! It’s downhill past Bashore Scout Reservation to reach the second fully stocked aid station after 31.6 near Greenpoint.
https://www.strava.com/segments/1534991
Enjoy the descent as you reach the next untimed climb of, Monroe Valley, it’s 0.9 miles at an average of 3% with gradients up to 8%. You completed 38 miles and it’s time to turn west on undulating roads, through Bordersville and Fort Indiantown to Harper Taverns after 46.5 miles.
It’s just 3.5 miles for Gran riders to reach the third fully stocked feed station after 50 miles and join up with the Medio riders. Make sure you hydrate and take on nutrition as it’s 7 miles to the next timed climb of Fairville to Piketown its 2 miles long at an average of 3% with gradients up to 11% at the start!
https://www.strava.com/segments/7368700
Medio and Gran riders you’ve reached the final fully stocked feed station after 59 miles for the Gran Riders or 36 miles for Medio riders. Its west, down Sleepy Hollow Road for 17 miles, taking in a small untimed climb of Harrisburg Country Club a 0.8 miles climb at 2%.
That’s the climbing done, as you turn south back towards for the final 6.5 miles until you arrive at back at Broad Street Market to celebrate your achievements with food trucks, craft beer and live music!
The Medio Fondo
The Medio Fondo is 51.0 miles and contains 2,170 feet of climbing with two timed sections and will suit intermediate cyclists.
It boasts three feed stations that will allow you to hydrate and re-fuel around route.
The Medio Fondo is a challenging, but fun ride with some good climbs!
GPS Download: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27523519
The Piccolo Fondo
The Piccolo Fondo is 32.4 miles and contains 1,329 feet of climbing with one section and will suit beginners.
It has one fully stocked feed station that will allow you to hydrate and re-fuel halfway around the route.
The Piccolo Fondo is a doable ride with a few climbs thrown in for fun!
GPS Download: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27539911
Late Registration and Packet Pickup
Riders can pick up their start packet or register late at the venue at Broad Street Market – 1233 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA
Sat August 25, 2018: 2:00PM – 6:00PM Late Registration & Packet Pick-up
Sun August 26, 2018: 6:30AM – 7:30AM Late Registration & Packet Pick-up
8:00AM Start (all rides)
Prizes and Awards
Each athlete will receive a finisher’s medal!
The KOM and QOM winners for the Gran, Medio and Piccolo Fondo will receive recognition on the FCCUSA website.
Register Now to Secure a Place!
Each cyclist will receive a t-shirt, sling bag, finisher medal, water bottle, tickets to the food trucks and craft beer, plus other amenities. The ride includes Start-to-finish chip timing, including timed sections, police controlled start, fully stocked feed stations and on-course mechanical support.
Places are limited so early entry is advised to secure a place. Prices increase after August 16th at 11:59pm EDT, so sign up now and save by clicking in register button below.
For more details, please visit: http://fondocyclingcircuitusa.com/harrisburg-pa
The first 100 cyclists to register for any of the FCCUSA events (50 and 75-mile routes only) will receive a free Pearl Izumi SELECT Escape LTD cycling jersey.
