Mammoth's Big Blue Skies, Jaw Dropping Scenery and Quiet Roads a Huge Hit

1,700 cyclists enjoyed wonderful fall weather around California's majestic Eastern Sierra's, with traffic free roads with world class support

For over a quarter of a century the Mammoth Gran Fondo has taken riders on one of the most scenic rides in North America. Views of high sierra peaks, past ancient volcanic craters, alongside an ancient alkaline sea and bubbling geothermal hot springs - there's no other ride like it!

Mammoth's Big Blue Skies, Jaw Dropping Scenery and Quiet Roads another Huge Hit

Mammoth Lakes once again hosted the annual event that features three distances of 42, 70 and 102 miles - for all abilities - through the Sierra Nevada, past Mono Lake and the White Mountains.

The 102 mile Gran Fondo included 6,643 feet of ascent with some challenging climbs, with 75 miles of the Gran Fondo Route Closed to Through Traffic, on par with the Gran Fondo Whistler and New York (with arguably a better backdrop?).

Mammoth Lakes once again hosted the annual event that features three distances of 42, 70 and 102 miles - for all abilities

In the Gran Fondo, 27 year-old cyclist Brandon Baker from Santa Barbara, was once again, the fastest over the 102 mile Gran Fondo course in time of 4h 23m, ahead of Jeff Pettis and John Janneck. Special mention for fourth placed cyclist Yoon Junghoen who came all the way from Seoul in South Korea to ride in the Sierra's.

In the women's Gran Fondo category Karen Embry from Forest Ranch came back to successfully defend her title. She finished in 4h 58m, with well-known CX / Gravel cyclist Amanda Nauman second in a time 5h 5m and Jane Despas 5h 17m completing the women's podium.

Special mention for fourth placed cyclist Yoon Junghoen who came all the way from Seoul in South Korea to ride in the Sierra's

Afterwards, the riders enjoyed the famous after party in the Village at Mammoth with Food Live Music and "recovery beverages" of all flavors, a tradition in its own right, helping revelers numb the pain of completing the ride!

Melissa Stokely said afterwards "It was my first century and I loved it! It was so great that even the slowest and final riders were able to have a fantastic finish line moment and be waiting with our names on them !!"

All participants enjoyed free photos of their efforts and Signature Event socks!

Out on course, participants benefited from world-class support, including six feed stations with full SAG and technical assistance.

Participants also benefited from free Pre and Post rides to allow riders to check out the course and acclimatize to being at 7,800 feet above sea level at Mammoth Lakes.

Afterwards, the riders enjoyed the famous after party in the Village at Mammoth with Food Live Music and "recovery beverages" of all flavors, a tradition in its own right,

A huge shout out to the amazing local service clubs who hosted the rest stops! They each contributed so much to the event and added their own flare and enthusiasm when riders needed it most. The first rest stop on the Gran Fondo route was hosted by Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra who also had their athletes out on course!

The Mammoth Gran Fondo is a fundraising event to support Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation (MMCF). MMCF works to provide inclusive academic and athletic opportunities for children across the Eastern Sierra.

The Mammoth Gran Fondo is a fundraising event to support Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation

2019 Gran Fondo Mammoth Results: https://results.rmraces.live/Team-Big-Bear/events/2019/mammoth-gran-fondo-2019/results

The Mammoth Gran Fondo is one of North America's top Gran Fondo's, the ride may be the closest you can get to experience a True Alpine European Gran Fondo in the USA.

Make sure you add it to your bucket list!