FLORIDA’S HARDEST GRAN FONDO
Arguably the “easiest” event of the Gran Fondo National Series based on total elevation gain, but with nonstop rolling hills it’s the hardest gran fondo in Florida and rewards riders who can work well in groups.
Who says Florida is flat!
Centered in the rolling orange groves of Pasco & Hernando County, Gran Fondo Florida starts and ends in Dade City, FL. The race follows, in part, the proposed Olympic road race course that was part of Tampa’s bid to host the Summer Olympic Games. It travels along rural rolling hills, past horse farms and crystal clear springs. Briefly going through Withlacoochee State Forest and the hills surrounding Brooksville, Florida. At the 89 mile mark you will enter a piece of US cycling history along Darby road, once home to the famous Darby Road Race that has seen the likes of Tour de France winner Laurent Fignon. This area is and has been the winter training site of some of the top triathletes in the world.
FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE
Gran Fondo Florida is the center of attention in Dade City, closing down Main Street for our start, finish and post-ride party! Spend the day working together on the road and then swap stories with new and old friends over great food, cold beer, and live music.
Stay for the famous Gran Fondo National Series Raffle!
HAPPY HOUR
Join us and get to know your fellow riders for a Happy Hour at Flint Creek Outfitters in Dade City from 6:30-7:30 PM on Saturday. Drinks and appetizers will be served.
SAFETY & SUPPORT
Enjoy the convenience of early packet pickup and happy hour at Flint Creek Outfitters in nearby Dade City. Ride with confidence on the marked and marshaled course, supported by law enforcement, safety motos, mechanic and sag vehicles, as well as feed stations staffed through local youth police program.
Beneficiary
This event raises funds for Pasco County SRO Explorer Program. The School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit is composed of two squads that provide law enforcement services to schools countywide. The SRO Explorer Program provides services for those aged 14-21
Aid Stations:
There will be four aid stations along the 100 mile route; two on the 55mi, and one on the 35 mile route (35mi will also have mini-aid with only water, Heed, and Hammer Gel). Each of the other aid station will be fully stocked with: Water, Heed, Hammer Gel, Endurolyte Fizz, Bananas, PB&J Sandwiches, Cookies, Chips and Pretzels, and other snacks.
Bathrooms:
Aid-Stations will have bathrooms. Please use bathrooms. One of the biggest local complaints is cyclists peeing on the side of the road. Please help our reputation and use porta-johns.
Timing Chips:
All riders must have timing chips installed on race morning.
You will be issued a timing chip, if you do not return the timing chip you will be charged $100. Race numbers must be mounted on your back right side and be easily readable.
Route Navigation:
The route will be very well marked; however, we suggest you get the RideWithGPS App and load the route to your smart phone or GPS.
At the Finish
Upon reaching the finish line, riders will be directed into a one-way finishers' chute to: Return Timing Chip,, and Post-Ride food and beverage. Riders with particular dietary needs should be prepared with own post-ride food options.
Please refer to our previous years roadbook for more information
4 Timed Sections in the Gran Route – Best Combined Time Wins
Custom “Race Winner” jerseys for all Gran Route age group winners
Awards and Prizes for Gran, Medio and Piccolo winners
