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2011 DateIt's time to mark your calendars! It'll be here before you know it! Sunday, July 31, 7:00 a.m. Start - Robbie's Gran Fondo |
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Challenging! Fun! Unique! An Adventure! These are just a few of the ways to describe the experience of the inaugural Robbie Ventura's Gran Fondo.
For those not familiar with the words, "Gran Fondo" means "big ride" in Italian. They're long-distance, mass participation cycling events--not races--that are popular in Italy. Participation is open to both recreational and competitive amateur cyclists of all skill levels and abilities. Gran Fondos are often named after famous cyclists or after companies with a long heritage in the world of cycling. Now the tradition comes to the rolling hills of the Midwest! The course route loop distance of Robbie Ventura's Gran Fondo is 22.9 miles. In fact, this unique and challenging Gran Fondo course was developed for Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid! Depending on an individual's speed, participants have the option of traversing the course up to five times during the day. Participants are also "chip-timed" to determine recipients of post-ride awards. And for participant health and safety, well-stocked water and aid stations dot the course route Later that afternoon and evening, riders, along with their friends and families, can celebrate the day at a post-party that includes a cookout, music entertainment, awards, beer and more. It's a festive way to wind down the extraordinary adventure that is Robbie Ventura's Gran Fondo! |
