What started as an Italian tradition of cyclists gathering to ride together for a day has transformed into one of North America’s fastest growing bicycling trends. Gran fondos are organized group rides – ranging from short rides for beginners to epic mountainous adventures for pros – and all rides offer something for everyone. As bicycling grows in popularity, cyclists are looking for ways to challenge their skills that doesn’t include racing. Gran fondos are fully supported and often described as “rolling parties”, with energetic volunteers, feed stations, music and some importantly, SAG wagons! All this support means you can focus on having the ride of your life!
Whether you’re a road bike newbie or a veteran cyclist looking for the ultimate challenge, we guarantee you’ll find your next favorite gran fondo on our list of 15 best western US gran fondos for riders of all abilities.
Gran fondos for beginners
This list of gran fondos features shorter rides on flat or gently rolling terrain. Great for cyclists new to road riding or cyclists looking to a social supported ride.
Velo de Femme. Paso Robles, California
Offering rides of 25 48 miles in distance, this women’s only ride treats cyclist to a route through the beautiful wine country surrounding Paso Robles. Riders must be registered for the Great Western Bicycle Rally to join this ride, but the ride itself is free. May 24, 2014.
Los Angeles River Ride. Los Angeles/Long Beach California
Over 2,000 riders take part in this annual ride! With 10 different rides to choose from, with distances ranging from a fun kids ride to the classic 100 mile century, the LA River Ride is sure to become a family tradition. Registration and fundraising fees associate with the ride support the work of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. June 22, 2014.
Tour of the Carson Valley. Genoa, Nevada
Perfect for first time gran fondo riders, Tour of the Carson Valley welcomes all types of pedal bikes – from road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, fixed gear bikes and custom burning man bikes and more! Ride distances offered include 11, 20, 44, 60 mile routes along the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on former Pioneer, Pony Express, Stagecoach and Emigrant Wagon roadways. June 22, 2014.
Reach the Beach. Portland, Oregon
Reach the Beach is one of Oregon’s premier cycling events. A fundraiser for the American Lung Association, it is a superbly organized ride with routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles in distance. Medical and mechanical support on course, eight lunch and snack stops and a magnificent beach party with a delicious, hearty feast is highlights of this popular ride. May 17, 2014.
Gorge Ride. The Dalles, Oregon
This easy out-and-back 39 mile ride is ideal for new cyclists with water stops, snacks, mechanical support and SAG wagons. Enjoy the views along this historic and picturesque route, and at only $35, it is one of the most affordable and fun gran fondos out there. June 14, 2014.
Gran fondos for intermediate cyclists
Luna Lake Overnight Tour. Eager-Springerville, Arizona
Mostly flat and very scenic, this 3 day bike tour lets you spend Memorial Day Weekend far away from the shopping malls, freeways, television, and hubbub of modern urban America, covering 166 miles at an easy and social pace. May 24 – May 26, 2014.
Pioneer Century. Canby, Oregon
Rich farmland and timber brought the pioneers to this area and this same beauty draws cyclists today. The Pioneer Century offers great routes with 32, 45, 55, 77 and 100 mile ride options. Intermediate riders will want to register for the mostly flat 45 mile route, but the 55 mile route offers cyclists a challenge if they’ve done enough hill training to tackle the foothills and valleys the area is famous for. June 7, 2014.
Cache Valley Gran Fondo. Logan, Utah
One of Utah’s fastest growing bike rides, the Cache Valley Gran Fondo offers cyclists a choice between 50- or 100-mile courses. Riders enjoy the pretty (and sometimes hilly) routes through the beautiful Cache Valley and finish the day with great food, prizes, a vendor expo and live music. July 12, 2014.
The Oregon Gran Fondo. Cottage Grove, Oregon
Rides of 31,71,117 miles plus a timed hill climb are offered in this challenging gran fondo. The Oregon Gran Fondo features the legendary roads and climbs of the ancient Siuslaw National Forest and showcases some of the Willamette Valley’s prettiest scenery and rural communities. Competitive cyclists can earn points towards their BAR standings or families and friends can enjoy the festive atmosphere and trademark hospitality along the 31 mile course. June 1, 2014.
Sonora Gran Fondo. Sonora, California
Put your road bike speed training to the test on this speedy gran fondo course. Special guest Freddie Rodriguez, four-time and reigning United States Road Race Champion will join cyclists on portions of Sonora Gran Fondo course, featuring the beautiful rolling hills and climbs of the Mother Lode. Ride options of 28, 60 and 87 miles are offered. April 27, 2014.
Gran fondos for experienced riders
This list of rides challenges fit and experience cyclists. Whether it is the distance or the breathtaking climbs, pick your adventure and register early – these western US gran fondos fill up fast.
Classic Climbs Lake Tahoe and Sierra Nevada. Minden, Nevada
All the classic mountain passes from Tahoe to Alpine County are covered in this epic tour. Featuring long climbs and steep grades, the tour starts near the base of Lake Tahoe and covers 308 miles and 34,000 feet of elevation gain over 5 days. June 9 – Jun 13, 2014.
Baker City Gran Fondo. Baker City, Oregon
Covering 85 miles of some of the most epic riding in Oregon, the Baker City Gran Fondo follows the same course as Tour d’Horn Road Race. The route has a total ascent of 6476.38 feet and tops out at an elevation of 7,237.53 feet. Well stocked aid stations and a fabulous after ride party almost guarantee this ride will sell out early. June 29, 2014.
Bear Mt Tam Fondo. Mill Valley, California
Don’t be fooled by the distance – at “only” 73 miles, the Bear Mountain Team TAM Fondo features some of the very best road riding Mountain Tamalpais has to offer. The 4980 feet of climbing helps you work up an appetite for an authentic taco lunch and craft beers (including in the registration fee). Ride guests include pros Ben Jacques-Maynes and Ted King – another reason this gran fondo’s registration fills up fast. May 4, 2014.
Tour de Park City Gran Fondo. Park City, Utah
Arguably the state’s toughest gran fondo, the Tour de Park City in Utah serve as the final stop on the NRC calendar for Professional and Elite Women – so you know this is not your typical ride! This multi distance cycling event for competitive and non-competitive cyclists has 2 challenging options. The iconic Super Fondo distance is the epic 157 miles course which goes through Evanston, WY via Coalville and Chalk Creek and returns to Park City along the Mirror Lake Highway summiting at more than 10,500 feet! August 2, 2014.
Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Gran Fondo. Santa Rosa, California
Truly a cyclist’s dream ride, Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Gran Fondo is 103 miles of epic climbs and whipping descents. The route climbs out of the depths of the town of Cazadero into one of the most breathtakingly beautiful expanses of terrain with incredible skytop views of nearby mountains, ridges and valleys. Oh, and you can also dine with Levi after the ride – how cool is that? October 4, 2014.
If you’re considering any of these gran fondos as part of your summer cycling vacation plans, consider including one of Pure Adventures’ self-guiding cycling or hiking trips and make it a trip of a life time. Pure Adventures offers accommodation and routes in Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California – contact us so we can help you plan the perfect trip. Note, we can even arrange high quality bicycle rentals for pickup in the Phoenix Metro area!