What is an Echelon Gran Fondo?
A Gran Fondo derived its origin in Italy and is commonly translated “Big Ride”. In Europe these are mass start rides, often honoring a former renowned bike racer like Eddy Merckx, attract up to 10,000 riders of all types. True European fondos are like races for the masses, sometimes with full road closures – a cool concept but not practical in America. Moreover, racing alone is not what all American cyclists want. They do want a timed challenge but also the experience and fanfare of riding a stage in the Tour de France and they love doing it for a cause.
