June 11, 2023

Start: Mt Stuart Elementary School. Grande-8:00am, Medio-9:00am

Distance: 

Grande: 90 miles (36 gravel) 7700′ climbing Medio:  52 miles (3 gravel) 2000′ climbing

Price: Grande: $80 Medio: $70

Registration: Open

Disclaimer:  This ride is HARD and is intended for experienced cyclists only.

What you get: You will receive a super cool limited Gran Fondo Eburg souvenir, a well thought out, and well marked course to ride, and an aid station to refuel at mid ride. We will also post the times of all finishers for bragging rights.

Grande Course:  The course is about 90 miles with 7700′ of climbing.  There will be approx 36 miles of gravel.  That doesn’t sound like much but you will be feeling the first 32 miles of pavement by the time you get to the gravel, which will then proceed to go straight up.  Like 2600′ in 6 miles.  This is one of the best climbs out there, switchback after switchback with huge exposed views of the valley below.  Think Forest Service gravel, not GFE gravel.  Then another 27 miles of rolling pavement back to Eburg.  Aid stations are at mile 28.3-water/essentials, 35.6-water, 56.6-full aid, 67-water/essentials

Medio Course: 52 miles, 1900′ climbing, the Medio course follows the Grande course, then wisely turns off when they begin climbing straight up a mountain side, and returns the same way as they do.  This is a fairly mellow, rolling road ride that tricks you into thinking it will be easy, then sneaks up and bites around mile 40.  The last few miles are on the Iron Horse Trail which is gravel.  Aid station at mile 28.3.

Gear: With so many variable course conditions it is hard to say what’s right or wrong. Gravel, cx, or mtb, any one will work, but all will have a disadvantage at some point. A good starting point would be a durable tire around 32-34 size.  It’s all about compromise, the key is to find a good middle ground that you’re comfortable with.  There will be lots of climbing so plan accordingly. There will an aid station mid way, but it’s always a good idea to be as self sufficient as possible. Weather is always something to consider, most likely hot, but anything can happen in the mountains.  Bring on the adventure baby!

Refunds – Up to 30 days out?  No problemo.  Less than 30 days?  Ok, we’ll do a 50% refund.  Two weeks out?  Come on man, you’re killing vibe, we’ve committed our efforts and resources already at this point, no refunds.

Bottom Line:  Ellensburg is what VC fondos are all about, a big road ride with a little adventure thrown in the middle of it.

While in Eburg check out a few of our faves, be sure to tell them your in town for the Gran Fondo.

Recycle Bicycle – LBS Ride Roslyn – LBS Iron Horse Brewery  – beer