This ride is super HARD and is intended for experienced cyclists. There will be over 7300′ of climbing (which is a lot!), much of which is on rough Forest Service roads. It can also be HOT as well.  This is Gran Fondo, not a race, riders must obey all traffic laws.

An epic day on the bike, riding a well thought out, well marked course.  A super cool Gran Fondo Leavenworth souvenir, and well stocked aid stations to refuel at. Times of all finishers will be posted for bragging rights.

This one is a bruiser, BIG climbs and BIG descents at GFL, much of which are on rough and rowdy forest service roads.  Check the profile, you'll see two major climbs, the Van Creek climb which will be the high point of the course, it's a long gravel forest service road climb, not uncommon to still have a few patches of snow on top.  Followed by a fast and downhill that can be a bit chucky with occasional washboard.  You'll have sector of pavement mid ride to keep the handlebars curley, then the crown jewel (conditions permitting) the Swakane climb.  This one is brutal, exposed and potentially hotter than the surface of the sun, eventually climbing up, into trees, but as rough and challenging as they come.  The final descent is equally challenging, tight and technical, back down to Eagle Cr and the home stretch.  Aid stations at mile 38.8 and 57.7.  View Course Map

Reminder, Medio does no stand for mediocre.  This course is the real deal, a big climb to get things going, with an aid station at the top at approximately mile 17.  There will be some nice rolling gravel up on top then gradually get chunkier and faster as you descend back to the Chumstick hwy and the home stretch.  View Course Map

GFL is on mountain forest service roads that can be pretty rough and rowdy in places.  You'll want a well tuned, fully functional gravel bike with good brakes and big tires, something like 38-40mm is preferable.  Also a gear range that can get you up the steep pitches.  Weather can be unpredicatale in the mountain, usually hot, but not uncommon for a rain storm and/or cold temps up high, be prepared. Leg/arm warmers and a packable wind jacket can add a lot of versatility to your kit.  Nutrition: most will throw a bar in their pocket, have couple water bottles on the bike, and use the aid station to refuel as needed.  A hot day can drastically change how much water you need to consume/pack along with you.  Know your needs, and plan accordingly.

Registration is limited and this one fills up, don't delay.  Registration opens on Feb 1 and closes May16.  Sign up for the series to save money, get a sweet 6pack shirt, and be eligible for The GRIT List, a general classification of all grande finishers and their cumulative ranking across the series.

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 the vibe, we’ve committed our efforts and resources already at this point, no refunds.

At this point of the series it's getting real!  Into the Cascades we go for some big climbs and rough and rowdy good time.  This is one of the original VC Fondos, that continues to sell out, come see for yourself what it's all about!