This ride is 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 will likely be HOT as well.

Grande riders should make it to the Entiat aid station (mile 38.9) in four and a half hours. If you fail to make it in that time you are probably in over your head and should get a ride back. If you are concerned about making the time cut off be prepared with your own support. Scoring closes at 5:00 pm.

You will receive a super cool limited Gran Fondo Leavenworth 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.

Course is designed to give riders a glimpse of some very rugged, out of the way parts of the central Washington Cascades. In the spirit of rustic central Washington, much of the route is primitive Forest Service roads. There will be a water station at the junction of Mad River Road (approx mile 26.5), an contactless/pre-packaged aid station at Abby Dabby park in Entiat (approx mile 38.9) and one more water station near the top of Swakane (approx mile 57.7 It is highly recommended to make use of each aid station -even if you may think you don’t need it.

Reminder, Medio does no stand for mediocre.  This course is the real deal, 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.

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, durable tires that are in the neighborhood of 40’s (bigger the better at GFL). Hydro disc brakes are almost a given anymore, but will help keep things in order on the big descents.   There will be LOTS of climbing so low gearing is nice. There will be a few sag wagons and aid stations, but it’s good practice to be as self sufficient as possible on these types of rides. Weather is always something to consider too. It will likely be hot, but high in the mountains anything can happen. Bring on the adventure baby!

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.