Yesterday, Sunday June 26th, Gran Fondo Colnago Los Angeles made its debut, departing from Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Gran Fondo means "Big Ride" in Italian. The Gran Fondo USA events are modeled after the long distance, mass-participation cycling rides - not races - which are immensely popular in Italy. Participation was open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and tens of thousands of riders of all abilities participate. Just like in Italy, each Gran Fondo USA event includes a mass start, and three challenging routes: a 100 mile length named the Gran Fondo, a 50 mile Medio Fondo and a 25 mile Piccolo Fondo. They rode all the way up to Malibu and returned to Beverly Hills where they were greeted enthusiastically at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was a Gran Success.
