 Echelon runs its own gran fondo series, and also partners with other event operators to bring you a great selection of cycling rides. You can participate in these events as a fundraiser, or you can just pay the registration fee up front and not fundraise at all - the choice is yours. If you do fundraise, you can choose your own charity - Charity of Choice.
A Gran Fondo derived its origin in Italy and is commonly
translated as “Big Ride”. In Euorpe these are mass start
rides, often honoring a former renowned bike racer like Eddy
Merckx, and attract up to 10,000 riders of all types. True
European fondos are like races for the masses, sometimes
with partial road closures, which Echelon offers on several of its courses. While we offer some optional racing such as a timed hill climb, we are really just riding
for fun and try to give everyone the fanfare
of riding a stage in the Tour de France.
Don’t expect any less for the Echelon series and parrtnered events. Echelon makes
every rider feel like a pro for a day. With a party
atmosphere at the start, riders set out on a sporting
challenge filled with the pageantry of a Grand Tour, whether being timed on an epic climb or being encouraged by a cast of characters seen running alongside the
riders at the Tour De France. As riders approach the finish line, they are
treated to the roar of cheering fans and cowbells. After the
ride, participants will enjoy a feast fit for kings while
being entertained by rock stars!
 Echelon Challenges are fun charity circuit rides and
run the same day/location as our gran fondo festival area.
They are casual, fun, family/community oriented and safe.
Emphasis is charity.
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Recreational rider types (road, mtn, cruiser bikes, retro)
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1-3 mile closed circuit (not a race)
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Laps are counted electronically toward fundraising goals
"lap-a-thon"
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Course is open for 6 hours (riders come and go as they
wish)
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Live music--3-4 live bands + food festival
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Televised--think "Theater on Wheels"
An "echelon" is a group which benefits more by its formation than by one's proceeding alone. Echelon Challenge and Gran Fondo is a unique partnership with our participants who donate and raise money for Charity of Choice, with our sponsors who donate merchandise, and with our multiple beneficiaries who volunteer their time to help put on cost effective events. We reward individuals and teams for their fundraising efforts on and off the course. |
