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What is Echelon?
Echelon is a 501-c-3 that promotes amateur cycling and supports other charitable causes including health, environment and community.
Echelon’s mission is to put on epic cycling events through
a unique partnership with our donors, our volunteers, our
corporate partners and our charitable recipients,
resulting in a fulfilling experience for our participants
and a significant contribution to worthy charities.
For those wishing to fundraise, we provide CharityofChoice.
An Echelon is a unit--Together as one.
An "echelon" is a
group which benefits more by its formation than by one's
proceeding alone. Echelon is a unique partnership with
our participants who donate and raise money, with our
sponsors who donate merchandise, and with our cancer
institutes 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.
What
is a Gran Fondo?
The Gran Fondo derived its origin in Italy and is commonly
translated "Big Ride". In Europe these are mass start rides,
often honoring a former renowned bike racer like Eddy Merckx,
attract up to 10,000 riders of all types. True European
fondos are like races for the masses, sometimes with full
road closures - a cool concept but not practical in America.
Moreover, racing alone is not what all American cyclists
want. They do want a timed challenge but also the experience
and fanfare of riding a stage in the Tour de France and they
love doing it for a cause. Our events are for every type of rider, casual and more experienced, and are offered in several different distances.
What
is an Echelon Challenge?
Echelon Challenges
are fun rides and runs the day before our gran fondos and
are held in cities around a closed 1-3 mile circuit.
The rides are designed for all rider types and
constitute a party-like atmosphere including live music
and great food. Think "Rock and Roll Marathon" on
wheels. Courses are typically open for 12-24 hours
where riders come and go as they wish. Laps are counted
and multiplied by their charitable donors matching
donation per lap. Fundraising results for everyone
riding are combined posted real time on a jumbotron TV
at the start/finish.
What do you mean by "epic" or "upping the level of your
rides"?
We try to provide every rider the experience of riding
in a European Gran Fondo or pro race including the food, the
on course support, and the after party. You will experience
the same if it takes you 4 hours to finish or if it takes
you all day.
How does this differ from a century or charity ride like
an AIDS ride, MS 100, Livestrong challenge or even a formal
bike race?
For one, we provide CharityofChoice. We also add in timing and the pageantry of the Tour de
France including partial road closure and police motorcades. We
also add in a semi competitive element by timing the entire ride as well as an optional
hill climb competition if the course permits. Ride it or race it,
Echelon is a blast.
What happens after the Echelon Gran Fondo is over?
A party! Awards, a festival, great music and food.
Regardless if you fundraise for our cancer constituents,
this event is also about you. Stick around for a great party
when the ride ends.
Is this event for racers or recreational riders?
Echelon Challenges are purely recreational but fun even
for advanced riders. We time the whole event as well as epic hill climbs.
Whether you are riding to win in your category or just
trying to hit a new PR, there is an exciting challenge for
everyone, not to mention a great experience on some of the
most scenic rides in the country. Racers - yes, Spandex -
yes, Tri Geeks - yes, Weekend Warriors - yes.
Are mountain bikes and tandems permitted?
Yes, but we may start you near the back, especially if you
are dirty. Lots of people will do the shorter rides on
mountain bikes, even cruiser bikes.
What about TT bike, Mountain, and Cyclocross bikes?
Bring it on. In fact we are adding an off road component
in a few of our Gran Fondos.
Do I need a racing license?
No, we do not require any license.
If I am a licensed racer, do I have to get tied up with
the masses?
No, after the 5 mile promenade, we move the faster riders to the front.
Will professional riders be there?
Yes, as hosts and ambassadors of their sponsors and cycling
but not to race.
How much does it cost?
For fundraisers, you pay a $25 to $50 registration fee and must
donate or fundraise just $125 to $250 to participate.
There is also standard (non fundraising) registration at
levels starting at $75.
How does the timing work?
We typically time the entire event and all of the major hill climbs, either with electronic chips or video timing.
Is it a mass start?
For the Echelon Gran Fondo and partnerered events, yes, riders are seeded or arranged
by fundraising
groups and fun teams. The first 5-10 miles are neutral
and casual until the timed section begins. For the Echelon Challenge, riders can start and finish at
any time the want and do as many laps as they want.
I am a beginner participant. Will I be able to complete
the events?
Yes! The Echelon Gran Fondo is designed to have something
for everyone; you don't need to be a seasoned athlete to
participate.
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