Gran Fondo Ellensburg

Gran Fondo Ellensburg has all of the suffering you’ve come to expect from Vicious Cycle Gran Fondos, conveniently located on the I-90 corridor. Lots of fast roadie stuff with one little speed bump thrown in the middle to keep it real.

Distance: 90 miles (36 gravel) 7500′ climbing

Note: This event is limited to 200 and is pre-registration only.

Disclaimer: This ride is HARD and is intended for experienced cyclists only.

What you get: You will receive a super cool limited Gran Fondo Ellensburg souvenir, a well thought out, and well marked course that will knock your socks off, a well stocked aid station to refuel at mid ride, and a meal to refuel post ride. We will also post the times of all finishers for bragging rights.

Route: The course is just shy of 90 miles with 7500′ of climbing. There will be approx 36 miles of gravel. That doesn’t sound like much but you will be feeling the first 32 miles of pavement by the time you get to the gravel, which will then proceed to go straight up. Like 2600′ in 6 miles. This is one of the best climbs out there, switchback after switchback with huge exposed views of the valley below. Think Forest Service gravel, not GFE gravel. Then another 27 miles of rolling pavement back to Eburg.

Gear: 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. I’m running a Raleigh Roker on either a Donnelly Strada USH 32 or MSO 36, could go either way. It’s all about compromise, the key is to find a good middle ground that you’re comfortable with. There will be lots of climbing so plan accordingly. There will be a couple aid stations and maybe a sag wagon or two, but it’s a good idea to be somewhat self sufficient. Weather is always something to consider, most likely hot, but anything can happen in the mountains. Bring on the adventure baby!

KOM Challenge: There will be two King Of the Mountain challenges: So Cle Elum Ridge and Taneum. To be eligible you must upload your ride to Strava within 24 hrs of the ride. This is just for fun; remember, this is not a race and you stand nothing to gain by winning the KOM. Other than the undying respect and adoration of your peers.

Bottom Line: Ellensburg is getting back to what these rides are supposed to be all about. A big road ride with a little adventure thrown in the middle of it.

While in Ellensburg check out a few of our faves, be sure to tell them your in town for the Gran Fondo.

Recycle Bicycle – LBS
Ride Roslyn – LBS
Iron Horse Brewery – beer

Produced in cooperation with: City of Ellensburg, Kittitas Co, WSDOT, City of Cle Elum/So Cle Elum, USDA, The Nature Conservancy, WA State Parks.

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