Win This Sports Beans King & Queen of the Hills jersey in the Gran Fondo!
Ride Like The Pros For Charity
Saturday, June 15
The Menomonie Gran Fondo and Spectator Rides
Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, but a world apart
The Gran Fondo challenges avid and recreational cyclists a chance to measure themselves against the Pros without directly racing them. So, on the same day and the same roads, you can see how you perform on this demanding, hilly route. Then, as a spectator you are able to enjoy the Pros race on the thrilling finishing circuits in downtown Menomonie, and marvel at the fitness level as they sprint to the line.
The rolling hills and bicycle-friendly roads of western Wisconsin host Stage 5 of the Professional race, the Nature Valley Grand Prix because the route is difficult. Select from a variety of distances between 15 and 89 miles and "Ride Like the Pros!"
Gran Fondo
From the Italian for 'big ride," three rides will be offered as a challenge for fit cyclists of all ages. While these rides are not races, they will take in the roads that the pros will tackle later in the day. The Gran Fondo rides depart Menomonie at 9:00 am on Race Day before returning in time for the thrilling finishing circuits of the pro races.
The Gran Fondo will include a Sports Beans King/Queen of the Hill Time Trial, with chip timing to identify the fastest climber up our showcase summit - Star Hill.
-
89 Mile Gran Fondo – Follows the same route the professional men will conquer later in the day. This difficult route includes over 5000’ of climbing.
-
70 Mile Gran Fondo – Follows the same route the professional women race through later in the day. This route shares the opening 50 miles of the 89-mile route, then takes a “short-cut”, before returning to Menomonie.
-
59 Mile Gran Fondo - Follows the opening 48 miles of the Professional route including challenging Star Hill. Returns to Menomonie via rollling County Road P.
Spectator Rides
Two rides will be available for recreational riders. These rides bring you out to viewing points along the pro road course and return you to Menomonie for the exhilarating finishing circuits. Spectator rides depart Menomonie at 11:00 am on Race Day.
-
15-Mile Spectator Ride – Ride ahead of the pros to Calvary Hill. Enjoy the panorama of the Red Cedar River Valley and then cheer on the pros as they climb Calvary Hill. Enjoy the 7 ½ mile return ride to Menomonie.
-
32–Mile Spectator Ride – Ride with the 15-mile riders and enjoy the stop at Calvary Hill. When the pros pass, take a short-cut to Star Hill, arguably the toughest climb in Dunn County. Watch the effort and the speed of the pros on this 17% grade that is sure to provide some fireworks. Catch the pros one more time on County Road P. Then enjoy the return ride to Menomonie, an enjoyable rolling 15 miles.
Bus Tour
Jump on a bus and watch the Pros fly by at five different viewing points along the scenic route. Refreshments and snacks provided. Return to Menomonie in time to catch the thrilling finishing circuits of the Pro race.
Registration
Net proceeds from the Gran Fondos and Spectator Ridesgoing go to Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota, the benefitting charity of the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival.
ENTRY FEES
|
Gran Fondo & Spectator Rides
|
Bus Tour
|
|
Adults:
Thru 6/12/2013
|
$45
|
Adults:
Thru 6/12/2013
|
$20
|
|
Day Of
|
$55
|
Day Of
|
$25
|
|
Under 18
Thru 6/12/2013
|
$20
|
Under 18
Thru 6/12/2013
|
$10
|
|
Day Of
|
$25
|
Day Of
|
$15
|
What’s included?
-
Snacks, fruits, beverages on the route
-
SAG support on the route
-
Finish on Main St. at the Pro race Start/Finish line
-
Hot showers after you return to Menomonie
-
The thrill of attending the Nature Valley Grand Prix Pro Men’s and Women’s finishing circuits
START/FINISH Location
All Gran Fondo and Spectator Rides will start and finish from Lot #4 on the campus of UW Stout. Lot #4 is located at the intersection of 13th Ave and S. Broadway in Menomonie, approximately two miles south of I-94 (exit 41) on STH 25 (Broadway Ave.). Lot #4 is the main parking lot for the Johnson Fieldhouse/Sports and Fitness Center.
http://www.uwstout.edu/guide/upload/3D_map.pdf.
Lodging
The Menomonie Chamber of Commerce website can help you find comfortable accomodations in the area for the night before or the night of the ride -
www.menomoniechamber.org
