NEWS
Gran Fondo Bike Race and Recreational Ride Coming in August
Riders headed out into the morning sun Sunday at the beginning of the 2018 Gran Fondo bike race. About 130 amateur and professional pedal-pushers competed at either 30 mile, 50 mile or 75 mile distances, and enjoyed post-race festivities on the Village Green. (Bill Giduz photo)
Area cycling enthusiasts are invited to participate in the Lake Norman Gran Fondo charity ride on Sunday, August 18, 2019. This local ride, hosted and sponsored by the Spirited Cyclist bike shop, is one of many similar Fondos held annually across the nation. “Gran Fondo” is an Italian term meaning “Big Ride” which brings together a group ride, race, and tour in one event. Riders ranging from professional to recreational are welcome to enter and enjoy camaraderie, scenic views, and the chance to win prizes in the post-Fondo festival.
Area charities are winners too, since proceeds from the event will benefit five area non-profits—the Ada Jenkins Center, LKN Connects, Lake Norman Humane Society, Davidson Lands Conservancy, and Bike MS.
Lorimer Road at Concord was converted into the finish line for the 2018 Gran Fondo bike race.
Lake Norman Fondo registrants will choose between courses of 75 miles, 50 miles, and 35 miles, and registration for all lengths is $40. The 75-mile ride begins at 7:30 a.m., and the other two begin at 8 a.m. All routes begin and end on the Town Green in the middle of Davidson. Registration for all races concludes on race day at 7:30 a.m., and the first 200 registrants will receive a T-shirt.
The Lake Norman Gran Fondo encompasses both competitive and recreational cycling experiences. Those who want to ride all-out have themselves automatically timed through three sections of the route on the 75-mile ride. Fifty-mile riders will be offered two timed sections, and the 30 mile riders will have one timed segment. All riders will be welcomed back into town for a post-event festival including live music, snacks, and beer. Raffle prizes from Lake Norman businesses and restaurants will also be available.
Spirited Cyclist manager, Katie Stuhmer, said area businesses have been generous in their support of the event.
“Gran” level sponsors are Niagara Water, Ballas Chiropractic, Visit Lake Norman, and Keffer Mazda. “Medio” level sponsors are Galaxy Roofing, Riva Dermatology, Copeland Richards Attorneys, Bike Law USA, Primal Brewing, East Coast Material Management, Gander RV, Houston Medical Group, and Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge. “Piccolo” level sponsors are Gerber Collision and Glass, Sofas + Cheers, Mestizo Restaurant, Postnet, Hampton’s Men’s Clothing, and Weeklyrides.com. She pointed out that many of those sponsors and area restaurants are also donating prizes for the post-race raffle.
For more information, visit the Gran Fondo website.
Bill Giduz
Bill Giduz was the son who followed his father’s footsteps into journalism. He has been involved his entire life with news and photography in schools he attended and jobs he’s held. He believes now that he’s got a few good years left to devote to The News of Davidson.