Italian Gran Fondo: How Serious?

[Orvieto]

I just noticed that there's a Gran Fondo going on during my May vacation in Italy. I'm tempted to enter for the experience. The views look fantastic, and I like the idea of riding on a supported course, but I'm a little concerned that I'm not quite ready to cut "una bella figura".

http://www.terredeivarano.it/public/docs/organizzazione/percorso_fondo_terre_dei_varano.asp

The distance is no problem, the speed might be, especially with that one badass climb.

Tri-wife will have no problem as she's been on the trainer all winter and disdains any ride that isn't followed by at least a half marathon, but I'm a weekend cyclist and have only just put away my cross-country skis. My hairy legs may let me down in the Apennines. How tolerant will the Italians be of this Fred (Federico?) on their Gran Fondo?

 

[Race Radio]

I just noticed that there's a Gran Fondo going on during my May vacation in Italy. I'm tempted to enter for the experience. The views look fantastic, and I like the idea of riding on a supported course, but I'm a little concerned that I'm not quite ready to cut "una bella figura".

http://www.terredeivarano.it/public/docs/organizzazione/percorso_fondo_terre_dei_varano.asp

The distance is no problem, the speed might be, especially with that one badass climb.

Tri-wife will have no problem as she's been on the trainer all winter and disdains any ride that isn't followed by at least a half marathon, but I'm a weekend cyclist and have only just put away my cross-country skis. My hairy legs may let me down in the Apennines. How tolerant will the Italians be of this Fred (Federico?) on their Gran Fondo?

Don't worry you will have a great time. All levels participate in GF's, from Pro's to fat old dudes. There is room for everyone and this looks like a fun course.

May 8th is interesting date, lots of GF's that day so it should be a relaxed field.

 

[Orvieto]

Thanks the reply Race. I'm boxing the bike this week and will get a week of recon before the GF. Whether we ride may depend on how much wine we consume in the preceding week.

 

[Race Radio]

Thanks the reply Race. I'm boxing the bike this week and will get a week of recon before the GF. Whether we ride may depend on how much wine we consume in the preceding week.

The course is not that hard, wine or no wine you have to do it......of course I did the Marmotte one year (16,000 feet) after a week long bender and it was one of the dumber things I have done