My First Gran Fondo - what to expect

[masking_agent]

So I'll be riding my first grand fondo , 150 riders along with a pro cyclist (i'll leave his name out simply to focus on the topic) and I have a few questions to those who have ridden such an event with a professional.

There will be 150 riders of all strengths. There is one 80km route and then a 120km route.

what format does the ride take on ? Does the pro fall back and ride with the less stronger riders and make his way back up the peloton ? Does he spend his day, getting swarmed/pestered by 150 cyclists all vying for photos and riding time with him ?

Its going to be one helluva experience regardless.

there is support vehicles and there is road closures along with a motorcycle ahead.

 

[marathon marke]

I just did my second Race the Lake, which is run Gand Fondo style. There really isn't any pros in it that are used for promotional purposes, but there are some retired pros (in their 50's) that compete in the elite wave with all the young guns. There were about 1,400 in our event this year, which requires the organizers to separate riders into "waves", that are determined by what speed you can usually ride in when in a group (or if you prefer not to ride in a group).

I can't answer any of your questions about the pro in your ride, but maybe this is a question to ask the organizers.

Whatever the case, these rides are a lot of fun, and the atmosphere that the organizers create really makes it into a special event for everyone who participates. The coolest part? You get to do a long competitive ride on a closed course and blast through the corners! Have fun!!!

 

[GreasyMonkey]

In Italy?

Are you doing it in Italy, or some other locale?

My reason for asking is that if it is in Italy, expect a HARD start, If you are not careful, you will be on wheels pulling 60+km/h on the flats in the first 10-20km.

As to riding with a pro, I can't answer that question. What is his role? A promotion target (attraction), a group leader, or just doing it for a bit of fun? What he is doing there will determine how he rides, and what is expected of him/her.

 

[masking_agent]

no its in north america and the star is for promotion. We paid $250 for the ride which is a little steep I think, but it weeds out the rif raff I guess. Only 150 riders.

 

[DirtyWorks]

no its in north america and the star is for promotion. We paid $250 for the ride which is a little steep I think, but it weeds out the rif raff I guess. Only 150 riders.

Typically riders get spread out all over the place because of wildly varying physical conditioning. As such, I'm not sure how they are going to close roads because riders will be stretched out all over the course for an hour or more in the second half.

Free Advice:
Don't be tempted to get 'on the rivet' in the first hour. Just pick a pace you know you can keep all the way through the ride and stay relaxed. Talk to other riders too. Ideally, you'll be in a group that works together. Who cares where the pro will be.

If you are interested in meeting the Pro, do it before the ride starts.

$250 though... Geez. People still trying to make cycling the new golf I guess...