Gran Fondo Moab

The Gran Fondo Moab will be emulating an old Italian tradition. We will be riding the most spectacular mountain pass in the Manti-La Sals, widely known as the Loop Road. We will start and finish in the beautiful red rocks of Moab and will climb over 5,000 feet in 64 miles.

This event will not be run as a sanctioned race, as a majority of the riders will be participating for the enjoyment of riding a signed route through beautiful scenery with their friends and teammates. That said, as any serious cyclist knows, there is also satisfaction with not only completing an epic ride but with comparing your times with other riders afterward. We will ensure that all riders receive an accurate time and placing for their efforts. Safety is paramount on this ride, as we will be riding open, narrow, mountain roads. The Gran Fondo Moab will have a staggered start with riders starting in groups depending on their level and age.  The route will have something for everyone with its steep climbs and rolling hills, flat sections and gorgeous scenery. Come join us!

REGISTRATION

Entry Fee: $85 for the Gran Fondo Moab- La Sal Loop Road 60 miles/ 96 km

Registration is available online exclusively by Sportsbaseonline.com. Event limited to 500 riders.

Entry fee includes

• Well-stocked aid stations with food, water and Hammer Heed-sports drink
• Sag wagon & mechanical support
• Post-race refreshments & LUNCH
• Medals for top three riders in age categories
• 15% discount at Poison Spider Bikes towards ALL PSB logo wear
• Accurate timing with overall result and age category result
• Sunday fun rides for both road and mountain
• 1 raffle ticket towards awesome prizes from our sponsors (Prizes are not just for top riders)

ALL riders will receive a bike number and wristband. You must wear your event wristband to get access to the course, aid stations, and lunch.  This is a TIMED event, riders WILL NOT be able to enter HWY 128 before the event start time. Please warm up in and around town.  

There will be no registration or packet pickup on the day of the event. Registration closes 4/29/19 or at 500 riders, whichever comes first. 

Packet Pick-Up

May 3rd from 3:00 PM- 9:00 PM at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center

This is a MANDATORY Packet Pickup. We cannot do packet pickup on Saturday before the ride. Sorry – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Refunds

In true Gran Fondo tradition, the Gran Fondo Moab will take place regardless of weather: therefore NO REFUNDS will be provided.

Corso/Course

Use the Map My Ride link to have the actual route.

The Gran Fondo Moab road cycling event will start in Moab and follow the La Sal Mountain Loop Road. The ride will be 60 miles with 5500 feet of climbing. This is one of the most beautiful routes you will ride in any cycling event.

The route will have a neutral start in town with a police escort for 2 miles to the Colorado River road also known as HWY. 128.  After turning right on Hwy 128, the neutral roll-out ends and riders can assume their own pace. Sixteen miles of rolling terrain along the Colorado  River Road lead to the Castle Valley intersection. From here the road climbs almost 2000 feet in 13 miles to the intersection with the La Sal Mountain Loop Road.  This is where the ascent gets tougher, with some very steep switchbacks, climbing 7 miles to 8300 feet at the Castle Valley Overlook. The next 6 miles are a rolling descent to the final 1 mile climb to the Geyser Pass turn-off.  From here it is 22 miles downhill to the finish, with more tight switchbacks. Riders should be extremely careful on the descent, looking for wildlife, potholes and loose gravel. This is not where you should plan to make up time for a faster ride.  In May the weather is pretty consistently nice but anything can happen at higher elevations. Be prepared.

Safety

The route will be on open roads with two-way motorized traffic.  All cyclists’ must obey traffic laws at all times. There will be a STRICT yellow-center line rule, even on the parts of the course that have no painted center line. The road in the mountains is very narrow, with blind corners where riders can encounter oncoming motor vehicles so always stay as far right as possible.  Please ride with caution. Law enforcement will be patrolling the course.

FAQ/Info page

Learn more!