Tehachapi GranFondo Festival

A GranFondo is likened to one of those giant (serves 4-6) sundaes, offered in ice cream shoppes.

To begin, the sundae glass is the incredible mountain scenery. To this, one would add several large scoops of ice cream or participants ranging from professionals to 80 year-old tourists. In lieu of hot fudge, pineapple and caramel toppings, you add mechanical and medical support, feeding and hydration stations and bring traffic to a screeching halt. Sprinkle with lots of enthusiasm and supportive spectators. Top with cycling magazines, energy and excitement and you have a GranFondo, the biking phenomenon that took Italy by storm, over 100 years ago.

The course ranges from the 16 mile FunFondo, the 36 mile PiccoloFondo, the 67 mile MedioFondo and the 97 mile GranFondo. The options allow beginners and pros to have a grand experience, within their range of ability.

Loosely translated, GranFondo describes a great foundation, great distance and/or great endurance.

The Tehachapi GranFondo will be held Friday, Sept. 12 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Centennial Plaza, located on Green St. in downtown Tehachapi. This will be headquarters for an afternoon of fun and live music. Professional riders will be available to sign autographs and meet fans. There will be kid friendly activity areas for the little ones, the beer garden will feature local beer and wine for adults and delicious food for everyone and is open to the public and admission is free.

For those riding in the Tehachapi GranFondo, a free bike valet service is available to watch over your equipment while you wash away the road dirt, have a cold beer or glass of wine, enjoy lunch and join in the afternoon activities, at no cost above the registration fees.

Interested vendors may visit the Festival Vendor page at http://www.tehacahpigranfondo.com, for further information.

What a great way to spend an early autumn weekend, here in Tehachapi. As a rider or spectator it should be a great GranFondo in Tehachapi, for everyone.