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Check out the new Friday pre-party at RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley

Full program announced for Friday June 21, the day before the big ride

Check out the new Friday pre-party at RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley

RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley is not only about the Saturday ride. On Friday June 21, organizers have announced a full program of activities for you to enjoy, including getting up close and personal with the legend behind today's cycling voice - Bob Roll and the Giro D'Italia winner - Ryder Hesjedal.

They will be both hosting an intimate Alta Classe (the VIP entry option) social group ride around Silicon Valley before a new addition to the package pickup experience - a Cycling Jeopardy panel. In this, you can hear from pro triathlete Max Fennell, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition president Shiloh Ballard, former TT world champ Karen Brems, as well as Bob and Ryder themselves in a discussion about all things cycling.

While that's going on, guests can enjoy a special happy hour in the same spot, and CVRcade will also be on-location with their virtual racing set up that's broadcast live around the world. More about that below.

Here's what to expect on Friday June 21:

3:00pm - 4:30pm: Alta Classe intimate social group ride

4:00pm - 8:00pm: Package Pick up

4:00pm - 8:00pm CVRcade rides

6:00pm - 6:30pm: Cycling Jeopardy panel and happy hour

Specialized will also be on-site with their demo fleet including the famous new hell-conquering Roubaix!

And even better, this year the whole Friday experience including package pickup has been moved fully outside into the University Circle sunshine, because why not? After all, those tan lines aren’t going to work on themselves.

  

a new partnership with The Specialized Foundation

Also announced was a new partnership with The Specialized Foundation to help bring Ravenswood Middle School in East Palo Alto the ‘Riding for Focus’ program. 

This program is designed to get the school students riding, a physical education curriculum, teacher training, and a fleet of bike and safety equipment. In addition to a donation from RBC bank, you can turn your ride into a cause for the charity or team up as a 2 to help donate the Four Seasons Cup Teams of 2 $1000 prizing towards the efforts.

The Specialized Foundation was established with the intention of introducing students to cycling’s positive effects on academic performance, health, and social success. The main activities are scientific research and school based programs to increase cycling access that can lead to social, emotional and physical wellness. 

  

New also, the eSports competition CVRcade has been added to Friday's program at package pickup and post-ride Saturday at the event.

New also, the eSports competition CVRcade has been added to Friday's program at package pickup and post-ride Saturday at the event.

CVRcade allows riders to jump on a turbo trainers and race against competitors virtually - while being broadcast to the world. The photos above are from the recent prize-moneyed CVR World Cup, held in Vancouver BC last year.

You'll be able to ride against others and try your hand at laying down some watts over a variety of short courses to see who comes out on top - all shown on big screens.