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See what happened at RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley 2019

More than a ride, the #1 Start-up Fondo for 2019 delivered a bigger party and even better surprises

Few things match better than cycling and Californian countryside. The 2^nd year of this Palo Alto based event made sure people experienced challenging routes, without compromising fun – and there was a good sprinkling of glamour for guests to enjoy too. After being voted 2019 #1 Start-up Gran Fondo Award, you could feel the love from the riders was even higher than last year.

Silicon Valley is well known for being the epicenter of technology, but it may come to a surprise when encountering one of the best kept cycling secrets in the world. From lung-busting climbs in the forest, coastal descents, and astonishing vineyard scenery – this is more than a dreamland for those who love adventure. For the 2019 event, the sun shone brightly and temperatures were an enjoyable 68 F / 20 C on average.

This second edition of RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley did not only bring in the social side on-course with gourmet rest stops and wine tasting offers for the Medio category (47mi), but also, it really surprised with pre and post event parties. Not content with the already rewarding course, the event included a pre ride “Cycling Jeopardy” game with celebrities like Bob ‘Bobke’ Roll and Ryder Hesjedal as well as a huge celebration party after the ride at the Four Seasons’s plaza.

a pre ride “Cycling Jeopardy” game with celebrities like Bob ‘Bobke’ Roll and Ryder Hesjeda

Scroll down to see the highlights of RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley’s second edition.

The Pre-Ride

The pre-ride

All riders and the public had the chance to attend Friday’s cycling jeopardy and a happy hour with celebrities from the industry and Bay Area, while Alta Classe riders also enjoyed an intimate ride with Bobke and Ryder earlier in the day. Meanwhile package pick-up was on point at the Four Seasons in Palo Alto who with the help of partners and sponsors decorated all surroundings to the tunes of Bellosound DJ Daniel Buckman and accompanying violinist.

Challenges and New Routes

At RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley, there’s a challenge for everyone.

At RBC GranFondo Silicon Valley, there’s a challenge for everyone. Whether it is to complete the Fondo (71mi) or to improve your time, this timed category offered a prized competition for individuals and teams.

For those newer to cycling or looking for more of a social ride, the 47mi Medio new route was full of experiences like the wine tasting at Thomas Fogarty Winery or gourmet rest stop food provided by award winning restaurant Terun Pizzeria and Wine Bar.

full of experiences like the wine tasting at Thomas Fogarty Winery or gourmet rest stop food provided by award winning restaurant Terun Pizzeria and Wine Bar

A day to celebrate cycling

The celebration plaza was more than just a party after the ride.

The celebration plaza was more than just a party after the ride. Every single rider got either a cold beer, a glass of wine or a soft drink at the finish line, where they found awesome hot street-food options thanks to executive chefs at the Four Seasons. Bellosound were again present on day 2 helping to make the smiles even wider.

The Alta Classe area featured an experience to skip the lineups for the buffet and an exclusive lounge to relax, stretch and recover from the ride – with unlimited food and drink on offer. Sounds pretty great to us….

partners and sponsors decorated all surroundings to the tunes of Bellosound DJ Daniel Buckman