The Top 10 Most Popular Events Worldwide

This year we award and recognize the Top 10 Most Popular Events on Gran Fondo Guide over the past ten years

Gran Fondo Guide has reached its 11th year of operation, the Worlds Leading Amateur Cycling Platform has reached a global audience of nearly 4 million unique users, over 185,000 visitors per month and over 1.61 million page impressions per month.

To celebrate, we bring you the top 10 most popular events on Gran Fondo Guide over the last ten years. *Please Note: This is the pure impressions, incoming organic traffic, by Fondo Fans over the last 10 years.

Make sure you add at least one of these outstanding events to your Bucket List this year!

Celebrating its 12th anniversary this brutally challenging ride has a revised, dirtier, more entertaining route in 2023 with 137+ miles, more than 50-miles of which are off-road, with over 11,000 feet of climbing.

In 2021, the BWR was the largest gravel race in the US and grew nearly 175% with so many new female competitors joining in the fun.

Last year‘s prize purse was $50,000 in cash and prizes distributed between the top five men and women, inclusive of a $5,000 purse and prizes for the top three junior riders.

Created as an extremely challenging race in the spirit of the great European one-day Spring Classics, the BWR is known as the most unique cycling event in the country for its incredibly dynamic multi-surface parcourse replete with dirt, sand, rocks, gravel, water crossings and even some asphalt. There will be three distances on offer in CA, the longer Waffle with the half-as-long Wafer and even shorter Wanna rides in San Marcos, CA on Sunday April 16, 2023. The event also caters for e-Bikes and Tandems.

Last year organizers Monuments of Cycling invested heavily in rider support for the legion of riders who comprised the largest gravel race field in the country. More new, safer routes that were perfectly marked, more Police and Highway Patrol personnel on course, 11 Feed Zones, roving on-course mechanical support for all and hundreds of volunteers on hand to help riders navigate what could be the greatest physical achievement of their lives.

“With other events placing the elite racers as the focus of their efforts, we have made a conscious decision to provide rider safety and support that covers everyone who registers. We want to complement our significant prize purse offering with unparalleled aid for all the riders who approach these events as some of the most important days on their calendar. It’s our mission that the final finishers will receive the same love and support the first finishers get,” added, Michael Marckx.

Monuments of cycling partnered with OpiCure Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to bringing awareness of opioid addiction, redefining best practices for recovery and devoting resources to affect positive change in the Utah community and beyond. Together, they want to raise awareness on the opioid crisis by using our large gravel races across the United States to showcase the power of the bicycle. OpiCure.org

2023 Belgian Waffle Ride Calendar

Inaugural BWR AZ in Scottsdale, AZ on March 11 – 12, 2023
12th Annual BWR CA in San Diego on April 14 – April 16, 2023
Inaugural BWR BC on Vancouver Island, BC on May 26 – 28, 2023
3rd Annual BWR NC in Asheville on June 9 – 10, 2023
4th Annual BWR UT in Cedar City on August 25 – 26, 2023
3rd Annual BWR KS in Lawrence on October 13 – 15, 2023
Inaugural BWR México in Queretaro, MX on November 25 – 26, 2023

For more information please visit: https://belgianwaffleride.bike/pages/california

Space is limited and sells out every year so register now!

The GFNY World Championship NYC the most international bike race with riders representing over 100 countries.

The GFNY World Championship NYC is one of the largest Gran Fondo's in North America with around 5,000 participants taking part every year.

Athletes take on a challenging 100-mile route from NYC to Bear Mountain and back to compete against each other, the clock and themselves in a personal endurance challenge.

20% of the field takes on the non-competitive 50-mile GFNY BEAR, a test that many riders use as a stepping-stone for tackling the GFNY 100 mile route the following year.

Like many other rides around the world, the 10th GFNY World Championship in NYC postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic to return again in 2022.

The race is broadcast live for over 6 hours so fans and family from around the globe could tune in to watch the action.

 There is a $10,000 USD prize to anyone who breaks the course record.

Race week activities are centred around the George Washington Bridge and Fort Lee, New Jersey. The GFNY Village location is easily accessible to both New York City and the beautiful Hudson Valley that unfolds before you on race day. Group Rides, the Welcome Zone, Registration and Packet Pickup, NYC Bike Expo and the Bike Zone are all located in the GFNY Village.

The entire finish village is alive with music, photos, podium ceremonies and a well-earned post-race meal for the racers. The Drink Stand, Pasta Party, BBQ and Beer and Wine Garden are open to cyclists, families and spectators and have food and drinks available for purchase.

All this makes GFNY NYC an extraordinary, unforgettable bike party and the Mecca of GFNY.

For more information, please visit: https://nyc.gfny.com

One of the keys to its popularity is the events' ability to cater to riders of all ages and fitness levels, with distances of 50, 80, 100, 130, 160 and the ultra 180 km distance. The ride attracts up to 4,000 riders.

The ride went virtual in 2020 and was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic and returned successfully in 2022.

Like many large Gran Fondos, the Epic Tour is about setting a personal goal, preparing yourself to achieve it and then going for it on event day – inspired by the spirit and energy of thousands of people all around you.

The ride has 5 fully supported rest stops, and each route hits a rest stop on average every 25km.

Epic Tour now raises funds for Jack.org, Canada's only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. Young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities and give youth the mental health resources they need to educate themselves.

It previously raised over $500,000 CAD for Halton Healthcare.

For more information, please visit: https://www.epictour.ca

It was first held in 1967, initiated by Erik Gjems-Onstad and takes place in June every year. The fastest time of 12h 51m was set in 2012 by Velo Club Zoncolan.

The 54^th edition of Styrkeproven takes place June 17-18, 2023. Well over 135,000 cyclists have taken part.

For the 540km race, there is a 24-hour deadline to reach the finish. To say you’ve completed it, is ultimate bragging rights!

With nearly 6,000 participants divided in all categories and distances, representing the cyclist from all over the country, where 5 distances start in different towns and arrive together at the Oslo Vallhall Arena.

For endurance cyclists, it represents one of the most prestigious bucket list rides in the world.

For all abilities of cyclists, there are distances of around 60, 125 and 200 km on offer too. There are start groups for large cycling clubs and teams plus and individual start group. A large attraction of the challenge is working within a large team or group to achieve the best time. Riders start on Friday night from Trondheim and head south for Olso.

The strength test has 9 feeding stops from Trondheim to Oslo. At these feeding stops you will meet representatives from various sports clubs or other organisations. They are all volunteers and extremely vital to the race.

All feeding stops also include Technical Service if your bike is in need of a little help. On the road they have 12 Peugeot vehicles which provide neutral service if you need assistance.

Watch out for those mythical Trolls in the mountain sides!

For more information, please visit: https://styrkeproven.no/en

Bali is pretty tropical and generally is similar temperatures all year round. The average daytime temperature is 31 degree celsius and the average night-time temperature is 22 degree celsius. September is marked by sunny days, little breeze, and no rain.

The 6^th edition of GFNY Bali takes place on September 17, 2023 before the rainy season starts.

The 137 km Gran Fondo course tackled two iconic climbs on the island from Lebih with over 2,126m of climbing. The 103km Medio Fondo includes 1,389m of climbing.

The first 22km of the race are pancake flat and very fast before the course turns undulating for the following 8km. The route will then turn inland to Amlapura and from there riders will tackle two climbs. The first leads to Gunung Agung, Bali’s holy mountain. From there until km 74 the route is undulating along the ledges of the volcano before the 20km climb to the crater rim of Kintamani volcano begins. From the top, it’s a long, fast descent to the finish line which is where the race started.

Each aid station will provide water, electrolyte drink, soda and basic food to keep you fuelled through the race

Make sure you hydrate constantly during the ride and spend a few days acclimatizing to the heat.

Only the finishers of the long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall and Podium awards. If you want to race and be ranked in your category, you must complete the long course. Top 20% of GFNY Bali, Asian Championship finishers in each age group earn a spot in the Qualifier Corral at every GFNY World event.

If you book the VIP Package of GFNY Bali, you will stay in the Host Hotel Rumah Luwih Beach Resort, Gianyar. Here you are in the center of all race activities including the welcome dinner (Pasta Party) and the expo which is located right inside the hotel.

Ubud is world renowned and worth a visit for the temples, markets, shops and food experience. A trip through the rice paddies is iconic. Mt Batur volcano is worth visiting, just for the view and cooler temperatures!

For more information, please visit: https://bali.gfny.com

Entering its tenth year of utter madness, Rock Cobbler has become notorious for its excruciating courses and unique in-ride challenges, like last year’s ball pit, riding through someone’s house, riding over tires or mandatory push-ups!

California’s Central Valley plays host to the event as over 500 riders snake across some of the best gravel Bakersfield has to offer. Double-track farm roads, rocky cattle trails and paved bike paths make up much of the 80-mile route with about a 60 to 40 split between dirt and asphalt, and over 6,500 feet of climbing insane gradients. Those looking for something shorter can ride the Pebble Cobbler which tops out around 40 miles.

The partnership with BMC not only celebrates the continued growth of the Cobbler event itself, but also serves as a showcase for BMC’s line-up of dedicated gravel bikes.

Some riders are out there for nearly 9 and half hours, such is the legendary brutality of the course. Riders are typically forced to run, hike, run, cross rivers and drag their bikes over terrain that just can't be ridden. To say its tough is an understatement!

Last year a cyclist was violently tossed off his bike and then rammed by an angry bull! Tony Inderbitzen made the regrettable decision to try to pass a bull on the trail instead of giving the animal a wide berth as other riders apparently did, and he paid a painful price. The bull charged him, knocked him off his bike and then rammed him, tossing him into the air!

Race founder and chief excitement officer Sam Ames indicated that three cyclists had an argument with the bull, “For the record, while we love our shenanigans at the event, this was not planned, we don’t condone riding at or near bulls,” Ames said. “In nine years, we have passed countless cows and bulls. All riders involved are safe, unharmed if you can believe it, and two of the three finished the ride and toasted beers. Rider safety is a top priority, so while this is able to get some laughs, thankfully, we will review or modify our route as needed for next year.”

Beware of the Tacoman out on course!

The Rock Cobbler always presents finishers and attempters with a special gift that is kept secret until the ride is over. There are no categories, but the fastest male and female finisher of each ride gets an extra special prize. For those who have come and conquered, or passed out trying, they truly understand the Cobbler quote: “When you finish (if you finish) you will know WHY it’s called the Rock Cobbler!

As is the tradition the final routes are announced the week of the event.

For more information, please visit: www.rockcobbler.com

When Hincapie retired from racing in 2012, he started the event that takes cyclists on a challenging route through the Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills. The routes were inspired by George’s favourite rides training for the Tour de France and include plenty of epic climbs and challenging descents.

Entrants chose between 15, 50, or 80-mile routes that show off the Upstate's fall colors, scenic views and challenging climbs.

Riders are rewarded for all their efforts with amazing views, especially at the top of the timed KOM climb of Skyuka Mountain after 20 miles.

The event got its name from former world-renowned racing cyclist George Hincapie, who competed professionally between 1994 and 2012, Hincapie was also a domestique for Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador and for Cadel Evans, who all went on to win the Tour de France.

George Hincapie road to seventeen Tour de France finishes, spring classic wins, and 3 national championships’. George Hincapie is one of the greatest American classics riders of all time with a second-place finish at the gruelling Paris-Roubaix.

Kicking off the ride are always celebrities, professional cyclists, and retired pros.

Celebrities this year included; AG2R Citroën Team pro Bob Jungels. Sir Bradley Wiggins and his son, Ben Wiggins. French racing IndyCar Driver for Meyer Shank Racing Simon Pagenaud, American Motorsports Racing Driver, Dane Cameron. American football running back DeAngelo Williams and former wide receiver for the New York Giants Amani Toomer to name just a few!

“A chilly morning led to a beautiful sunny day for our Junior Challenge Racers and Fondo riders, and we loved every moment riding and celebrating with them all,” said Hincapie whose rides the Gran route every year. Ex-professional riders and team mates Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde also rode.

The 11^th edition included a more serious $10,000 Junior Challenge, 14 year-old Enzo Hincapie, George’s son and winner of two Junior National Championship titles, had a great ride finishing third behind Artem Shmidt and Jonah Walton.

The junior challenge awarded young riders from the ages of 10 to 18 years old,  with cash prizes for the first five places and first three on the KOM/QOM for both boys and girls.

Surrounding the ride is a pre-ride VIP Celebrity Chef Dinner, an After Party, and a family festival with free food, beer, and kids activities and entertainment for all the family.

Essential to the Gran Fondo Hincapie is safety, backed up by neutral vehicle support, police, first aid and motorcade support, and fabulous food stops on route with live music. The ride is live-streamed on the internet and on huge screens at the start/finish and around the route.

In the 80 mile gran fondo UCI Gran Fondo World Champion Bruce Bird solo’d to victory in a time 3h 55m, ahead of Matthew Amano in second 8 minutes behind and Jeff Case in third.

In the women’s race, Valentina Cuellar Zuluaga was fastest 4h 24m, ahead of Debbie Milne in second 5 minutes behind and Devon Clarke in third six minutes behind.

Carley Sweeney won the women’s 50 mile Medio Fondo in a time of 2h 31m and Mitch Hopkins won the men’s Medio Fondo in a time of 2h 13m.

Some of proceeds from the event benefit Greenville’s Meals on Wheels, a non-profit organization that delivers hot meals to the homebound in the community.

Ten years after the first Gran Fondo, there are now similar annual rides in Chattanooga, Lehigh Valley, Bangor and Merced.

2023 Gran Fondo Hincapie Series

Gran Fondo Hincapie Merced, CA - March 18^th 2023
Gran Fondo Hincapie Chattanooga, TN May 6^th 2023
Gran Fondo Hincapie Lehigh Valley, PA June 3^rd 2023
Gran Fondo Hincapie Greeville, SC October 21^st 2023

For more information, please visit https://hincapie.com/granfondo

If you’re not sure you're ready for all 100 miles and 7,000+ feet of climbing, the Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo has shorter options of 40, 62, and 75 miles depending on your ability and lack of early season form.

This is one hell of a hilly ride, the 75 mile route contains 6,400 feet of climbing, the 63 mile 5,480 feet and the 40 mile 3,260 feet of climbing. Please bring your climbing legs and some calcium carbonate for the cramps.

There’s a water stop, full rest stop with water, sport drinks, trail goodies, trail mix, gummy bears, oranges, bananas and there also the world famous Redner's Taco Stop out on course.

There are a bunch of Strava segments out on the course that you can fight for, but other than that, this is just a timed ride. If you happen to finish first, there is a hatchet given to the first finisher and you will mostly likely get some recognition and a couple of extra prizes for your efforts.

Each rider gets two beer tickets to have some goodies from sponsors Susquehanna Brewing Company bas at the start. Each rider will also get a meal ticket for some of the best food around.

The person that finishes dead last will also probably get some prizes for their efforts since we run a pretty sweet raffle that is provided by our sponsors.

The swag will also be given out at this time. You have to be present to get the goodies. 

We recommend you register early as this ride is SELLS OUT well in advance for 650 participants - you have been warned!

The Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo believes in giving back and raises funds for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cliffviewproductions.com

Gran Fondo Florida is a fun and challenging event for cyclists all of abilities. Whether you’re a novice or very experienced road rider, there’s a distance and format for you to enjoy. The unique timed section format provides both a competitive and all-inclusive social experience for all.

While Gran Fondo Florida is arguably the “easiest” event of the Gran Fondo National Series based on total elevation gain, the nonstop rolling hills makes it the hardest gran fondo in Florida and rewards riders who can work well in groups

Three Distances for all Abilities

Cyclists can choose from 3 distances; the 35-mile Piccolo Fondo (1,428’ EG), the 60-mile Medio Fondo (2,233’ EG) and the 100-mile Gran Fondo (3,099’ EG). 

There’s a distance to suit any ability level and early season form - or lack thereof!

Ride with your Friends, Race with your Friends

Riders can compete solo or as a team, while also regrouping and riding at a more relaxed pace with others between timed sections to and enjoy the views! 

There are competitions for overall male and female victories, as well as age group competitions for males and females. The team competition is won with the combined time of a team’s fastest three riders. Bonus seconds are awarded for additional team members who finish, meaning there’s a benefit to bringing a larger team. 

Solo, Team and Age Group Prizes

Riders can compete solo or as a team, while also regrouping and riding at a more relaxed pace with others between timed sections to and enjoy the views! 

There are competitions for overall male and female victories, as well as age group competitions for males and females. The team competition is won with the combined time of a team’s fastest three riders. Bonus seconds are awarded for additional team members who finish, meaning there’s a benefit to bringing a larger team. 

Reuben Kline series director commented, “Any cyclist, of any ability, can challenge themselves while enjoying a safe and exciting bike ride, make new friends, grab some great swag, enjoy being looked after, and maybe even win a prize or two - either through raffle prizes or on our podium! Come and give it a try and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Stay fit and have fun! Miles mean Smiles! Our Florida event comes at great time in the season for riders to get in shape. There will be great food and cold beers waiting for you at the finish line party! Don’t miss the raffle with amazing prizes from our series sponsors. It worth sticking around for!”

As with all Gran Fondo National Series events, riders benefit from fully stocked aid stations and SAG support to keep them going and a locally-prepared post-ride meal for a fun recovery. Ride with confidence on the marked and marshalled course, supported by law enforcement, safety moto’s, mechanic and sag vehicles, as well as feed stations staffed through local youth police program.

Whether you’re a novice or an elite road rider, there’s a distance, format and lots of FUN for you!

Results, Awards and $5,000 Raffle

All 4 segments count for Gran route. Sections 1, 3 & 4 count for Medio route, and only section 3 counts for Piccolo riders.

- Awards presented three deep for each age group category for fastest section times
- Custom SUAREZ “Race Winner” jerseys for all Gran Route age group category winners
- Awards and Prizes for Gran Route winners
- Awards and Prizes for Medio and Piccolo winners
- For the Gran Fondo Route there is the team prize. Teams must have three or more riders to qualify. Team riders are still eligible for individual awards

The Gran Fondo Florida raffle features more than $5,000 of prizes from Series sponsors, and ALL riders are eligible to win. Earn an extra raffle ticket by wearing any Gran Fondo National Series jersey during the event!

The raffle is held after the awards. Raffle winners must be present to win!

Qualify for 2023 USA Cycling National Championships

Riders can qualify for the 2023 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships, to be held during the Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick, MD on September 17th, 2023.

For more information, please visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-florida

Based in Brisbane, the event is perfect for travelling riders with an international airport, plethora of accommodation options and stunning riding circuits right on the doorstep.  

Event Director Mike Crawley said the 2023 Australian Unity Tour de Brisbane welcomes first timers, recreational athletes, families, as well as professional racers. 

“Our focus in 2023 is to invite riders from across the world to join us for a celebration in our City,” said Crawley. 

"We invite all our friends from across Australia and the World to come to Queensland and enjoy our weather, our riding and our hospitality. Stay for a few days or stay a few weeks and visit our City, our Coasts and our Mountains."

The event is supported by the Brisbane Cycling Festival presented by King St, Australia's biggest multi-disciplinary cycling event scheduled March to April 2023. From the elite right through to mass participation events there is something for every cyclist of all abilities. The citywide celebration of cycling will come together again at Brisbane Showgrounds with a free pop-up Festival Village welcoming riders and spectators alike.

The Australian Unity Tour de Brisbane will continue to work with official charity The Common Good, an initiative of the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, aiming to raise vital funds for medical research. 

2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championship Qualifier

The 110 km Tour de Brisbane Gran Fondo is a qualifier for the 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships that will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, UK from August 4^th - 7^th 2023. The first three in each age category and the top 20% of each age category will be awarded with guaranteed entry to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship.

For more information, please visit: www.tourdebrisbane.org

Gran Fondo Guide fans use code RIDETDB23 and save $20 on registration fees!