Register NOW for the CT Challenge Grand Fondo Festival
The most fun you’ll have on and off the bike! Ride for a reason and celebrate this July 29th
Welcome to New England’s iconic cycling festival.
The CT Challenge Fondo Festival is a grass roots event in Fairfield, CT. The 19th edition takes place on July 29 2023 and attracts around 500 cyclists annually.
The CT Challenge Fondo Festival features gorgeous routes of anywhere from 10 miles up to the traditional 100 mile century ride, and caters for cyclists of all levels and abilities. It especially welcomes and encourages newbies and beginners and those looking to improve their cycling skills and endurance in a friendly, fun and safe environment.
This isn’t just a fun bike ride with friends and family! Oh no, it’s a celebration of community, cycling and survivorship – all mixed up to some incredible tunes from top bands.
The festival weekend kicks off with a Friday night early check-in , followed by the pre-ride breakfast, all day music, high energy aid stations, and a wholesome catered lunch after you cross the finish line.
The ride is fully supported with up to 6 rest stops covering all the routes. Entry includes a gift bag (with a t-shirt, hat and more!), a fully catered lunch, a chilled out beer garden and the best live music in New England.
Featuring a live music finish line, the ride has won many accolades for its amenities, camaraderie, food, and music festival – Grand Fondo style!
Five Fun Fondos for Everyone!
It's a bike ride, not a bike race but there's something for cyclists of all levels!
Whether you are just starting out on the bike, looking for the ultimate challenge or something in between, the routes offer something for everyone.
There is a 10 mile Family Fondo suitable for children, moms, dads and novices too.
There are two shorter routes, the 25 mile Piccolo Fondo and the 40 mile Piccolo+ Fondo and the 62 mile Medio Fondo suitable for beginners and intermediate cyclists of all skills levels, abilities, with more endurance required for the Piccolo+ and Medio. With 6 rest stops you’ll be safe in the knowledge you can stop and top up your energy.
For more advanced and experienced cyclists, there is the 100 mile Grand Fondo for more traditional Century riders. There are bike mechanics on the road and on-site to do any check-ups on your bikes.
Bike Rentals
Don’t own a bike, no problem! Through a partnership with “Unlimited Biking” bike rentals are offered for anyone from a Hybrid to Beach cruiser to Race to E-bikes. Click here to learn more.
https://www.unlimitedbiking.com/about-us
You’ll ride along the stunning Connecticut coastline, wind around reservoirs, farms, lakes and hills with well-marked and well-supported routes.
Ride along with the energy of around 500 other cyclists, at your own pace and comfort level.
Everyone is encouraged to come along, ride and have fun!
Team Challenge
Participating in the CT Challenge Fondo Festival is a great way to engage your employees, friends, family or neighbourhood in an event that is inclusive, comfortable, safe, and emotionally rewarding. For companies it’s the ultimate “Corporate Challenge”.
The event has opportunities for young and old, riders, volunteers, and supporters, in a fun, outdoor summertime event. You can create your own team and or join an existing team.
Teams of four or more can share their collective fundraising commitment across riders.
2023 Music Festival Line-up
The ride is returning to its roots where it all began back in 2005, with the festival held on the Greenfield Hill Town Green in Fairfield, CT.
You won’t want to miss the special live music performances from new-comers and long-time favourites. Music performances are free and open to all Riders, friends and family.
Last year long-time friends at Band Central curated the finest local musicians to rock the after party playing a mix of rock, soul, funk and folk, all for your listening pleasure.
The 2023 Music Line-Up will be confirmed in March.
Lodging
There are many hotels all within striking distance of the start/finish on Greenfield Hill Church green in Fairfield (some closer than others) and give you a range of styles and prices.
Cycling for a Cause
The CT Challenge Fondo Festival raises vital funds for Mission. The CT Challenge & Mission is a game-changing non-profit organization whose mission is dedicated to helping the cancer survivors. Mission funds programs to equip all who battle cancer with the exercise, nutrition and mind-body knowledge, tools and community needed to live life vibrantly remains unchanged.
Registration is NOW Open!
Registration for the CT Challenge Fondo Festival opens on February 10, 2023.
For more information, please visit: https://bike.ctchallenge.org or click the button below to register now.
Thank you to our Sponsors
The CT Challenge Fondo Festival would like to thank our corporate partners for supporting us along the way: Fairbridge Asset Management, Bigelow Tea, Wades Dairy, BMW Of Bridgeport, Mitsubishi HC Capital Of America, ICR, Pullman Comley, NewEdge Wealth, Top Dog Food & Supply, Band Central, Town Fair Tire, CED Technologies, Franklin Templeton, Hearst Media and more.