The Jensie Gran Fondo Gears Up for a “Very Grand” Sixth Edition

New finisher’s village in Half Moon Bay, with re-designed routes that take in the best cycling South of the Bay this September 28th

Anyone who enjoys road cycling regularly will enjoy The Jensie Gran Fondo. They have designed three NEW routes so riders of all abilities can have a great and memorable experience, including the 83-mile “Shut Up Legs”, the 68-mile “Presidential” and the “Breakaway” at 35 miles.

You can expect an awesome and memorable day with Jens Voigt, arguably the most fun guy in pro cycling.

“I've always loved California and what’s better to ride on than these iconic roads? And now I don't even have to hurt myself in the breakaway anymore,” said Voigt. “I can’t wait to take on the best and most scenic roads South of the Bay, fueled by the gourmet food, and shout “Shut Up Legs!” to everyone again.”

Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay is the start and finish point of The 2019 Jensie Gran Fondo and the event is well worth the drive for the experience.

There will be regular rest stops and on course mechanical support, so you can ride comfortably knowing assistance, should you need it, is not far away.

Starting at the seaside, the route will travel south before taking on the short climb of Higgins Canyon Road after just 6 miles.

After gradually rolling your way back toward the Pacific Ocean the next major challenge begins with the climb up Tunitas Creek. This twisty 5.6 mile climb ascends more than 1,500 feet before crossing Skyline Blvd and descending toward Redwood City and Palo Alto.

You’ll only have about 3 miles between the end of the descent and the start of a classic South Bay climb up Old La Honda Road. This mile climb gains more than 1,200 feet of elevation as it makes its way back up to Skyline Blvd, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views from the ridgeline.

With almost all the climbing for the stage completed, both Gran and Medio courses will turn toward the Pacific Ocean and start twisting and exhilarating descents. The Gran course will descend to Pescadero, while the Medio course will descend to San Gregorio. Both routes end up on historic Route 1 for a very gradual – but much appreciated – downhill run back to the finish in Half Moon Bay.

The Jensie Gran Fondo will be held in conjunction with Stage 2 of Haute Route San Francisco and the Gran Fondo National Series championship finale, one huge big celebration of cycling!

As with all Haute Route and GFNS events, riders will be provided with a timing chip that attaches to your bike. For 2019, The Jensie Gran Fondo will feature timed segment racing. There will be 1-3 timed segments on course, depending on the route you choose. Go hard on the segments and kick back and enjoy the incredible views of the Pacific, the cool shade and smell of the Big Redwoods and the Sun on your face on Highway 1 in between.

Your combined time through timed segments will determine your competitive ranking at the end of the event. The event is not timed start-to-finish, but riders must cross the finish line for segment times to be counted. Prizes will be awarded to overall and age-group winners.

At the finish, you will enjoy the Finisher’s Village where you will be treated to a recovery meal, music and an ice cold local brew, whilst you sit in the shade, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the moment.

Taking an hour or two to relax and recover is a part of any cycling event’s tradition. You’ll find a wide range of foods available from some of the best area vendors. 

The Jensie Gran Fondo is the final round of the Gran Fondo National Series (GNFS), the largest series of Gran Fondo events in the USA with a nationwide calendar of 10 events attended by over 8,000 riders.

The series culminates at the Jensie Gran Fondo, September 28, 2019 in Marin County, California. The Gran Fondo National Championship Series competition, which is comprised of a riders best three finishes across any of the series events.

Each Gran Fondo National Championship Series winner will receive a custom winner’s kit from DNA Cycling and 1 free entry to any 3-day Haute Route event in the United States. Click here for more information on the point’s calculation.

Fully Supported

There are fully stocked feed stations on all routes to keep you fed and hydrated, *complimentary event T-shirt, Goody Bag, Event Water bottle and other various swag items, a finishers Medal for completing the Gran Fondo route, awards for age placement, a raffle and of course the chance to win awards and prizes for placement in the overall timed climbs.

Awards, Prizes and Raffle

Be sure to plan to stick around for cold beers, food and music at the finisher’s village at Pillar Point Harbor!

Awards presented three deep for each category for fastest section times. In addition, the fastest male in section 2 and in section 4 and the fastest female in section 1 and in section 3 will win a prize.

Custom produced Jensie Gran Fondo Winners kits will be awarded to the fastest riders in each age category of the Gran Route event.

Team competition: fastest four person team in the Gran Route details at: granfondonationalchampionshipseries.com/team-category

You must be present to win, so stay and pick up a great prize!

For more information, please visit jensiegranfondo.com