Some bummer news coming out of Scotland. Due to some logistical wrangling that could not be surmounted, the organizers of the first Gran Fonduro have decided to push the event to next year. It was originally scheduled for 10 September, 2016.
The official statement reads:
Bad news folks! Due to the complexity of route arrangements, including landowner permissions and a few other production difficulties, we have very reluctantly made the decision to postpone Gran Fonduro until 2017.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caued, but we want to make this event a fantastic experience for everyone, so we’re going to take a little bit longer to make sure it’s absolutely right. As soon as we have the date for next year we will update you.
Like a lot of the best things, it will be worth the wait. More news when we have it and have a great summer of riding in the meantime!
As you may surmise from the name, the Gran Fonduro is a a unique event that combines the distance and atmosphere found in gran fondo road events, mixes it with mountain bike enduro-style competition, and it’s all done on (mostly) skinny tire bikes…off road. While this will be the first event of this style in the UK, the very similar Grinduro was held in California last year, and it’s planned again for October 8.
The organizers of Gran Fonduro explain the event quite nicely,
A sportive-style event, on and off the tarmac, touring the Tweed Valley Forest Park area, with timed stages (like a series of time trials) on forest roads, natural trails and foot paths, and connected by classic Borders back roads. Featuring stages with ups, downs, and everything inbetween, Gran Fonduro will take you to places you have never been before…
Mountain bikes and even hybrid bikes are permitted for use alongside their more skinny tire brethren. The organizers state that each type of bike will have its own advantages and disadvantages on various points on the route.
Fore more information about the Gran Fonduro and its cancellation, be sure to check the official web site.
And we’ll see you there next year!
