Gran Fondo Florida Updates Routes to Enhance Rider Experience and Safety
(Gettysburg, PA – January 12, 2024) – Gran Fondo National Series today announced updated routes for the 13th Annual Gran Fondo Florida, scheduled for March 17, 2024, in Dade City, Florida. Organizers aim to enhance rider experience and safety by rerouting to quieter country roads throughout Pasco County. Cyclists can choose to ride a 100-, 65-, or 35-mile route with timed segment competitions for age group and team categories. Event information and route maps are available at granfondonationalseries.com.
Although no traffic conflicts or official requests necessitated changes to Gran Fondo Florida’s traditional routes, Gran Fondo National Series Founder, Reuben Kline, recognized that rider experience was being affected by economic and population growth. “Pasco County is a phenomenal place to ride a bicycle, but it’s not as rural as it was in 2012. I want all our routes to be challenging, scenic, safe, and fun. I also think it’s important to be considerate and respectful to the communities we visit, which includes minimizing inconvenience for drivers, providing enough aid stations and bathroom facilities, and cleaning up after ourselves.”
To further reduce traffic pressure on local infrastructure, Gran Fondo Florida will use a wave start format. On Sunday morning, March 17, a projected 750 cyclists will depart from Dade City, Florida in groups of approximately 25 cyclists at five-minute intervals. The aim of wave starts is to allow friends to ride in groups while encouraging safe riding behaviors and minimizing conflicts with local drivers. “All riders at Gran Fondo National Series events are instructed to follow the rules of the road, including stop signs, traffic lights, and the yellow line rule,” Kline stated. “On the relatively flat Gran Fondo Florida course, a wave start helps ensure cyclists comply with these important safety rules.”
Registration for the 2024 Gran Fondo Florida – and the entire 2024 Calendar of SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series owned events and Partner-Events – is open. Notable features for 2024 include:
· Free event-specific jersey from SUAREZ included for athletes who register earlier than 24 days prior to an event.
· Shimano U23 Entry Program: To encourage Junior and U23 participation, Shimano is making it possible for riders younger than 23 years old to register for just $23.
· USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships: Riders can qualify for the Gran Fondo National Championships at Gran Fondo Maryland on September 15, 2024 through participation or competition results from Gran Fondo National Series events.
· Prize Raffles: More than $5000 worth of prizes are awarded during the post-race parties at every Gran Fondo National Series event the company manages.