What is a Gran Fondo?

The “Gran Fondo” originated in Italy and roughly translates to “Big Ride” or “Great Endurance”.

A Gran Fondo is to cyclists what a Marathon is to runners. For years “weekend warrior” cyclists have been looking for a competitive, challenging event. The Gran Fondo addresses this void. In recent years, Gran Fondos have become the most popular mass-participation cycling events for cycling enthusiasts in North America.

Gran Fondos offer a choice of route lengths (typically 40, 60 and 100 miles) and timed segments (typically challenging hill climbs). This combination of bike touring and timed climbs attracts a wide range of cyclists ranging from the casual weekend rider to the well-trained endurance athlete.

A Gran Fondo is more than just a bike ride. It is a full weekend of festivals, expos and other activities offering entertainment for the entire family culminating in the ride and post-ride celebrations.

The Rides

Gran Fondo NJ 2013 offers four routes of increasing levels of challenge, from the extremely challenging Gran Fondo down to the relatively relaxed Breve Fondo. We were one of, if not the first Gran Fondo to offer a Breve length route for those not up to the challenge of a longer route, but wanting to partake in the festive atmosphere of a Gran Fondo. All routes begin and end in historic Morristown, New Jersey.

Gran Fondo

By far our must popular route, the Gran Fondo covers a full century (107 miles) of cycling, four challenging timed hill climbs, with 9,108’ of climbing in total and a spectacular route to the Delaware River and back. The 63 miles out to Califon and back (our Medio Fondo Route) was named by the editors of Bicycling Magazine as one of "The 50 Best Rides in America."

Medio Fondo

Our Medio Fondo route was selected by the editors of Bicycling Magazine as one of "The 50 Best Rides in America." With two timed hill climbs, 63 miles of country roads and over 5,470’ of climbing, our Medio route offers spectacular country views and a challenging way to spend a day of cycling.

Piccolo Fondo

Our 43-mile Piccolo route has 3,679' of total climbing and one timed hill climb, the Mendham “Mile” (actually just a tad over 2 miles in length).

Breve Fondo

This is the easiest of the four routes. It is 18 miles in length, with 1,416' of climbing and one rest stop at approximately half way. There are no timed hill climbs on the Breve route, although there are some hills to climb. It follows the other routes out to Mendham before looping back and reconnecting with the return routes about 4 miles out from the Start/Finish line. If you are looking for a relaxing social ride, this is the one you might consider.

Our Rest Stops

We take great pride the Rest Stops of Gran Fondo NJ. To help you through the day, we have lavish Rest Stops located approximately every 20 miles (or less) along the route. Our Breve Route has a Rest Stop at the half way point. As you approach, you will be cheered in by our great volunteer staff who will pamper and encourage you during yor break. All Rest Stops feature a wide assortment of the foods and fuels you would expect on a long endurance ride, and a few surprises (cannolis, over-sized chocolate chip cookies, gelatos...) thrown in for good measure.