Frequently Asked Questions

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What's the schedule at a glance?

Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19, 2012, both days 11am to 8pm:
Expo and mandatory packet pickup at Penn Pavilion on 33rd and 7th (401 7th Avenue) hosts the NYC BIKE EXPO.

Sunday May 20:

How long are the rides?

Gran Fondo New York is 100 miles/161 km long.
Medio Fondo New York is 60 miles/95 km long.

How much climbing do they have?

Gran Fondo New York has 8,500 feet/2,800m of climbing. There are four major, chip timed climbs, three of which are confirmed at this point:

  1. Passo del Daino
    1m/1.6k with 370ft/110m of climbing, max. gradient 14%
  2. Montagna dell'Orso:
    3.7m/6k with 1.000ft/305m of climbing, max. gradient 10%
  3. Collina di Cancello
    1.3m/1.7k with 360ft/110m of climbing, max. gradient 10%

The fourth timed climb will be no longer than 2 miles and not steeper than 12%.

Medio Fondo New York has 4,000ft/1,200m of climbing. There are no timed climbs.

What is the entry fee?

Gran Fondo
$195 until October 31
$210 until December 31
$225 until February 29
$240 until April 30
$250 until May 19

Medio Fondo
$165 until October 31
$175 until December 31
$185 until February 29
$195 until April 30
$200 until May 19
There is no event day registration.

What is included with the entry?

Gran Fondo New York full zip cycling jersey made by GIORDANA ($130), GFNY gadgets (duffle bag, GFNY bottle of Italian wine presented by T Edward Wines, cycling bottle and more), USA Cycling rider insurance, course marking, aid stations, chip timing for four climbs (Gran Fondo only), post ride meal, competition and raffle prizes, bike valet service at festivities and much, much more.

Do I need a racing licence to participate?

No, a racing licence is not needed or required. Every cyclist will be insured individually by USA Cycling. The cost for the insurance is included in the entry fee.

So is this a race only for racers?

No, not at all. GFNY is open to all fitness levels. Some people will compete on the climbs at the Gran Fondo, others will just complete the course and enjoy the cameraderie. There is enough space for everyone and everyone is welcome in the same way. That's the true spirit of Gran Fondo.

Is there a minimum age for participants?

Riders must be 18 or older to particpate.

Where and how do I register?

Our registration partner is Eventbrite. They make registration a fast and simple process. Click on this link: www.granfondony.eventbrite.com

What type of bike can I ride for the event?

We suggest to use a road bike as it is the best option to ride in groups. Its light weight makes climbing easier.
You can also ride a mountain bike, touring bike or single speed (with two brakes). A triathlon bike is fine as long as you keep your hands on the brake lever while riding in a group.
If you chose to ride as a tandem, both riders have to register for the event. Tandems are not eligible for KOM/QOM prizes.
Recumbent bikes, trailers and bike seats are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is it a timed race?

No. It is not a race. However, the four key climbs of the Gran Fondo are chip timed and count towards the King and Queen of Mountain competition. You will see signs that indicate an upcoming climb. Once you cross the sign at the bottom of the hill, your time starts running until you cross the sign on the top of the hill.
We also use various timing stations at unannounced spots in addition to course marshalls to make sure that everyone completes the designated course. You are only eligible for competition prizes if you complete the full course of the Gran Fondo.

The Medio Fondo is not timed and non-competitive.

What are the categories for King and Queen of Mountain?

The cumulative time of each timed climb will determine winners for each category at Gran Fondo New York. Each award winner will receive a special jersey as an award for being the King of the Mountains or Queen of the Mountains.
Overall winners are not eligible for the age group category.

Top three in each category are eligible for prizes from event sponsors.

* Both members of a Him+Her Team must do all climbs and finish together (time difference not more than 30 seconds) to be eligible. Pushing is allowed.

The Medio Fondo is non-competitive.

What are the prizes for King and Queen of Mountain?

There will be various product prizes from our sponsors with a total value of more than $100,000. KOM and QOM winners will receive a road bike. Other prizes include racing wheels for the runner ups, shoes, helmets, shades and much, much more. Check our website and facebook page for latest updates.

Medio Fondo New York is non-competitive, what does that mean?

Medio Fondo riders start behind Gran Fondo New York racers and ride most of the 60 miles of the Gran Fondo New York course. Medio Fondo New York riders win raffle prizes during the post-race party.

I'm riding the event with my friends. Can we all line up together in the same corral?

The corrals are divided by age groups. If your friends are in your age group, you will be in the same starting corral. However, if you are different ages, you can still start the event together. If you are allocated to different start corrals, the person with the lower bib number can move back to a corral further back, the person with the higher bib number cannot move forward.

I am travelling from far away and don't want to bring my own bike. Can I rent a bike somewhere?

Bike and Roll rents Trek 1.5 road bikes at $119 (plus tax) for two days. Pick up your bike on Saturday, May 19 at Pier 84. Bike and Roll will take the bikes back right at the finish. More information on bikenewyorkcity.com.

Where do I pick up my start number, jersey, chip and goodie bag ('pacco gara')?

Packet pick up will be held at the Expo at Penn Pavilion in midtown Manhattan on 33rd and 7th Avenue (401 7th Avenue) on Friday 11am-8pm and on Saturday 11am-8pm.
A wristband printed with your race number will be affixed to your wrist at check-in. This band will identify you as an official participant and must be worn during race weekend. The wristband is required for medical identification purposes and allows you access to start, aid stations and post-race festivities. You will not be allowed to remove your bicycle and/or gear from the transition area following the race without your wristband affixed to your wrist. Please do not remove your wristband until after the awards banquet or you will be denied entry.

Can I pick up my packet on the morning of the event?

No. Pick up is only possible on Friday or Saturday. No exceptions.

Can someone else pick up the packet for me?

For safety reasons, every participant has to be present at packet pickup on Friday or Saturday. Also, we want to ensure that the jersey fits the rider. In case of emergency, the packet can be picked up by someone else. For that, we need:

1. a printed copy of the registration confirmation email with the signature and written permission allowing someone else to pick up their packet,
2. a phone number where the participant can be reached in case of questions during the packet pickup process and
3. photo ID (for our records as to who picked up the packet).
4. The rider receives his wristband in return of the two signed waivers before entering the start area. BE EARLY AND READY FOR LINES.

Please note: the event jersey is mandatory, if it fits or not!

Is there an expo where I can see new cycling products?

There will be a large expo at Penn Pavilion on 33rd and 7th Avenue (401 7th Avenue) in midtown Manhattan where you pick up your packet. Event sponsors will be present to showcase their latest products. Check out the NYC BIKE EXPO website for more details.

Where do I stay overnight?

You can find information on our partner hotels here. Gran Fondo New York has secured room blocks at the below hotels for Gran Fondo New York participants. When booking at these hotels, you are guaranteed the rate, guaranteed that there will be other cyclists staying at that hotel, and guaranteed that you can store your bike in your private hotel room instead of keeping it in the hotel's general storage room. May is a peak tourism time in NYC. Hotel rooms will be sold out. Reserve your hotel as early as possible. Rooms are likely to be filled (there are two large conventions in NYC on the May 20 weekend) and the rooms are booking at premium prices. For lower rates, check hotels outside of NYC.

What do I have to wear?

The official Gran Fondo New York jersey is mandatory (included in the entry fee) as is the writsband provided at registration. Helmets with buckled chin straps must be worn at all times. Also, Keep your wristband on for post event festivities.
Headphones of any kind are not allowed.

Where do I park?

Please check the 2012 GFNY Magazine which will be published before the event.

Can I use public transport to get to the start?

Yes, NYC Subways allow bikes. However, if you take the subway to the start, we strongly suggest to use a very early train as space is limited. A great option is to simply ride your bike to the start if you are in Manhattan.

Are there shuttle busses?

There are no shuttle busses provided by GFNY. You can use NYC subways or ride your bike to/from the staging area. You can also drive, although parking will be limited.

Do you provide bag drop?

Yes, you can check in one bag. Please bring a small, inexpensive and waterproof bag (size limit 40l volume). Don't leave any valuables in the bag as GFNY is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. The bags will be picked up at the start and returned at the finish line.

I can't start. Can I get a refund or do a transfer to another rider?

The entry fee is non refundable. However, you can transfer your spot to another person until April 15 for a $50 transfer fee.

Can I ride for a charity? Will there be fundraising?

Absolutely. We highly encourage you to ride for a cause. We support various charities. Please contact us at info@granfondony.com or 212-933-4033 if you want to add your charitable cause.

How many aid stations does GFNY have and what do they provide?

There will be six aid stations spread out along the course with food and drinks as well as at the finish party.

Please note that there will be no food or water at the start available. Make sure your bottles are filled and carry a snack that keeps you going for the first part of the ride.

Does GFNY start if it's raining?

Yes, rain or shine unless the event is cancelled by the authorities due to e.g. a severe storm.

How do riders line up at the start?

Gran Fondo racers first, Medio Fondo riders next. Apart from that, as it is not a start-to-finish race, it doesn't matter where you start. However, to allow as little interference as possible, we encourage beginner and slower riders to line up at the back of the start. With this you will be able to ride your own pace unobstructed.

Current licensed racers can provide their Cat. and license number during registration to obtain a front start.

Are the roads closed for traffic?

Some but not all roads will be closed for traffic. At all times, however, riders have to obey to traffic laws and ride on the right hand side of the street. Riders have to follow the instructions of police officers and volunteers to avoid disqualification.

How fast do I have to ride?

You can ride as fast as you want. However, the cut-off for completing the distance is 5pm which means you have 10 hours for the ride. This equals to approximately 10mph for the Gran Fondo and 6.5 mph for the Medio Fondo including all rest stops. A broom wagon will trail the ride at 10mph. Stragglers who get passed by the car can either get a ride or will be riding outside the event.
Also, there will be a cut-off at Passo del Daino (Buckberg Mountain) which is at mile 41/ km 66. Riders who arrive there after 11am will be directed left onto Mott Farm Road after the descent from the climb. This cut-off ensures rider safety.

Will there be restrooms at the start/finish and on the course?

Yes, start/finish area as well as aid stations are equipped with porta potties.

If I have a mechanical issue on the course, what do I do?

We highly encourage all participants to know basic safety and repair skills, including in particular fixing a flat tire. Be prepared and bring your own pump and extra tubes for your bike. However, if you are still unable to make the repair, course marshalls will accompany riders along all routes. Should you need assistance, just let one of the marshals know and, if a marshall is unable to assist you with the repair, a bus will take you to a rest stop where mechanical support may be available, or to the finish line. Please note that the wait for assistance and/or a ride to the nearest rest stop can be long and by waiting, you run the risk of not being allowed to finish the event. Visit your local bike shop to learn how to handle basic repair needs or ask an experienced riding buddy.

If I need medical service, what do I do?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be on the course and on call. Police officers and bike mechanics will be traveling on the course on motorcycles and in cars. Police officers will be controlling traffic at intersections and volunteers will be guiding athletes for turns at intersections. Each of these people will be armed with the EMS contact numbers. If you need help, inform someone on the course and they will get help to you (or someone else) as quickly as possible and stay with you until help arrives. No matter at what point, help will always be close.

If I have a bad day and realize I won't be able to finish, what do I do?

Gran Fondo New York will have SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles along the course for any cyclists who are unable to complete the event.

Try to make it to the next or previous aid station, there you will have food, water, emergency medical services as well as volunteers to keep you company. If you are unable to ride to an aid station, there will be police officers controlling traffic at intersections as well as volunteers guiding athletes for turns at intersections, so ride forward or backwards until you see a police officer or volunteer and they will inform the SAG vehicle to pick you up. If you are unable to ride, move off the road and wait along the shoulder of the road until a marshall or police officer or mechanic rides by, they will be on the lookout for stopped cyclists. If you are riding and you see a cyclist on the side of the road who asks for help, when you get to the next police officer or volunteer, report that you saw a stopped cyclist and their approximate location.

I never rode in a large group before. What do I have to be concerned about?

Group riding is faster as you save about 30% energy in a draft. It takes a bit of skill to get used to riding closely behind someone else's wheel. Ideally, you find a riding partner to practice. If you live in the NYC area, you can take advantage of our free training rides for registered participants and practice group riding.

I signed up for Gran Fondo New York, if I don't feel up to it, can I just ride the Medio Fondo?

Yes. You can decide until as late as the turn off to the Medio Fondo at Mile 30, which course you want to do.

I signed up for Medio Fondo New York, can I instead race the Gran Fondo?

No. If you are fit enough to complete 100 miles, please register for the Gran Fondo. Just register for the Gran Fondo as well, email us the confirmation email and we will fully refund your Medio Fondo entry.

When and where do I find the King and Queen of Mountain results?

We are announcing the winners at the awards ceremony at 5pm and the full results will be online on this site asap. 2011 we had the preliminary results posted online at 8pm on the same day. This is also our goal for 2012. Additionally, printed preliminary results will be posted at the finish.

Will there be food at the finish?

Yes, there will be great food and drinks at the post event awards party. Friends and family can buy additional food tickets for $10 at the party.

If your question has not been answered with the above, please contact us at info@granfondony.com