Gran Fondo Moab Announced

May 1st and 2nd 2010 Set for First Event

The organizers of the Gran Fondo Moab (nicknamed the GFM) have announced the dates for the 2010 staging of what promises to become an annual event. On May 1st and 2nd Moab Utah will play host to what has until recently been an Italian tradition—the Gran Fondo.

Gran Fondos are distinctly different from competitive races as riders of all abilities can take part. It’s a timed event so all finishers can compare their times whether for the $250 prize for fastest time, for bragging rights or to set a personal standard to measure yourself against each year. Gran Fondos are just starting to gain popularity in the U.S. and no backdrop could be more dramatic than Moab.

The Gran Fondo Moab will have a staggered start with riders starting in groups depending on their ability level and age. The GFM will feature well-stocked rest stops, a well-marked route and post event activities like a full meal, bike demos & exhibits and some of the best scenery anywhere.

Title sponsor of the GFM is Poison Spider Bicycles, a Moab institution that has been a part of Moab cycling for some time. Owner Scott Newton explained how the GFM came about, “My wife Karen and I went over to Europe and rode in a Gran Fondo and had a great time. This style of event just doesn’t happen here and I wanted to bring it to Moab.”

Moab is best known worldwide as a mountain bike mecca so it’s not surprising that the incredible road riding has been largely overlooked. Event organizers hope to change that as Newton explained, “Living here in Moab I’ve been so impressed with the road riding and want to share it with other cyclists. The GFM lets the fast guys race their hearts out and the casual rider can enjoy the scenery and the rest stops.”

The timed event will use the La Sal Mountain Loop. The route features amazing scenery from red rock canyons along the Colorado River to high mountains in the La Sal range. It’s a challenging 60-mile loop that features 5,000 feet of climbing.

The Gran Fondo Moab takes place on Saturday May 1st but the cycling fun continues on Sunday with fun rides both on and off road. Explore some of the epic mountain bike rides that put Moab on the map, retrace your Gran Fondo route on the road bike or park the bike and go hiking through some of the canyon lands and arches that stretch for miles in every direction.

Complete details are available at www.granfondomoab.com or contact the title sponsor Poison Spider Bikes at 1-800-625-1792