Gran Fondo New York 2012 by GFNY

GRANFONDONY.COM

RIDER GUIDE MAY 20, 2012

IT’S THE RIDE. 2

Welcome to the 2nd annual International Gran Fondo New York! The number of GFNY participants has grown almost threefold since last year, from 1900 to a sold out 5000. We’re humbled by this increase in registrations. With this, GFNY boasts the largest number of Gran Fondo participants in the world. Participants from over 70 countries make it the most international Gran Fondo. It’s all a tribute to the world’s greatest city. Your participation allows us to grow every aspect of the event and make it even more memorable for each and every one of you. The long weekend starts with the two-day NYC BIKE EXPO, New York’s largest road bike expo and ends with a party for you after completing the course. If you hear us say our motto “la corsa la fanno i corridori”, it means “the racers make the race”, we truly mean it. GFNY is about each and every one of you. The stories you bring to the GFNY are what make this event so special. We’re not resting at the status quo but rather working hard to provide an experience that is worth your valuable time. It’s exciting to see what our partnership with the inaugural Gran Fondo Roma will bring. We’re working on staging a UCI World Tour professional race to lead out Gran Fondo New York. And one of our future plans is to bring a European stage race to NYC for its opening stages. To the various towns that GFNY visits, police departments, EMS corps, New York City, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Palisades Interstate Park, the State of New York, the State of New Jersey, Gruppo Sportivo GFNY, the amazing hundreds-strong event crew, sponsors, media partners, and passionate volunteers: without your support this event would not be possible. Thank you!

Lidia fluhme ulrich fluhme

index

GRAN FONDO IN ITALY

TERRACINA, ITALY

ANDREA PINARELLO

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

NYC BIKE EXPO

ROUTE MAP / COMPETITION

RULES

RACE DAY LOGISTICS

IMPORTANT

HOW TO SURVIVE GFNY

FINISH

FAQ

GRUPPO SPORTIVO

GRAPHIC DESIGN: IDIL BERKAN

GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

GRAN FONDO IN ITALY by Ulrich Fluhme

Gran Fondo is an essential part of the Italian cycling culture. Every weekend between February and October thousands of riders compete on challenging courses all over the country.

The season usually opens along the Ligurian coast with Gran Fondo Laigueglia, then races in the Italian cycling hubs Tuscany and Romagna, like Gran Fondo Via del Sale, follow. May and June are the busiest months with several events each weekend that attract up to 10,000 riders. Nove Colli is the big mama of them all, the most colorful cycling circus, held in Cesenatico, Marco Pantani’s birth place in the Romagna region. The course is tough, covering nine relentless hills and 200 kilometers (130 miles). Other major Gran Fondo include Felice Gimondi in Bergamo, Dieci Colli in Bologna or Damiano Cunego in Verona. The season tapers off in July with some super tough courses in the Alps like Giordana, Fausto Coppi and Maratona Dolomiti which is the Queen of all. The dead of summer is reserved for “la famiglia”. September though sees a last spike of Gran Fondo events before the season ends where it started, at the Ligurian coast. The unique and great thing about Gran Fondo is that it brings cyclists of all ability levels together. At the front, you have elite racers gunning for the win. Some of them end up as 6

professional racers, some look back at a few seasons as pros or “dilettanti”, elite amateurs. They are in the first corral, the “Lista Rossa”. But the guys and gals in the corrals behind them are no slouches either. Italians are born on the bike. While some racers may be limited to being weekend warriors, most of them look back on twenty or more years of racing and thousands of training miles. However, never let looks fool you. Just because a rider looks like someone who just escaped from the Giro d’Italia peloton, it doesn’t mean he’s super fast. “Fare una bella figura”, looking great, is just as well an essential part of Italian culture. The world is a 24/7 stage to perform. Hence, an Italian Gran Fondo rider’s bike will usually look as sharp as his matching club team kit. Golden rule: you will never find a true Italian in a pro team kit unless he rides for the team. Another nogo are black shorts and single color jerseys. The kit must be loud but matching and the bike be clean and with the latest accessories. Distances at Italian Gran Fondo vary but all of them have one thing in common: ridiculously hilly courses. Usually organiz-

You are late for the 2012 edition! Take Take GFNY GFNY as as training training for for 2013 2013 edition edition on on June June 30th! 30th! www.holimites.com

Facts 2012: 29.300 participation requests for 9.000 starting places 55 participating nationalities 86 miles / 13.747 ft vertical gain 6 hours live broadcast on national TV Join Team Gran Fondo New York at Maratona 2013 7

ers make sure that they cover every single hill or mountain in the area. If the Gran Fondo is not your thing, you can choose the Medio Fondo or even Piccolo Fondo. Abbreviated, these courses are called “lungo”, “medio” or “corto” but never, ever would any of these be simply called “Fondo”. It’s like calling a Marathon a “thon”. Few people have a realistic shot at the overall win or even an age group win. But no one likes to go home empty handed. That’s where the “pacco gara”, the goodie bag comes into play. Every participant receives some event memorabilia like a jersey, vest, arm warmers, bag, mini pump, base layer, cover socks, etc., usually branded in the Gran Fondo colors. But it doesn’t stop there. Local companies sponsor the event with their products so riders receive pasta, olive oil, wine, cheese, ham and other delicacies from the area. Italians love to judge the value of a Gran Fondo based on the “pacco gara”. Gran Fondo magazines like “Cicloturismo”, “Giornale delle Gran Fondo” or our partner “La Bicicletta”, usually contain up to 300 pages with epic stories and pictures of recent races.

Entry fees for Gran Fondos in Italy are usually between $40 and $70. They can be kept lower than in the US because authorities charge very low permit fees, if any. Events are mostly held on empty, rural roads which remain completely open to traffic, with a handful of police cars and motorbikes clearing the way for the front bunch leaving the majority to ride in traffic. In comparison, Gran Fondo New York pays $500,000 in permits and police fees just to make the event happen. The pasta party after the event is the best place to exchange “war stories” with fellow cyclists who have covered the same course. Good food and good company wrap up an usually challenging but equally rewarding day. More bottles of wine, cheese rolls, dried pork legs as well as bike parts are handed to the winners before everyone has to get going. “A la prossima”, see you next time.

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February & March The first races of the new Gran Fondo season can be the best you will ever experience. Not necessarily because of their difficulty or your top fitness but because of the excitement in the air that comes only with a new beginning. Everyone is keen to show the new team kit and bike. It’s the time of year when you see old friends and together you complain about the lack of training courtesy of the dark and cold. And cold it can indeed still be at those first races, especially at the start in the morning. But once things warm up a little in the afternoon, there’s a chance you can enjoy the post race festivities outside in the sun. Not only the pros open their true racing season at the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy but so do the Gran Fondisti. Loano is host to the first and incredibly early GF on February 5 at the Ligurian Coast. The event has more of a local flavor compared to its neighbor in Laigueglia, held one week later. In 2011, GF Laigueglia was part of the “Prestigio” series, which led to record participation of 4,000 riders. There’s no doubt that Laigugelia is the unofficial kick-off to the Gran Fondo season. Few riders are in great shape in February (or any shape to speak of) but there’s hardly a better place to get into race mode than Laigueglia. After flying along the stunning coast during the opening k’s, the course hits the inland hills which immediately provide ample challenge to set apart the “already fit” from the “getting in shape”. Due to road constructions, the 2012 course was slightly modified and is now 100k long with 1,600m of climbing.

THE 4 Gran Fondo seasonS In Italy APRIL & MaY While February and March are the months where things get going at Gran Fondos in Italy, April and May are the months when the racing is in full fly. There’s no shortage of events to choose from. So, where to go? Every race has a certain appeal to it. Some are must-do large happenings, some are difficult and others are small and unique. Let’s have a look at a few. April first’s “Selle Italia” in Cervia is no joke. Notoriously sold out early these days, the big hitters flock to the coastal town of Cervia and head to the Appennin hills from there. Easter is very sacred in Italy so there’s little to no racing. Virtually any of the Gran Fondos on the weekends thereafter are a good choice. If you have a full week, one of the very few Gran Fondo stage races is held on a beautiful island: Giro di Sardegna. The “little brother” of Nove Colli is “Dieci Colli”, “Ten Hills” in beautiful Bologna kicks of the month of May. But don’t be mistaken: I know enough areas in this world where those “hills” would be called “epic, treacherous climbs”. Gran Fondo delle Alpi in Sondrio is one of the first races that touches the Alps. The event is put up by the same organiza-

Proud Sponsor of

APRIL & MaY tion as GF Laigueglia in February and GF Giordana in June, and includes a sister climb of the legendary Mortirolo. When I raced there a few years ago, I thought it was a good idea to go on the attack early. I tend to just “go” if given the chance, knowing that I won’t play a role in the outcome of the race. Might as well play... However, attacking a few k’s before the start of the key climb turned out to be a very painful idea. Bergamo is host to Felice Gimondi’s Gran Fondo. Being part of a few key series in the Italian GF calendar, “La Gimondi” is packed with talent and masses. With 162k and 3,050m of climbing, the race is no slouch. Be ready. Once you arrive in the small coastal town of Cesenatico, you understand why all Gran Fondos so far somehow feel like they were only lead-up races for the big mama of Gran Fondo Nove Colli. The “Lungo” is a tad over 200k long and boasts 3,850m of climbing,

including the infamous “Barbotto”. 12,000 riders celebrate this party on racing wheels. The event sells out within a few days in October. Nove Colli now is in its 42nd year. Home town hero Marco Pantani once competed in the event with a wig. It was his comeback from a devastating injury.

JUNE & JULY In June and July the Gran Fondos in Italy hit the high mountains. Hard core courses like GF Sportful in the Dolomites or Fausto Coppi in the Southern Alps are more “man versus mountain” challenges than head-to-head races. The “lungo percorso” in these events is usually 150-200k long, hits 3-5 passes and has over 4,000m of climbing. GF Sportful (fka GF Campagnolo) is the opener of the big daddies. With its 5,200m of climbing over 210km it will test your abilities to merely finish. Only the extremely fit are still competing at that level. There may be other events in Europe that have a little more climbing (Oetztaler and Alpenbrevet) but Sportful has the atmosphere and competition on its side that’s unique to an Italian GF. 10

A week later GF Giordana throws Gavia and Mortirolo, aka the beauty and the beast, at you. Yes, please! Back in the Dolomites only another weekend later: it’s time for the Queen of Gran Fondo. I may have referred to Nove Colli with that title but scratch that. Maratona dles Dolomites trumps them all. It’s a 140km long mountain party on closed to cars roads over absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and challenging dolomite passes (Passo Giau anyone?). The field of 8,000 has to be drawn in a lottery. If the valley could handle 30,000 riders, they would be there.

If you have been shut out of Nove Colli or just don’t want to deal with such masses of people, consider Marcialonga Cycling. It’s the first Gran Fondo of the season that hits the high mountains. But beware: the Dolomites at the end of May can provide challenging weather conditions.

JUNE & JULY You can’t decide between sniffing some Tour de France air and doing a Gran Fondo? You don’t have to. GF Fausto Coppi starting and finishing in Cuneo is close to the French border and not far from the likes of Izoard and Galibier. It’s usually held around the time when the Tour hits the alps so your chances are good to make it a combo trip. GF Fausto Coppi tackles the lesser known but Giro proven Colle Sampeyre and Colle Fauniera aka “Colle dei Morti”. Now, the “Pass of the Dead” name shouldn’t keep you from riding it but some respect is definitely due. While Cuneo lies at a mere 300m above sea level, both Fauniera and Sampeyre hit 2,500m. But, of course, there is more, such as the Maratona Apennini or La Pinarello that have their own characteristics and challenges.

THE FALL

With the end of the family summer vacation in August in Italy, there could be a lot of great cycling left in the fall. But it seems as if the country’s cyclists never recover from too much ice cream eating laziness to compete at challenging Gran Fondos. Sure, there still are a few events, some of them even on the bigger side, but the Gran Fondo scene seems unable to awaken to its springtime glory. Until this year.

You want to take advantage of the still warm days and your strong base? Gran Fondo Cinque Terre in Deiva Marina or Gran Fondo Colnago in Piacenza, both held in September, are probably the two key events of the fall season. But there are two new Gran Fondos on the horizon that have the biggest potential to shake up post summer dreariness: La Magnifica and Gran Fondo Roma. La Magnifica on September 9 promises a spectacular course through the heartland of cycling. After the start in Forli at the bottom of the Apennines, riders tackle a 227k course with over 4.700m of relentless climbing, dirt roads (“strade bianche”) and cobblestone sections. To top it of, the finish is held Roubaix-style in a velodrome. If that’s too much course brutality for you, Gran Fondo Roma will be the spectacle you have been waiting for.

On October 14, 2012, the inaugural Gran Fondo Roma brings amateur cycling to the eternal city. The Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla) provide the backdrop for what will be a spectacular course through the city along the Colosseum and other historic sites. Be ready to be transported to Ancient Rome as you ride your bike in and around Rome over the 145km / 90 mile challenging route with four hill climbs. Italian tour operator XEvents (born out of the Pinarello family) organizes a trip that will immediately make you reach for your credit card. The week starts in Tuscany, where the group will participate at the now famous “l’Eroica”, a non-timed ride where the bikes have to be at least 30 years old. The following week is spent traveling by bike across Tuscany and Lazio, ending in Rome in order to participate at the inaugural Gran Fondo Roma on October 14. Your luggage will be carried from town to town as you make your way to Rome. Tour de France stage winner Eros Poli (yes, Mr. Mt.Ventoux) will be your riding companion.

GRAN FONDO ROMA

Gran Fondo Roma is partnering with Gran Fondo New York to crown the World Champions of the two worlds, old and new. The man and woman with the best result from both Gran Fondos will be invited to the following Gran Fondo (flight and hotel included). Plus, the 753rd finisher of Gran Fondo Roma (Rome’s founding year) and 1,454th finisher of Gran Fondo New York (height in feet of the Empire State Building) will receive a race kit from the partner event as well as other prizes.

TERRACINA ITALY by Ulrich Fluhme

Fifteen years ago I heard for the first time about the town of Terracina in Italy, situated between Rome and Naples. It was an article in an Italian cycling magazine about the pro cycling team Saeco training there in January. At the time, I spent two weeks in Cecina Mare in Tuscany. Cecina Mare is a perfect training ground and the weather is usually great for cycling even in January with temperatures of 10-15C (50-60F). Usually. If you get unlucky, it can be colder. Bring in Terracina. Its shores and the coast south of it are sheltered by various mountain chains. The “Golfo di Gaeta” is the warmest region in all of Italy (equal to Sicily that is hundreds of kilometers further south). Sure, there are other great places to train. Many travel to Mallorca/Spain which has great roads. The Canary Islands are off the coast of Africa, which is a guarantee for warm weather in the dead of winter. But Mallorca can get cold. And the Canary Islands may be warm but expect storm like winds and a limited variety of roads to train on. It’s the same old every day.

While southern Lazio is cycling fantasy land, it is not on the radar of the amateur rider or cycling enthusiast. And that’s just baffling. Rome’s airports Fiumicino and Ciampino are a mere 90 minutes north of Terracina. The town is close to the train route Rome-Naples and the fact that Italians love cycling and you’re not a weirdo there is a big bonus. Yes, Tucson, Arizona

may be warm, but as a cyclist you’re not a normal sight. I don’t have to mention that the food is amazing in Italy (but I still do). And the proximity of Terracina to Rome makes for fantastic bad weather or rest day excursion. There is a hotel in Sperlonga, 20k South of Terracina, that hosts most pro teams, including Cipollini’s Saeco and Domina Vacanze, Pantani’s Mercatone Uno or just recently Vini Farnese with Pippo Pozzato. For a stay longer than a week, however, I suggest to rent an apartment. We paid 1,000 Euro for three weeks for a two bedroom, one bathroom, living room, kitchen and a humongous terrace just by the beach. Sat TV and WiFi included. Restaurants and supermarkets with all the fresh food you’d ever wish are close by.

Terracina is not like Tucson, San Diego or Gran Canaria. You don’t have to know the three or four rides that you can do. With its hundreds of roads you can just head out the door and take the road you fancy. See that town on the hill over there? Let’s check it out! But as anywhere, there are highlights you don’t want to miss. Here are my three favorites: 1. The Sperlonga climb is easily one of the most scenic climbs I’ve done. It starts in Sperlonga at the sea and heads inland. The road hugs the hill with spectacular views of the Mediterranean sea. It’s a steady 5-6% climb which is ideal so early in the year. Pros use this 5k long beauty to train “salita forza resistenza” (SFR), big gear strength training. If you continue towards Itri and from there to Gaeta, make sure you take the small road turning right just before Itri saying “Valle Quercia”. Spectacular and car free. 2. Pietra Porci: this climb starts right behind Terracina and loops around a hill. Use it as a beautiful start or end to a

longer ride or simply a nice 20 mile loop through olive trees, orange trees and farms.

well. North of the hill is a natural park with a beautiful road on a small stretch of land between the beach and a lake.

3. San Felice Circeo is a village at the bottom of a 400m hill that overlooks the flat coast around it. It pops out of the ground from nowhere. The climb up is steady but has some steeper parts as

We’ll be back next year.

Andrea Pinarello

Few people in the world know as much about Gran Fondo or any amateur racing as Andrea did. He raced all year, starting in February at Gran Fondo Laigueglia, to the Belgium classics, overseas (USA, Japan), the mountain monuments in the summer like Maratona dles Dolomites and Marmotte, until the last races in the fall. Everyone knew Andrea and it seemed like he knew everyone. He was not only the face of Cicli Pinarello or an avid racer but also the organizer of Gran Fondo Pinarello, one of the most prestigious GF in the world. We were excited to have Andrea at our inaugural Gran Fondo New York on May 8, 2011, especially because it was on the same weekend as the start of the Giro, an occasion not to be missed by an Italian cyclist. On August 3, 2011, Andrea died after a race in Friuli from a heart attack. It’s obvious that he left a gap at Cicli Pinarello that is hard to fill. Personally, I think his death is an even bigger tragedy for the Gran Fondo community. But all that is completely irrelevant compared to a wife losing her husband and three kids losing their dad. His daughter Andrea never met her dad. She was born shortly after his death. My heart goes out to them. The third timed climb at Gran Fondo New York is called “Colle Andrea Pinarello”. I encourage everyone to dig just a little bit deeper when climbing it while not taking it too seriously. That’s how Andrea would have liked it.

Ulrich Fluhme

Schedule at a Glance

FRiday, may 18

SATURDAY, may 19

11am-8pm NYC Bike Expo and mandatory packet pickup Penn Pavilion in midtown Manhattan 401 Seventh Avenue (at 33rd Street) across from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden

sunday, may 20

5am

Opening of start area on lower level of George Washington Bridge (civil twilight 5:02am, sunrise 5:34am)

6.15am

Closing of start area on lower level of George Washington Bridge

7am

Start of Gran Fondo New York and Medio Fondo New York

11am

Start of festivities in Weehawken, at the finish area

12pm

First ferry departs Weehawken for Manhattan Ferries depart every 20 minutes

3pm

Start of award ceremonies in Weehawken, NJ at NY Waterway ferry terminal parking lot

5.30pm

Course closes

7pm

End of festivities Last ferry departs Weehawken

MONDAY, MAY 21

12pm-7pm RACE OFFICE merchandise sales

Swim-Bike-Run 203 West 58th Street (between 7th Avenue and Broadway) 212-399-3999

Packet Pickup and NYC BIKE EXPO NYC BIKE EXPO is the location for race number, timing chip, wristband, jersey and goodie bag pickup. Advance pickup of your race materials is mandatory. Packet pickup can only be done in person. Please note that there is no registration or packet pickup on Sunday. Your friends and family can join you at the expo. The expo is free admission and open to the public. www.nycbikeexpo.com

Getting your Race Packet Your materials are organized by your race number. At the entrance, check the board for your assigned number. Sign in on the pro-style sign-in wall. Next, sign the Gran Fondo New York waiver. In return for the signed waiver you get your registration materials and the wristband that allows you access onto the course and also serves as your meal ticket. After that, you can proceed to pick up your registration materials. You will receive your bike number plate (with attached timing chip for GFNY participants), a jersey bib number, your jersey in the size you ordered, your ”Val Colla” sports bag, a bottle of GFNY wine by T. Edward Wines, your ELITE bike bottle, warming cream by Hibros, bike lube sachet by Finish Line, Delverde recipe booklet the GFNY race poster and a printed Rider Guide magazine. If the jersey you ordered doesn’t fit you, please visit the GIORDANA booth that carries a few spare jerseys for exchange.

NYC BIKE EXPO NYC BIKE EXPO brings two days of all things road cycling to NYC. 60 vendors showcase, sample and sell their products and services. Check out www.nycbikeexpo.com for more information. Admission is free and open to the public. Dates & Hours Friday, May 18: 11am-8pm Saturday, May 19: 11am-8pm

During packet pickup, checking in will be done electronically, so there is no need to bring a printed confirmation. Simply bring a passport or driver license or another governmentissued I.D. for identification purposes.

Location 401 Seventh Avenue (southeast corner of 33rd Street and 7th Avenue)

Subway / Train

NYC BIKE EXPO is situated in the heart of Manhattan. It has very convenient access to public transportation (trains, subways and buses).

1, 2, 3 trains to 34th Street A, C, E trains to 34th Street B, D, F, M trains to 34th Street N, Q, R trains to 34th Street

Bike Free, secure, indoor bike parking is available. Bring your bike through the double doors at the 7th Avenue entrance. You will be able to check your bike in with security staff.

NJ PATH trains to 33rd Street LIRR trains to Penn Station AMTRAK trains to Penn Station NJ Transit trains to Penn Station

caR PARKING FACILITY

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

Edison ParkFast #250

451 Ninth Ave, btw 35th & 36th St

212-502-4885

Edison ParkFast #8

245 West 28th St btw 7th & 8th Ave

212-695-4221

23 23

the pro bike specialists the pro bike specialists 2347 HUDSON TERRACE – FORT LEE, NJ 2347 HUDSON TERRACE – FORT LEE, NJ 201-944-7074 201-944-7074

www.strictlybicycles.com www.strictlybicycles.com 24

GRUPPO SPORTIVO SEE YOU AT

NYC BIKEEXPO

MedioFondo~100K/GranFondo~170K/SuprFondo~220K GiroPreFesta/GiorneJaveFesta/FondoFesta/SeraFesta PaccoDiFama/VIP/Expo

www.granfondoottawa.org Stomp the Pedals, Feel the Power, Think BigRide, GranFondo! 25

www.giordanausa.com

Official GFNY Apparel

The bib number must be attached horizontally on the pockets with safety pins. You are free to choose which pockets you place it on. Usually, you would use the pockets on the non-dominant side of your body, eg. a right-handed person would put his number on the left and center pockets.

You will receive your race wristband at the expo. Upon providing your signed waiver, the wristband will be attached to your wrist until the end of the event. You are not permitted to remove the wristband. Any wristbands that have been tampered with will be considered void.

Bike Number, WRIST BAND and Jersey Number the course, what is still to come and the upcoming aid stations and timed climbs. The two numbered stickers in your race packet are for your bike and your checked bag. Put the bike sticker somewhere safe on your bike, this sticker will allow you to utilize the secure bike parking at the finish. Attach the bag check number to any bag that you would like to check in on race morning, the bag will be waiting for you at the finish. You might want to put a pair of flip flops or old sneakers in your check-in bag.

You should put the course profile sticker, sponsored by Strava, on your top tube by the handle bars. It will provide you with easy reference as to where you are on

Your bike number is also your timing device. In the back of each number there are two timing chips glued on. In the picture you can see how you should attach your bike number to your bike. The timing chips will only work if you put the number at the front of your bike. The bike numbers cannot be modified or cut, otherwise the timing chips may get damaged and you will not be timed. Please do not bend the number! This will also damage the timing chips and you will not be timed.

You must wear the official black GFNY jersey, bike plate, wristband and bib number on May 20. Without these four pieces, you will not be able to access the GFNY start, timed climbs, aid stations or the finish. 27

T. EDWARD WINES

Reward those with the courage to challenge ‘normal ’

w w w. t e d w a rd w i n e s . c o m A selection of properties we proudly represent.

TICINO

VAL COLLA Val Colla is a valley between beautiful mountain chains in Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland.

THE BAG

When we rode there last year, we thought about what gear the participants might like and decided on a sports bag. With the help of our outstanding designer Idil Berkan, the bag “VAL COLLA” was born. At GFNY 2012, every rider receives this bag. It fits all the apparel you need for a day trip with your bike.

Your ”Val Colla” sports bag contains: • • • • • • •

bottle of GFNY wine by T. Edward Wines 750 ml ELITE bike bottle warming cream by Hibros bike lube sachet by Finish Line Delverde recipe booklet GFNY race poster Rider Guide magazine

COURSE MAP

HUDSON RIVER 35

60miles

NYC 110miles 60

CHAMPIONS JERSEY Winners of age groups, team, him&her teams and overall receive the Champions Jersey.

Individual Competition The four timed climbs are added together to determine a total time and overall ranking. The age groups are: • • • • •

18-39 male/female 40-44 m/f 45-49 m/f 50-54 m/f 55-59 m/f

• • • • •

60-64 m/f 65+ f 65-69 m 70-74 m 75+ m

The medals: The top 25% of each category receive a gold medal. All other finishers including Medio Fondo finishers receive a silver medal. The medal co-functions as a bottle opener.

Team Competition Individuals can register as members of a team to take part in the GFNY Team Competition. • • • •

The four fastest times from a team will be added and ranked to determine the fastest team. All team member splits are totaled and ranked. The podium 4-person teams will be awarded prizes. All members of a Cycling Team are eligible for individual age group prizes.

Him+Her Category A female and male rider have to start and finish each of the four climbs within thirty seconds of each other. • Because it’s tough to find two riders of the same ability and fitness, pushing, pulling, dragging, encouraging, shouting and any other means of working together is allowed. • The Him+Her team competion consists of two age categories: sub-90 and 90+ years old combined. • Members of a Him+Her team are not eligible for individual age group prizes because rider assistance among team members in this category is permitted.

Timesheet Route

Distance (approx.)

Gran Fondo

Medio Fondo

Miles

25mph

20mph

15mph

10mph

George Washington Bridge

7:00

Henry Hudson Drive

2.5

7:05

7:10

7:15

NJ-NY-Stateline

7:35

7:45

7:55

8:15

Piermont – Aid Station 1

7:40

7:45

8:05

8:35

Nyack

7:45

7:55

8:20

8:55

Route 9W

22.5

7:50

8:05

8:25

9:10

Rockland Lake

38.5

7:55

8:15

8:30

9:20

Haverstraw

8:10

8:30

9:00

Stony Point – Aid Station 2

8:15

8:35

9:05

Start 1st timed climb Passo del Daino

8:25

8:45

9:20

Finish 1st timed climb

8:30

8:45

9:25

Route 9W

8:25

8:55

9:30

Bear Mountain – Aid Station 3

8:45

9:05

9:45

Start 2nd timed climb Montagna dell’Orso

8:45

9:05

9:45

Finish 2nd timed climb

8:55

9:20

10:05

Bear Mountain – Aid Station 4

9:00

9:30

10:20

Mott Farm Road

9:10

9:45

10:40

Start 3rd timed climb Colle Andrea Pinarello

59.5

9:20

9:55

11:00

Finish 3rd timed climb

9:20

10:05

11:00

Pomona – Aid Station 5

102

9:35

10:10

11:20

Start 4 timed climb Colle Formaggio

107

9:40

10:20

11:30

Finish 4th timed climb

109

9:40

10:25

11:30

South Mountain Road

119

9:55

10:45

11:55

Ridge Road

127

10:10

10:55

12:20

Strawtown Road

128

10:15

11:00

12:20

9:00

10:00

West Nyack – Aid Station 6

136

84.5

10:30

11:15

12:40

9:20

10:30

Orangeburg

141

10:35

11:25

12:55

9:40

10:55

Sparkill

144

10:40

11:30

1:00

9:40

11:05

NY-NJ-Stateline

149.5

10:45

11:40

1:10

9:50

11:20

Henry Hudson Drive - Waterstation

161

100

11:00

12:00

1:40

10:20

12:00

Finish Weehawken

177

110

11:25

12:30

2:20

11:00

1:00

TIMED CLIMBS

Passo del Daino The first timed climb is fairly short. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of those deceiving climbs that start out mellow and get tough later when it hits up to 14%. If you start it too fast, you will suffer badly towards the end. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a climb for the smart rider. Climb starts at approx. mile 35.

Montagna dell’Orso This climb is a true New York City cycling classic. It’s situated in a State Park. Here, New Yorkers test their true climbing abilities. As soon as spring arrives, athletes are flocking to Montagna dell’Orso or, as the locals call it, “Bear Mountain”. It is not as steep as the previous climb - it tops out at 10% - and hence will suit a passista scalatore best as it is nearly four miles (6k) long and very gradual. A controlled tempo effort will bring the fastest time. Climb starts at approx. mile 42.

New LUNGO 170Km

New MEDIO 120 Km

La Pina GOURMET

Colle Andrea Pinarello The third timed climb was already a part of the 2011 course but not timed. Riders unanimously voiced that we might as well time it if we put this beast on the map. We listen to our participants. Colle Andrea Pinarello, known by the locals as “Gate Hill Road” is neither long nor steep but it’s still draining. A few times you might think “Now I’m up!” just to be faced with yet another incline. The climb is named after the late Andrea Pinarello who was the ambassador of Gran Fondo, not only representing the company of his family but also the whole sport of cycling. He participated in the inaugural Gran Fondo New York 2011. Climb starts at approx. mile 60.

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Spaghetti Marinara and Meatballs

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2 lbs total Ground Pork, Veal and Chuck 1 cup of breadcrumbs ¾ cup grated Parmesan 1 egg ½ cup milk 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium onion, minced 1 lb Delverde® Spaghetti 1 jar Lucini® Tuscan Marinara with Roasted Garlic

Combine the above ingredients, aside from the spaghetti and sauce, in a large bowl, using your hands. Once combined, form 12 meatballs and placed on a deep dish baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, until they are slightly browned. Meanwhile, simmer the sauce in a large saucepot. Carefully place the browned meatballs in the sauce and simmer on low for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions and cook until al dente. Pour the prepared pasta in a large serving dish. Top with sauce and meatballs.

For recipes and more information about all of our products visit Lucini.com or call 1-888-5Lucini @luciniitalia www.facebook.com/luciniitalia 42

TIMED CLIMBS

Colle Formaggio Colle Formaggio is a hidden gem in the area. Ask the 9W enthusiast and most will have never heard of it. New to GFNY 2012, Colle Formaggio which is also known as “Cheesecote” or “Overlook Road” is the perfect icing on the cake. Make sure you turn around at the top to oversee large parts of Hudson River and on a clear day all the way to Manhattan’s skyscrapers. Climb starts at approx. mile 67.

2nd Annual

International On May 20, 2012

RULES

1. Gran Fondo New York (“GFNY”) is a ride where the Gran Fondo (“GF”) course has four timed climbs which count towards the competition. The Medio Fondo (“MF”) course is a purely noncompetitive ride.

2. Entry 2.1. The entry to GF and MF is open to riders aged 18 or older. Registration is done online at www.granfondony.com. Entry closes at 6,000 riders or on May 19, 7pm ET, whichever comes first. GFNY has the sole discretion over entry numbers and cut off dates. 2.2. Riders who have been banned by a federation for a doping violation will be refused. 2.3. Professional cyclists and former professional cyclists who raced within the last five years can join the ride but are not allowed to compete. If a professional cyclist joins the ride, he has to stay out of the way of competing riders during the timed climbs. 2.4. Each rider has to ensure that his/her health condition is sufficient for the event. 2.5. Each rider is responsible for having sufficient insurance coverage. GFNY may offer additional insurance at its sole discretion. 2.6. Entries are not refundable or deferrable. Transfers may be allowed at the sole discretion of GFNY. No rider shall be entitled to an entry fee refund in case of disqualification. 2.7. GFNY reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to deny entry, revoke the entry application of any applicant at any time, and/or to disqualify any individual from the Event. 3. Equipment 3.1. Bike: any technically serviceable roadworthy bicycle is permitted. The following are not permitted for safety reasons: prone bicycles, recumbent bikes and bicycles with chair seating (except for challenged athletes), penny farthings or mono cycles. Unsafe bikes can be banned at any time during the event. 3.2. Triathlon handlebars are permitted IF the rider keeps both hands at the brake levers while riding within 10 meters of another rider. A violation can lead to immediate disqualification. 3.3. Helmets must be worn by all riders at all times and have to be securely fastened with a chinstrap at all times while riding. 3.4. Jersey: the official event jersey must be worn at all times. No exceptions. 44

3.5. Bike number: the number plate with the chip timing straps on the back must be attached to the handlebar and be clearly visible from the front at all times. Any alteration of the number can lead to disqualification or the timing chips may not work properly. 3.6. Jersey number: the jersey number must be worn on the left back jersey pockets, attached by safety pins. Any wrong positioning or alteration of the number can lead to disqualification. 3.7. Wrist band: the wrist band must be worn at all times during the event. 3.8. Headphones are not allowed. 4. Start 4.1. GF and MF start at 7am on George Washington Bridge, lower level, outbound lanes. Entry to the start area is only from the designated ramp on the NYC side of the bridge. Riders without their GFNY jerseys, bike number, jersey number and wristband at the checkpoint will be refused access to the start area. 4.2. The starting corrals close at 6.30am. If a rider is late, he/she will not be able to cross George Washington Bridge on the road or be eligible for competition. 4.3. Start order: 1. Lista Rossa: Returning champions from the previous year (overall, age groups, teams), VIP 2. Licensed racers in several corrals according to their ranking 3. General GF riders according to their age group 4. MF riders 5. Challenged athletes Riders should start in their designated corral. Riders are allowed to start in a corral further back than their designated corral. If a rider attempts to get in a corral further ahead than allocated he/she will be disqualified. 5. Competition 5.1. The accumulated time of four climbs counts towards the competition. Only riders who complete the full GFNY course are eligible for competition ranking and prizes. If two riders have the same overall time, the rider with the faster time at Montagna del’Orso trumps. If both riders are equal there as well, the faster time at the climbs in the following order trumps: Colle Andrea Pinarello, Colle Formaggio, Passo del Daino. 5.2. Categories: 1. overall m/f 2. 18-39 m/f 3. 40-44 m/f 4. 45-49 m/f 5. 50-54 m/f 6. 55-59 m/f 7. 60-64 m/f 8. 65+f 9. 65-69 m 10. 70-74 m 11. 75+m 12. under 90 him&her: times of a mixed

gender team added. Riders have to be within 30 seconds of each other during every timed segment. Outside assistance between teammates is permitted and encouraged. 13. 90 and over him&her: times of a mixed gender team added. Riders have to be within 30 seconds of each other during every timed segment. Outside assistance between teammates is permitted and encouraged. 14. Team of four (any gender): times of the fastest four riders of a team added 5.3. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each category. Distribution of the prizes is at the sole discretion of GFNY. 5.4. All protests concerning the order of finish shall be examined and resolved by the chief judge, whose decision is final and without appeal. Rules and Course It is the riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to familiarize himself/herself with the rules of the event and the course before the start. Taking alternate routes or cutting the course short leads to disqualification from the current competition and to a ban at future GFNY. 6. Abuse 6.1. No rider may be disrespectful toward race directors, officials, staff, riders, volunteers or spectators. 6.2. No rider may use foul or abusive language or conduct during GFNY. 6.3. No rider may assault (an unlawful attempt, coupled with the present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another) or do battery (any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another) to anyone connected with GFNY (including but not limited to riders, spectators, public officials, volunteers, staff, etc...). 6.4. Any of the above can lead to disqualification and a lifelong ban of Gran Fondo New York. 7. Conduct 7.1. Cyclists have to obey all laws of the road including traffic lights and stop signs. Violators may be ticketed by local law enforcement and/or disqualified and removed from the event. 7.2. No rider may make an abrupt motion so as to interfere with the forward progress of another rider, either intentionally or by accident.

7.3. Any rider who appears to present a danger to the other riders may be disqualified by GFNY either before, during, or after GFNY. 7.4. Pushing or pulling or any other physical assistance among riders is prohibited in all categories except the Him&Her categories where pushing or pulling is encouraged. Devices of any sort to pull or push are not allowed. 7.5. Team cars or personal support cars are not allowed. 7.6. Any of the above can lead to disqualification and a lifelong ban of Gran Fondo New York. 8. Environment GFNY is committed to protecting the environment. Any discarding of trash or food outside the designated trash receptacles at the aid stations is prohibited and can lead to disqualification and a lifelong ban of Gran Fondo New York. Any urinating in public is prohibited and can lead to disqualification and a lifelong ban from Gran Fondo New York. 9. Performance Enhancing Drugs GFNY is committed to a drug free sport. Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED) are prohibited in preparation for and during GFNY. GFNY reserves the right to enforce doping controls before, during and after the event. Any violation of World Anti Doping Association (WADA) rules will lead to disqualification, reclaim of prizes and a lifelong ban of Gran Fondo New York, Inc. events. GFNY participants are highly encouraged to stay informed about PEDs and PED testing. GFNY recommends the USADA Athlete Handbook. 10. Acceptance of Risk All those who ride and compete under these rules do so at their own risk. No liability shall attach to GFNY or any of its officials with respect to any loss or injury sustained or caused by anyone competing or riding in GFNY.

Race Morning The start area opens at 5am. Do not arrive later than 5.30am. It will take time to get everyone on the bridge. Access to the bridge closes at 6.15am. If you arrive after 6.15am, you will have to take the bike path across the bridge and you won’t be in the results. Make sure to eat breakfast in the morning. Bring your ID, cash, credit card and cell phone with you. Fill up both your water bottles and stow some food in your jersey pockets. There is no food or drink station at the start line. The black GFNY 2012 jersey by Giordana that you received at the expo is MANDATORY attire for Gran Fondo New York and Medio Fondo New York participants. The green GFNY jersey, last year’s GFNY jersey or any other jersey are not permitted. No jersey, no start! Make sure you have your GFNY wristband on. It is your all access pass to the GFNY start on the bridge, timed climbs, aid stations, Delverde & Lucini Pasta Party and bike & bag check at the finish. No wristband, no start! Put the bike number sticker on your bike where it will be protected and stay on your bike for the entire day.

Throwing your garbage anywhere on the roads leaves a negative imprint of the event on the communities, and your litter can prevent the event from utilizing the beautiful roads you will ride on during the race in the years to come. Use your jersey’s pockets (that’s what they are there for) to put your garbage in, and discard the garbage in a trash receptacle at the aid stations or at the finish area. Bike access to the start line is from Riverside Drive and 165th Street. Ride northbound and keep right at all times. The start corrals are numbered by 500s. The road is three lanes wide. Two lanes will serve as the corral staging area. One lane serves as the travel lane for emergency vehicles and getting to your corral.

Bag drop is at the entry to the George Washington Bridge. As soon as you start riding onto the ramp, there will be trucks waiting to collect your bags. You can check a standard-sized backpack or any bag with a maximum size of 40L and make sure that your bag is closed properly, the bag check number is attached well and the number is clearly visible. Don’t leave any valuables in the bag because GFNY is not responsible for any wet, lost or stolen items. Everything must be picked up at the finish before 7pm or it will be donated to Salvation Army.

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 to a corral with higher numbers, the person with the higher bib number cannot move forward.

Because GFNY starts on the George Washington Bridge, only limited setup is permitted. There will be portapotties, bag check and MAVIC mechanics before you get on the bridge. Strict security measures permit only registered GFNY participants to access the start corrals.

If you arrive after 6.15am, you must ride your bike across the GWB on the upper level bike path to cross the Hudson River. That can be accessed from Fort Washington Avenue and 177th Street. At 177th St, turn left (heading west). At Cabrini Blvd, turn right (heading north). Go one block. Get on the side walk on the left, the bike path access is half a block down. You will not be in the final results.

Littering (throwing your garbage on the ground) is strictly prohibited anywhere on the course. Littering at GFNY leads to automatic disqualification. On the bridge, any garbage that you throw on the road will end up polluting the Hudson River.

The event will start promptly at 7am, rain or shine. We begin the breakdown of the area immediately after the last rider leaves to reopen the roadway for cars.

DIRECTIONS:

From Manhattan by Bike

OVERPASS

West Side Highway bike path: Bike northbound along the West Side Highway bike path, make a right at 158th St. (there is a metal swinging gate there). You will ride under an overpass, then you’ll see a traffic light. At the light, make a left go up a slight incline. You’ll then come to a stop sign (sign says 158th St), and make a right at the stop sign. Make the first left turn you can, a 120° left turn onto Riverside Drive. Ride straight on Riverside Drive to access the start corrals. Check out the map below.

DRIVING & BIKE OPTIONS Drop OFF & PICK UP AREaS P1

Park directly at the finish area in Weehawken, NJ

To start Ride your bike 6.1miles/10km along Port Imperial Blvd / River Road to Hudson Terrace & Bruce Reynolds Blvd in Fort Lee, NJ. Ride your bike across the GWB bike path to NYC (enter the bike path at Hudson Terrace just before the overpass (50ft past Bruce Reynolds Blvd make a right). Off the bridge path, proceed to Fort Washington Avenue or Haven Avenue to 165th Street. Make a right onto 165th Street and ride down the hill to Riverside Drive. Make a right onto Riverside Drive and ride northbound on Riverside Drive to access the start corrals. Bear right at all times. See P4 for bike route maps.

Park in NYC near the 39tH sTReET Ferry Terminal

To start a) Bike from your garage northbound for 6.2miles/10km along the West Side Highway bike path, make a right to get off the bike path at 158th St (there is a metal swinging gate there). You will ride under an overpass, then you’ll see a traffic light. At the light, make a left go up a slight incline. You’ll then come to a stop sign (sign says 158th St), and make a right at the stop sign. Make the first left turn you can, a 120° left turn onto Riverside Drive. Ride straight on Riverside Drive to access the start corrals. Bear right at all times. See From Manhattan By Bike for bike route map. b) Take the subway A,C and 1 lines from 42nd Street to 168th Street. From 168th St subway station, ride south along Fort Washington Avenue to 165th Street. Make a right onto 165th Street and ride down the hill to Riverside Drive. Make a right onto Riverside Drive and ride northbound on Riverside Drive to access the start corrals. Bear right at all times. See By Subway & Bike for bike route map.

P4 P3

After the finish

START

Ride 500ft to the adjacent parking lot.

Parking facilities Park at the NY Waterway’s 24-hour parking facilities, in the southern lot (it can accommodate over 1000 vehicles), parking fee is $10/day. Weehawken terminal details and driving directions: http://www.nywaterway.com/PortImperialWeehawkenTerminal.aspx

There are four parking

FINISH

options, depending if

you’d like to park in NYC or in NJ.

Take the free GFNY ferry across the Hudson River from

Park directly at the P3 start in NYC

Weehawken, NJ to NYC’s West 39th Street Ferry Terminal and ride three blocks to your parked car.

To start

After the finish

Parking facilities Fees depend on the facility, please check with the facility directly for pricing info. Visit the provided web links for internet coupons. There is also some curbside street parking in the area, check the signs for any parking details, length of stay maximums, and if there are any fees for parking at the specific spot you’re looking at.

Quik Park 601 West 41st Street, New York, NY T. (212) 868-3107 http://quikparkgarages.com/parking_locations/601_w_41st_ st_new_york_10018.aspx 600 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 T.212-564-0410 http://quikparkgarages.com/parking_locations/620_w_42nd_ st_new_york_10036.aspx Icon Parking 501 West 41st Street, New York, NY (212) 564-9152 http://www.iconparkingsystems.com/facilities/ jds-parking-llc Imperial Parking 520 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 T. (212) 244-4786 http://imperial-parking.com/parking/Details. php?button2=Details&ID2=2 Alliance Parking 500 West 43rd St # 5, New York, NY 10036 T. (212) 502-5268 NYC terminal details and driving directions: http://www.nywaterway.com/MidtownW39thTerminal.aspx

Ride from your garage along Fort Washington Avenue or Haven Avenue to 165th Street. Make a right onto 165th Street and ride down the hill to Riverside Drive. Make a right onto Riverside Drive and ride northbound on Riverside Drive to access the start corrals. Bear right at all times. Check the 2nd map in P4 for bike route.

After the finish Take the free GFNY ferry across the Hudson River NYC’s West 39th Street Ferry Terminal. Then: a) Ride to 42nd Street and 8th Avenue and take the subway A,C and 1 lines to 168th Street. Ride to your garage. b) Bike path to 181st St: Ride northbound 7.4miles/11.5km along the West Side Highway bike path, after the Little Red Lighthouse, proceed up a two-part steep hill, once it flattens keep riding north until a ramp for an overpass bridge that drops you at Riverside Drive and 181st St. Ride to your garage. c) Bike path to 158th St: Bike northbound 6miles/9.5km along the West Side Highway bike path, make a right to get off the bike path (there is a metal swinging gate there). You will ride under an overpass, then you’ll see a traffic light. At the light, make a left go up a slight incline. You’ll then come to a stop sign, and make a right at the stop sign, this is 158th Street. Ride to your garage.

Parking facilities Limited curbside street parking in the area, check the signs for any parking details, length of stay maximums, and if there are any fees for parking at the specific spot you’re looking at. Website that lists all parking lots in the area: http://www. citidex.com/6093.htm Central Parking Go to https://find.parking.com and type in 10032 zip for the various parking garages. Over 15 locations near 165th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. You can also visit Central’s Washington Heights site for parking coupons at two nearby locations (162nd St and 174th St): http://nyc.centralparking.com/Manhattan-Washington-Heights-Parking.html MPG Parking 4168 Broadway (at 177th St), New York, NY 10033 T· (212) 543-2700 http://www.mpsparking.com/new-york-parking-locations. php 51

Park near the start in Fort Lee, NJ

DROP OFF ZONES For the safety of cyclists arriving at the start area, and to minimize congestion approaching the start corrals, please get dropped off at one of these three locations:

To start Ride your bike across the GWB bike path to NYC (enter the bike path at Hudson Terrace just aside the overpass (near Bruce Reynolds Blvd) Off the bridge path, proceed to Fort Washington Avenue or Haven Avenue to 165th Street. Make a right onto 165th Street and ride down the hill to Riverside Drive. Make a right onto Riverside Drive and ride northbound on Riverside Drive to access the start corrals. Bear right at all times.

From the south: 153rd Street and Riverside Drive From the north or east: Along Audubon Avenue from 165th Street From the west: Along Lemoine Avenue from Bruce Reynolds Boulevard

PICKUP AREA

After the finish Ride your bike 6.1miles/10km northbound along Port Imperial Boulevard/River Road all the way until Fort Lee, NJ and your parking lot.

After the event, ask your family or friend to pick you up at the southern parking lot of the NY Waterway Terminal, around Pershing Road and Ferry Boulevard.

Parking facilities Limited curbside street parking in the area, check the signs for any parking details, length of stay maximums, and if there are any fees for parking at the specific spot youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at. We recommend the town lots, parking fees apply: http://fortleeparking.org/parking_authority_final_002.htm BY BIKE FROM NEW JERSEY GETTING TO THE START COMING OFF THE BIKE PATH BRIDGE CROSSING FROM NEW JERSEY BY BIKE FROM HUDSON TERRACE

BIKE PATH ACROSS

by Subway & Bike DIRECTIONS: You don’t need a bike permit to bring your bike on board an NYC subway. Since your bike won’t be able to fit through the turnstiles, either ask an agent or a friend to help you. Usually, you go to the agent in the booth and inform them that you are going in with a bike. Have them watch you swipe your metrocard and turn the turnstile. Then, they would release the emergency gate so you can walk through. Check http://mta.info for any weekend service advisories for A,C and 1 subway lines.

SUBWAY STATION 168TH STREET A / C / 1 TO THE START

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A full 3 laps, closed course Time splits for each lap and each time up the Manayunk Wall Serious riders start at the front Form a team and ride for a cause (if you want) Cool giveaways Pre and post refreshments Stay and watch the pros To register

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The George Washington Bridge has the greatest vehicular capacity of any bridge in the world. It carries approximately 106 million vehicles per year, making it the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest motor vehicle bridge. In 2012, Gran Fondo New York again closes the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest bridge to cars and offers cyclists a once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding across from Manhattan to New Jersey on a car-free road.

George Washington Bridge

Cyclist Entrance To Lower Level From Riverside Drive

BEAR RIGHT

Access the Gran Fondo New York start line from 165th Street and Riverside Drive. Ride Northbound. Bear right at all times to get to the start line staging area and corrals.

IMPORTANT Emergencies

Aid Stations

If you are involved in or witness a bike crash or other emergency, DIAL 911. Based on the cell phone tower you are closest to, you will be routed to the closest EMS dispatch center. The dispatch center will ask for the emergency and your location and will route your call accordingly. All local EMS services are on the course and can react at a moment’s notice.

The Gran Fondo course will have six food/water stations at miles 17, 32, 42, 50, 64, 85 and one water station at mile 100.

Disqualification The full event rules are covered earlier in this guide and on the GFNY website. Please familiarize yourself with GFNY rules. Here are four of the more important points: Littering is strictly prohibited. Any participant seen throwing garbage on the road will be disqualified. Do not pollute the environment. You must utilize the designated toilets. Do not pollute private or public land, polluting leads to disqualification. Be courteous to GFNY staff, volunteers, spectators and other competitors. Being disrespectful, offensive or abusive will lead to disqualification. Ride on the route marked by GFNY. We have several check points along the route to verify that all participants are competing the designated course. Cutting the course or taking alternate routes leads to disqualification.

The Medio Fondo will have two food stations at miles 17 and 35, and one water station at mile 50. The food stations have a combination of all or some of the following: • PowerBars, PowerBar Energy Gels • Bagels with peanut butter and jelly • Bananas • Immaculate Baking Co. Chocobilly cookies • Stacy’s Pita Chips • PowerBar Ironman Perform electrolyte and calorie drink • Coca Cola • Water There is no “feeding on the fly”. Use your GFNY ELITE bottles to refill. GFNY is an eco-friendly event. We do not provide cups or bottles.

Mechanical Support Bring two spare tubes, tire levers and a pump with you to be self-sufficient in case you get a flat. Also bring cash with you to be able to purchase any equipment (tubes, air cartridges, tires, chain, etc) if you have any larger mechanical problems on race day. You should know how to change a flat and have spare tubes and a means to fill a tube with air. MAVIC mechanics will be at the start area in case you need assistance with a mechanical problem on race morning. MAVIC, Strictly Bicycles and DuVine Adventures are offering the rolling mechanical support along the GFNY route. If you need help, one of the 5 cars or 2 motorbikes will be out on the course. Wait on the side of the road and wave to a mechanic car or motorbike to get their attention when they drive by.

Two Cutoffs for Gran Fondo New York: miles 27 and 36 There are two cutoffs on the Gran Fondo course. Since we have the road closure and exclusive use at Montagna dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orso (Bear Mountain) until 12pm, riders who reach the Medio Fondo turn off at mile 27 after 10am, will be routed to the Medio Fondo route. Riders who reach the top of Passo Del Daino (Buckberg Mountain) (Timed Climb #1) after 11am will be routed to turn left to rejoin returning cyclists, thus bypassing Montagna dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orso (Bear Mountain) and 20 miles of the course.

Road Conditions, Technical Descents and Safety All courses feature fast downhill sections. There are certain descents that are steep, winding and on rough roads. They require technical bike handling proficiency to navigate safely. Stay in your lane, and as far to the right as safely possible. It is your responsibility to know the course that you are riding, and to ride within your skill and fitness abilities. Only the climbs are timed. Hence, there is no reason to descend in an unreasonable or unsafe manner.

Spectators We recommend that spectators travel as little as necessary to see the cyclists. Many roads will be closed or will have moderated traffic, causing congestion. More cars will add to the vehicular congestion on the course. If you are in NYC, come to the post-race Delverde & Lucini Pasta Party in Weehawken, NJ. You can get there by free ferry courtesy of Gran Fondo New York. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from NY Waterway ferry terminal at 39th Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan. The free service starts at noon and ends at 7pm. Outside this time window the cost is $9 per person one way. Bikes are allowed. NY Waterway provides free buses from midtown to the 39th street ferry terminal. You can view the route map and timetable on their website. http://www.nywaterway.com/BusStopsSchedules.aspx If you are in Rockland or Bergen or Hudson counties, go to the spot on the course that is closest to you. Get ready to make some noise! GFNY is handing out 25,000 pairs of noisemakers to the GFNY fans along the route. Pick up your pair at your deli, coffee shop, grocery store and local bike shop in the week before GFNY. Or stop by NYC BIKE EXPO on Friday 5/18 or Saturday 5/19 at 401 7th Avenue (at 33rd Street) in NYC.

HOW TO SURVIVE GRAN FONDO NEW YORK by Vito Valentini

and feeling a sense of accomplishment is the real goal. Look around as you ride, take in the scenery, talk to people along the route, say thanks to all the volunteers at the rest stops and the police officers who will keep us safe that day. Take all the photos you can – SAFELY – and your memories of Gran Fondo New York 2012 will last you a lifetime. By all means do your best and don’t be a GOMO (someone who goes through the motions) but remember that “champions finish strong”.

Preparation is key so between now and May 13th I am a simple cycling teacher and thought that I would become a better teacher if I learned how to ride a road bike; the “road” I have been on over the past five years has been unbelievable, from not knowing how to change the gears on my first used $300 Fuji (courtesy of my good friend Nelson of Strictly Bicycles fame) to being part of Gruppo Sportivo GFNY, leading the C Group training rides every Sunday morning with Heidi Broecking and meeting some really fantastic people. Davis Phinney, one of the pioneers of American road cycling and therefore a man to whom many American cyclists owe a huge debt of gratitude, when talking about how he placed fifth in the 1984 Olympics said “…that by obsessively and entirely focusing on the goal (the gold), I forgot to celebrate the process.” I tell those two stories because I believe that is your first and most important survival tactic – enjoy the ride! Gran Fondo is a cycling celebration; sure there are a lot of really great prizes but for most of us completing the ride 62

If you are riding the Medio Fondo, then consider riding the River Road segment, doing the Alpine climb, continue to Nyack, go up Old Mountain Road to Rockland Lake then come back through Nyack, stop for coffee and then ride 9W back to Strictly Bicycles. That will help you understand the climbing required in the Medio Fondo; there is absolutely no shame in walking a climb, it happens in pro races like Tour of Flanders all the time. Gran Fondo riders ought to do at least two of the climbs in one ride if they can, either the weekend of April 29th (3 weeks out) or the weekend of May 6th (2 weeks out). Please do your longest ride no later than May 6th (2 weeks out) and then begin to taper the length and intensity of your rides. Your Sunday, May 13th ride should be no longer than half the distance of your expected May 20th route.

Final Week Read the Rider Guide at least once each day so that you can absorb the ride. If last year’s guide is any indication it will be a really great read. Do not make any drastic changes to your eating habits thinking that you can try to “drop those last five pounds” the week before the ride so you can keep up with Wade Wegner on the climbs. Rest on Friday and Saturday. If you are riding Friday then that ride ought to be no more than 30% of your expected May 20th ride. Rest equals sleep. Friday evening, early to bed then nap on Saturday and get to bed as early as possible Saturday evening so that you can get up and eat breakfast two hours prior to the start time. If you want to ride on Thursday and/or Friday, short distance and low intensity; no more than 30% of your Sunday ride length.

Friday and Saturday Participate in NYC Bike Expo. I realize that you have to show up for your race packet and wristband however, if you can, set aside some time to visit our sponsors’ booths and see what they have to offer. There are so many great exhibitors and so many interesting people, don’t run in and out; it is a great place to learn a little bit more about some of the products that will help add to your passion for cycling. DO NOT STAY LATE – not everyone can be Joe Namath or Mario Cippolini! Try on your GFNY jersey along with the rest of your clothing and prepare your bike no later than Saturday morning, then check your bike Saturday evening two hours

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before you go to sleep – that will save the heartache of getting up and finding a deflated tire or some other issue that will distract you on Gran Fondo New York Sunday. Prepare all the items that will go in your back pockets – two tubes, CO2 and three cartridges, levers, our GFNY wallet with cell phone, ID, and cash (a $20, a $10, a $5 and 5 singles). Also, some snacks – I prefer real food like PBJ but high quality snacks like PowerBar work just fine. Give yourself time to get to the start line at least 45 minutes before the expected time. You will either get there early and have an opportunity to talk to other GFNY participants, take some photos and get rid of the butterflies OR something will happen to delay you and you will still get there on time.

feeling good there because you are on the ride home and it is almost literally downhill from there on!

on your knees and your head hanging down”; someone will help you or get someone for you.

Challenges

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If you are feeling tired, take 5 minutes to stop, rehydrate, eat something, stretch your legs and then carry on. Your interpretation of this feeling will determine your ability to continue – simply view it like this – you are the waiter, your body is the customer and your customer has just signaled you to refill their water glass and requested

What can I say – eat, drink and be merry! As I said in the GFNY interview – anyone who has ever thought of doing something special should sign up for this Gran Fondo; it will change your life forever!

some more bread – no issue, happens all the time, take it in stride and roll on after the 5 minute break.

ple who have made Gran Fondo New York a reality – Uli and Lidia for conceiving the idea and following through against sometimes painful odds, the sponsors who have generously supported the event, the partners who believed in GFNY, all of the supporters and volunteers who will line the roads, people like Nelson at Strictly Bicycles who have donated so much of themselves to help GFNY, the other seven members of Gruppo Sportivo GFNY and of course the 5,000 riders; the collective energy and spirit that you have thus far created and will continue to create on Gran Fondo New York Day is going to make a positive change in many people’s lives and help make the world a better place – Andiamo!

As Steve Jobs would say “just one more thing.” Thank you to all the peo-

During the Ride Be there no later than 5.30am. Stay hydrated, no matter the temperatures, carry two water bottles and refill at every rest stop so that you will always have more than enough fluids. If you can, try to drink the PowerBar Ironman Perform electrolyte drink, but do not experiment with a new nutrition plan on ride day. If you haven’t tried electrolytes prior to ride day, then mix water and PowerBar Ironman Perform – 50/50. Drink at least one bottle per hour, two if you can. Eat while you ride. If you can, prepare snacks for the ride and bring them with you that will save you from having to stop at the first aid station.

TAKE IT SLOW IN THE BEGINNING. Conserve some energy for later in the day, especially if you are participating in the Gran Fondo; the first two climbs, Buckberg and Bear Mountain are leg sappers but don’t be fooled into believing that once those two are under your belt you are home free because the next two climbs are challenging as well. You will be home free when you get back to the NJ side of State Line climb – start 64

Mechanical issues – pull over to the right out of the way of the thundering herd and see if it is something you can fix on your own. If so, fix the problem and then give it just a little bigger effort to make up some time. If not, signal for help – the ride is fully supported and someone will be by in a short time. Please be patient with yourself and the support team. Health issues – don’t be a hero (or heroine); if you start to have difficulties like cramps, dizziness, nausea, serious pain, etc – please pull over to the right and signal for help with the universally known “slump over with your elbows

Blue Ribbon Restaurants is proud to support Gran Fondo New York 2012

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Finish The ride finishes with spectacular Manhattan views at NY Waterway ferry lots in Weehawken, NJ, at the Hudson River (across 50th Street in Manhattan). The festivities begin right at the finish at 11am and end at 7pm. Delverde serves fresh pasta with Lucini sauce from the DELVERDE BUS. The pasta is also free for family members and fans.

Make sure you visit the booths of GFNY sponsors GIORDANA, PINARELLO, MAVIC, POWERBAR, DIADORA, TECHNOGEL, LIMAR, HIBROS, US PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE and STRAVA. GFNY provides free ferry transportation for riders, family members and friends between NYC and the festivities in Weehawken, NJ. The ferry leaves every 20 minutes from NY Waterway ferry terminal at 39th Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan and in Weehawken, NJ. The free service begins at 12pm and ends at 7pm. Trip duration is eight minutes. Outside this time window the cost is $9 per person per ride. Bikes are allowed. NY Waterway provides free bus service from Midtown Manhattan to the Manhattan ferry terminal. Bikes are not allowed on the buses. Please check the complete bus route map and schedule. http://www.nywaterway.com/BusStopsSchedules.aspx Any checked items must be picked up at the finish before 7pm or they will be donated to the Salvation Army. Pickup area for the cyclists is at the southern parking lot of the ferry, near Pershiang Road and Ferry Boulevard.

FERRY SCHEDULE Port Imperial / Weehawken

In addition, riders receive a choice of water or soda, a piece of fruit, Chobani Yogurt, Rebootizer drink and a bag of Immaculate Baking Co. Chocobilly cookies. Additional water to refill your bottle is available from coolers. PowerBar is providing every participant with their Recovery Bar. No alcohol consumption is permitted. The award ceremonies begin at 3pm with competition and raffle prizes. We begin with the overall winners and continue with age groups and teams. Raffle prizes will be given throughout the afternoon to riders present at the ceremony. We do not ship any prizes, you must be present to claim your prize.

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How fast do I have to ride? You can ride as fast as you want. However, the cut-off for completing the distance is 5.30pm which means you have 10.5 hours for the ride. This equals to approximately 10mph for the Gran Fondo and 6 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 on their own 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. Will there be restrooms at the start/finish and on the course? Yes, start/finish area and all aid stations are equipped with portapotties.

If I have a mechanical issue on the course, what do I do? We highly encourage all participants to have basic safety and repair skills, and in particular fixing a flat tire. Bring your own pump and extra tubes for your bike. However, if you are still unable to make the repair, rolling mechanical support vehicles will be drving along the route throughout the day. Should you need assistance, a bus will take you to the finish line. Please note that the wait for assistance and/or a ride 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t want to be disqualified. Are there specific rules to avoid DQ? There are a few actions that would result in disqualification. The big 4 to keep in mind : 1) DO NOT LITTER 2) USE PROVIDED TOILETS 3) RIDE THE DESIGNATED COURSE 4) BE COURTEOUS TO EVENT STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, SPECTATORS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS. There are no refunds given to disqualified participants.

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 this 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, move off the road and wait at the shoulder of the road until a mechanic or SAG 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 needs help, when you get to the next police officer or volunteer, report that you saw a stopped cyclist and their approximate location, they will call for an ambulance.

If I need medical assistance, 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 able to call 911 in case of emergency. 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.

I never rode in a large group before. What do I have to be concerned about? Group riding is faster because 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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 route you want to ride. I signed up for Medio Fondo New York, can I instead race the Gran Fondo? No.

When does registration for Gran Fondo New York 2013 open? Gran Fondo New York 2013 will take place on May 19. Registration for 2013 opens the morning after GFNY 2012: Monday, May 21, 2012 at 9am ET. Visit www.granfondony.eventbrite.com. The registration fee for the first week, until 5/27 at 11:55pm ET, will be an ultra-low $190. Take advantage of GFNYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lowest possible entry fee by registering early.

When and where do I find the King and Queen of Mountain results? We are announcing the winners at the awards ceremony at 3pm and the full results will be online 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.

GRUPPO SPORTIVO

LIDIA FLUHME Lidia is a 7-time Ironman Hawaii finisher with an Ironman PR of 10:22. In 2011 she discovered that she can also kick butt in a race that doesn’t involve swimming or running (just ask Fausto Pinarello). Lidia’s love for all things NYC run deep, she’s a New Yorker of over 20 years. Her resume includes investment banking, modeling and an MBA from NYU, now Lidia runs Gran Fondo New York smooth like butter.

ULI FLUHME Uli is looking back at 15 years of Gran Fondo experience. Having grown up as a pure road racer, he briefly competed at Ironman triathlon professionally (PR: 8:59). After five years as an attorney at a financial institution, he thought it was time to move on and put his two favorite things together: Gran Fondo and New York.

HEIDI BROECKING Heidi takes the cycling world in storm. The designer, mother and yoga teacher lives in the quaint town of Nyack, a staple for New York cyclists. There’s no doubt she has the largest fan contingency along the GFNY route. Yoga has taught her to understand her body and become a better cyclist in the process.If you see someone shooting down Bear Mountain aside Kermit the Frog while singing Aerosmith’s “Crazy” as a duet, chances are that’s Heidi.

GRANT JOHNSON Grant’s enthusiasm is highly contagious, he has a fun larger than life personality full of Brooklyn flavor. When Grant isn’t crunching numbers as an accountant, he’s collecting things, right now he’s into Starbucks cards. A perfect day for Grant would be a ride on the GFNY route on a beautiful summer day with Mark Cavendish. He would beat Cav at the finishline sprint and celebrate the win with the GFNY podium girls

VITO VALENTINI Vito surrounds himself by women, he’s the general manager of Aurora Women’s Fitness in Ridgefield, NJ. Vito’s passion is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. It’s no wonder that he is referred to as the Human Potential Catalyst. Get ready to see a lot of Vito on the snowy, icy days that prevent us from riding outdoors: Vito invites the GFNY group riders into Aurora’s indoor studio for a training ride. Both genders welcome!

WADE WEGNER Wade likes to go fast. Really fast. He prefers to let his legs do the talking. But that doesn’t stop him from waiving a friendly hello to other riders as he passes by. If you get a chance to keep up with him to ask what he does when he’s not on the bike or saving companies from disasters as a professional risk manager, he’ll say: “Is there anything but riding?”

HAYDEN JUDD Hayden is an import from Down Under (Napier, New Zealand). He’s an avid racer but prefers the wide open roads of a Gran Fondo over racing loops in parks or industrial areas. Perfect day on the bike? A 115 mile loop in his native New Zealand with Formula 1 racer Jensen Button. In real life he runs a Creative Agency that serves families in editing and organizing videos and photos. Sorry ladies, this well rounded Kiwi has been snatched off the market by lovely Hayley in 2011.

PAUL LEBONITTE Paul is a lover of all things cycling: he follows the pro sport as much as he enjoys coaching others and racing himself. Ask him about his latest trips to the US Pro Cycling Challenge or to Belgium where he raced at the Amateur World Champs. Before getting into cycling in 1996, Paul was an avid golfer. His favorite cycling spots are River Road, the high mountains of Colorado, Northern Italy and the Bavaria/Austrian countryside.

SEE YOU AT

MAY 19

2013 Registration opens >> May 21, 2012 9AM ET granfondony.com