Sunday June 19, 2011

What is a Gran Fondo?

• “Gran Fondo” means “Big Ride” in Italian

• Gran Fondos are NOT a race; they are mass participation bicycling event for cyclists of all abilities

• Gran Fondos are an Italian Tradition– Celebrations of Food, Community, Culture &

Bicycling – Events include pre- and post-ride parties, expos, gifts,

prizes for the athletes, and a memorable experience for everyone!

History of Gran Fondos

• Held Weekly in Europe for decades– Also called Cyclosportifs or Cyclosportives

• Relatively new to US– Gran Fondo San Diego (March 2009)– Levi's Gran Fondo (October 2009)– Univest Grand Prix Cyclosportif • September 1999

• Next Big Thing!

Our Objectives• Establish an exciting & memorable American

Gran Fondo tradition in Boulder County

• Deliver an event with an unmistakable Italian theme including Italian foods, signage and flair!

• Provide powerful retail tie-ins for local business

• Promote the positive health & social benefits of bicycling

• Benefit local chapters of our charity partners

• Promote Boulder County as a bicycling destination• Evolve into a popular annual event

Why Boulder County?

• Strong Cycling Community• Proximity to major Metropolitan Areas• Many Historical & Tourism Opportunities• Terrain is conducive to a Gran Fondo

The Event• Friday

– Package Pick-up and Registration at Local Store– Informal dinner (optional)

• Saturday– Expo & Package Pick-up/On-site Registration (Late AM/Early PM) – Meet & Greet with Celebrity Riders – VIP Dinner (Local Restaurant)– Informal dinner (optional)

• Sunday- Expo & Package Pick-up/On-site Registration - The rides- Expo & Hospitality

The Ride

• 3 Distances - Gran Fondo ca 101 miles

- Medio Fondo ca 65 miles - Family Fondo ca 7 miles

Sponsors

• Title Sponsor: Fi’zi:k– An Italian producer of bicycling products

• Other Sponsors: To Be Announced

Charity Partner

The Just Go Harder Foundation is a youth scholarship fund that enables deserving kids to enrich their lives through mentorship and participation in cycling and skiing. Cycling and skiing are unique sports in that they are both very individual sports, yet success can only happen with a strong team. Participation in these sports teaches a variety of skills that young athletes can use both in sport and for the rest of their lives. The mission of the Just Go Harder Foundation is to provide dreams, goals, and a path for kids through cycling and skiing. The Just Go Harder Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization.

Local Partnership Opportunities• Commercial– Host Hotel(s) & Restaurants– Rental Cars– Expo, Event, & Party Rentals/Services– Parking– Sanitation– Vendors & Exhibiters

• Civic– Volunteers & Staffing– Free Admission to Expo & Festivities– Participation in Ride– Expo Space

Partnership Benefits• Direct Revenue Opportunities– Vendor– Expo on-site sales

• PR & Marketing Opportunities– Press Conferences– Print Ads– Event Signage– Media Coverage– Website Presence & Links

Participation & Drivers

• 1500 Riders (Year 1)- Manageable Limit for first year event- Significant growth thereafter

• Unique Event & Atmosphere• Exclusive Access Opportunities• Celebrity Attendees– Pro Cyclists– Local Celebrities

• Local & National Media Push

Partnership with Communities• Endorsement & Placement on Local Calendars• Assistance in Identifying & Securing Suitable

Venues• Liaison in Securing Required Permits & Municipal

Services• Assistance in Identifying Potential Municipal,

Community, and Commercial Partners• Feedback on Routes to– Showcase Area– Minimize Impact on Residents

Summary• Fun Event• Professionally Organized• Promotes Healthy Lifestyle• Showcases Local Points of Interest• Generates Significant Local Revenue– Attracts Tourism– Promotes Local Business• Funded by Participants & Sponsors• Minimal Impact on Community & Municipal

Services