MAR
15
2025
Gran Fondo / Merced, California
Merced
Ride with George Hincapie for a true gravel cycling experience through the rolling hills and open grasslands of California’s Central valley. Our first West Coast Gran Fondo Hincapie starts in the heart of Merced, CA and takes you on an epic adventure into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Celebrate your adventure afterwards at our family festival, with free food and beverage.
IMPORTANT COURSE INFO:
Our course travels through beautiful California ranchlands but please keep in mind that while you are on public roads, the land on either side is private ranchland.
Please help us respect the ranchers that have been so helpful in making this event happen by staying on public roadways and off private ranch property. While on ranch roads, please keep moving unless you have an emergency.
It is also important to note that you may encounter ranch cattle while on course. Under no circumstances should cattle be touched, harassed, approached, or used as a selfie backdrop. Please enjoy viewing these beautiful creatures from your bike as you ride along.
TIRE RECOMENDATION:
We recommend 38c or larger tires with at least a semi-slick tread for our Gran Fondo Hincapie-Merced courses.
Free Event Jersey
Free Timing Chip
Fully Stocked Rest Stops
SAG Support
Participation Medal and Photo
Rides /
Choose From 3 Different courses
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. CHOOSE YOUR RIDE. START TRAINING.
Stunning views, challenging climbs, fast descents, and a whole lot of gravel await our Gran cyclists!
All the dirt and all the drama a good gravel ride should have. You will tackle 5 climbs but its gonna feel like 10. We know you are coming back because misery loves company. 84 miles with 45 miles of gravel.
SAFETY NOTES: This course has been designed to be ridden on a gravel or cyclocross bike. Riders can participate on a mountain bike and will enjoy the rider range of gearing for climbs and increased comfort on descents. We do not recommend the use of a road bike on this course.
Additionally, we want to emphasize that these courses are going through private ranch land. Much of this land is active, free range cattle-grazing property. It is important that we all respect the land owners and do not ride through any gated part of the course except on event day.
Stunning views, a monster climb, and a ton of gravel await our Medio cyclists!
a. Half the climbs, half the elevation, all the fun the Gran has to offer. Dip your toe into gravel riding with this inaugural event. 61 miles with 50% of it on gravel.
*We really want to emphasize that these courses are going through private ranch land. Much of this land is active free range cattle grazing property. It is important that we all respect the land owners and do not ride any gated part of the course except on ride day.
A fun course that features manageable challenges is what we have on tap for our Piccolo Family Fun Ride participants!
The Piccolo Family Run Ride will be a 15 course with more details coming soon! Kid friendly or perfect for your first group or ride experience.
There are no awards given out for top finishers on this course, but we will raffle off a few prizes for all Piccolo finishers (must be present at the Awards Ceremony to win).
Plan Your Trip /
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Welcome to Merced, CA
The Ultimate gravel cycling event comes to Merced, CA. Located in the heart of California’s agricultural Central Valley, Merced is the region’s hub for education, culture, and business. The community offers abundant shopping, pleasant neighborhoods and tree-lined streets.
Visit Merced
Getting Here
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest airport to Merced at around an hour drive. However, you'll probably find more flight options flying into San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC) which are each about a 2 hour drive. Be sure to factor in traffic when driving in from these heavily populated areas.
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Where to Stay
Stay for the weekend and discover the many virtues of this charming small town environment that make Merced known as a "City on the Rise." We've partnered with the local El Capitan Hotel, conveniently located around the corner from the start/finish of the ride.
Book a RoomBecome a Volunteer /
Riding the bike isn't your thing?
We love hosting volunteers as much as we love hosting riders. Spend time hanging out with awesome people while passing out rider packets, handing out finishing medals or helping set up – among other things. We’ve got plenty of ways to help and plenty of time slots to fit your schedule. All our volunteers receive a FREE t-shirt along with a rider pack that includes swag from our sponsors! Visit our signup page and find something that works for you!
Become a VolunteerEvent Photos
Gran Fondo / Merced, California
Merced
Don't miss your chance to ride with the pros!
Event Details
Location: Merced, CA
Date: March 14 - 15 2025
All Made Possible By Our Partners
Presenting Partners
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Official Eyewear Partner
Official Nutrition Partners
Official Recovery Partner
Official Bicycle Safety Partner
Official Beverage Sponsor
Supporting Partners
