Tag Archives: gran fondo

Do your part giving back to the cycling community you enjoy

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Giving back to the trails, paths, roads and events you enjoy is a great way to stockpile some good karma and it’s fun! There are countless ways to give back to your cycling community. For example, you can volunteer to support rides, clean up a trail system, build a trail, support a high school cycling program, or help repair bikes for new riders. Read on for some more details.

Giving back to your cycling community by trail building

There are thousands of trails throughout the U.S. and they all need help to stay ride-able. Specifically, repairing places where rain water creates ruts and removes soil. As a result, water damages trails even if riders, hikers, and horses aren’t using them. As a result of this damage, user groups meet to do regular trail work to combat the deterioration of local trails and paths. IMBA (The International Mountain Biking Association) has training programs that teach groups how to keep trails in pristine shape. However, If you are looking for something more immediate, track down a local group, pick up a shovel or rake, and help with the next trail day.

If you are looking for a few other great ways of giving back, IMBA has a concise list.

Volunteer to support others

There is always a need for volunteers at bicycle events. Because of that need, many events offer exceptional perks to anyone donating their time. Examples are; being able to earn free entrance into the Bike New York ride, getting preferential registration position to enter into Ironman races that quickly fill up and meeting professional cyclists at Gran Fondo events. Moreover, the largest perk in giving back is helping your fellow riders have a great time.

Volunteer to lead others

Join a local club and host a ride! Use your love of cycling to teach others a great new route, new trail, or where to stop for the world’s best doughnut. If you haven’t ever lead a group ride, learn the basics here.

Get kids into riding

There are amazing people out there who have dedicated limitless hours to getting new riders on bikes. Two groups that come to mind are Free Bikes 4 Kidz and Trips for Kids. Both have placed thousands of bicycles into the hands of underprivileged kids. Additionally, Trips for Kids also offers rides and training for young cyclists. Check out the overview of each below.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a non-profit organization geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need. The public donates gently used bikes and thousands of volunteers clean them, refurbish them, and then then give them away to kids in need. To date, over 32,000 bikes have been given away.

Trips for Kids Started out as a California dream with a handful of volunteers. Trips for Kids has grown into a national movement with over 75 independent chapters running the Trail Rides program.

Keep kids riding

The fastest growing sport in high school athletics is mountain biking. The organization spearheading this movement is The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA for short). The NICA Volunteer Program is your opportunity to be a part of the high school cycling movement! NICA is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to help with a variety of tasks necessary to promote its programs. Tasks can include calling or mailing campaigns, research, data upkeep, event preparation and execution, and much more. Some volunteer opportunities can even be completed from home.

Get Started Giving Back to Your Cycling Community

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Giving back to the trails, paths, roads and events you enjoy is a great way to stockpile some good karma and it’s fun! There are countless ways to give back. For example, you can volunteer to support rides, clean up a trail system, build a trail, support high school athletes, and get bikes for new riders. Read on for some more details.

Giving back by trail building and clean up

If you are looking for a few other great ways of giving back, IMBA has a concise list.

Volunteer to support others

There is always a need for volunteers at bicycle events. Because of that need, many events offer exceptional perks to anyone donating their time. Examples are; being able to earn free entrance into the Bike New York ride, getting preferential registration position to enter into Ironman races that quickly fill up, and meeting professional cyclists at Gran Fondo events. Moreover, the largest perk in giving back is helping your fellow riders have a great time.

Volunteer to lead others

Get kids into riding

Trips for Kids Started out as a California dream with a handful of volunteers. Trips for Kids has grown into a national movement with over 75 independent chapters running the Trail Rides program.

Keep kids riding

Join the Fun May 6th, the Twin Cities Fulton Gran Fondo

from Tucker Gerrick, Fulton Brewery

Join the fun at the 4th annual Fulton Gran Fondo, an event of bikes, bands, and beer. Both the long and medium routes depart in the morning of May 6th from the Fulton Production Brewery, in northeast Minneapolis. This year, both the 100 mile “Gran” and the shorter 45-50 mile “Medio” Fondo will be offered. The Gran Fondo starts at 9:00 am and the Medio starts at 11:00 am. A free block party begins from 1:00 pm until 9:00pm and is open to all. One highlight of the days activities includes the unveiling of a Session IPA, called Hopstar. Plus, Fulton’s favorite brews and the “Highplains Grifter” beer cocktail will be returning.

While still working on building in 2014, what is now our Northeast Minneapolis production brewery (as if we didn’t have enough to do already), we came up with the idea of putting together a bike ride. More specifically, a century ride with a celebration at the finish line. Many of us were and continue to be avid cyclists. Our taproom in downtown Minneapolis was a frequent stopover for many of those commuting to/from work and has continued to be a weekend destination for those on a bike. Partnering with our friends at All-City Cycles, we also created the All-City X Fulton cyclo-cross team. Now fancying ourselves not only a bike friendly brand, but also a bike forward part of the community.

In Its First Year Fulton’s Gran Fondo Was a Surprising Success

The first year of the Fulton Grand Fondo, we had hoped (between staff, friends and family) to get a couple hundred riders. Much to our surprise, we ended up with 600 cyclists who registered. We quickly learned how passionate, dedicated and fun our new cycling (and drinking) buddies were. We called the day a success and promised to do it again.

Fast forward three years and we’re proudly hosting our 4th annual Fulton Gran Fondo. In the past few years, we’ve added a Medio (45-50 mile) route. We have also built up an incredibly dynamic and entertaining block party to welcome everyone back at the end of the Fondo. We’ve donated thousands of dollars to local charitable partners, while never going thirsty making it happen. At the block party this year, we’re excited to announce the launch of a brand new beer, Hopstar, which will be served alongside Fulton’s other favorites like Lonely Blonde, Sweet Child of Vine, 300 Mosaic IPA, and our Standard Lager.

Registration for this year’s ride is open through the end of April and you can sign up for either the 50 or 100 mile route by following this link. For those who are out to cheer on the riders, are on the injured list, or simply just want to relax that day, we’ve got you covered too.

Shortly After the Medio Fondo Takes Off the Free Block Party Begins

The Fulton Gran Fondo block party is free to attend and begins a few short hours after the first mass start. This year’s musical lineup is the finest we’ve created yet featuring: Catbath, RLGDPPL, Posh Lost, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Monica LaPlante and Dem Atlas. Plus, “Camp Fondo,” a Minnesota Chef Camp, will provide a curated space for food, activities, and a selection of Fulton’s community partners for all to enjoy.

We hope you’ll join us Saturday, May 6th to celebrate cycling, good food, and great beer at the Fulton Gran Fondo.