~Proceeds To Benefit USO/Wounded Warriors and Promises 2 Kids Foundation~
Organizers of the Giro di San Diego Gran Fondo have announced dates and opened registration for their second annual event. The two-day celebration of cycling, food, and San Diego’s North Coast will be held September 7 and 8, 2013 in the shoreline town of Solana Beach, California.
“We’re getting ready for an epic weekend, in which we expect to double attendance and attract numerous international participants,” said Tobias Panek, the event’s owner. “Our inaugural event was featured in the Italian magazine, “GranFondo”.
I’m truly impressed with the support that we’ve received from Solana Beach and I’m proud to be supporting Wounded Warriors and Promises 2 Kids Foundation.”
The Giro di San Diego features five different cycling events, including mountain bike courses of 10 and 30 miles and three road riding options: 35, 66, and 106 miles. It is held in the tradition of Italian Gran Fondos, which are semi-competitive, long-distance bicycle rides. While it caters primarily to casual riders, it offers VIP entry to professional racers in both disciplines. All rides are scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2013.
As in 2012, the 106-mile “Gran Fondo” route of the Giro di San Diego is the only local event to feature a timed climb up the South Grade of Mount Palomar. Often compared to France’s Alpe d’Huez, Palomar is a fabled climb with that has been featured twice in the Tour of California bicycle race. Summiting at 5,240’, it is the preferred route for 50% of Giro attendees. Also scheduled for Saturday, September 7 is the Super Tasty 5K, a unique restaurant walk
featuring numerous Solana Beach eateries. The Bike and Fitness Expo, with the ambience of a Southern California street fair, will be held on both the 7th and 8th.
“I have big visions for the Giro di San Diego,” confessed Panek, whose inspiration for the event stems from participation in numerous Gran Fondos in Italy and other major cycling events that he has managed, including the Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego, which is held in April. “From our charity tie-in, to finding ways to involve the community, to welcoming international cyclists and enjoying the gorgeous cycling that’s available here, the Giro will deliver.”
For more information on the Giro di San Diego Gran Fondo, please visit girodisandiego.com.
