(Editor’s note: This event took place in May 2013 but I’m writing this in September 2023. Why wait 10 years I hear you ask? Well, I’ve just ridden the Gran Fondo Maryland, another similar event, which reminded me about this New York one. So I found the old photos in a dusty Facebook album and decided to post them here. 10 years between Gran Fondos! Hopefully, it won’t be as long until the next one 😉)
Event: Gran Fondo New York Distance: 105 miles Ascent: 7,000ft ascent Time: 6 hrs 56 mins Position: 840th overall out of 5,000 cyclists Age Category Position: 280th in the 18 – 39 category
The route began in Manhattan, well, the middle of the Hudson to be precise, on the George Washington bridge. From there we headed upriver along the banks of the Hudson, up to Bear Mountain State Park for an out-and-back up the mountain. Then we followed a more inland route over rolling hills on the return back to the finish at the Weehawken waterfront park.
New York baby! 🥳Signing in on the day before the raceChecking out the route, but ignoring the spiky course profile for now 😎4am alarm call to get to the start line. Still smiling and no idea how cold it would be!The race starts from the middle of the iconic George Washington BridgeIt was freezing cold waiting for the race to begin. I totally underestimated it!Wave after wave of green clad cyclists early in the raceDid I mention that the weather was grim that day? Looking back down the Hudson in the direction we started earlier that morning.Nature callsThe roads around Bear Mountain State Park were awesome, especially in the misty conditionsA crowd at the top of Bear Mountain! The energy and enthusiasm of the day were awesome!Proof I made it!Descending Bear MountainSuper fun (and cold) descent
I appear to be going the wrong way! Bear Mountain ascent/descent was an out-and-back, so people were on the way up as I went down.
Somehow still smiling, maybe because I know the finish is closeThe finish line! Raining a wee bit.
It was hammering down as I finished
Official photo crossing the finishI was so cold at this point. Shivering uncontrollably. But still smiling! Fantastic day on the bike!Finishers swagThe edible finishers swag.
Ben Collins Outdoors 
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