This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Add a reviewGran Fondo Scotland Autumn Classic
The Kelpies, Falkirk, Stirlingshire
The Kelpies, Grangemouth, Falkirk, UKSun 29th September 2019
Starting at 08:00
Organiser's Description
We have 2 stunning route choices available with the iconic Kelpies in Falkirk as our Grand Depart in this digital chip timed event. With "Italian Panache", participants will enjoy a post ride Pasta Party inside our Pasta Party marquee with food, entertainment and music all inclusive of your entry fee.
*Gran Fondo highlights - Take in the beauty of the Carron Valley before challenging yourself on the Crow Road and Tak Ma Doon climbs.
*Medio Fondo highlights - Hugging the outskirts of the Carron Valley, take in the beautiful quiet roads on our slightly shorter, flatter route option.
What's Included:
Post event Pasta Party with food and entertainment.
Bagpiper send off at the Kelpies Grand Depart.
Digital chip timing system.
Feed stations on route with electrolyte drink, water, bananas, pastries and more!
Goodie bag for each participant.
Bike mechanic support.
GPX file of route.
Well signposted route.
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK option available.
Races
-
Medio Fondo 86 Km
£35.00
CLOSED -
Gran Fondo 12 7km
£35.00
CLOSED -
Gran Fondo Jersey Bundle
Includes Entry Into Gran Fondo Summer (120 Km), Gran Fondo Autumn (127 Km), and the Official Gran Fondo Scotland Jersey
£99.98
CLOSED
Book
-
Medio Fondo 86 Km
£35.00
CLOSED -
Gran Fondo 12 7km
£35.00
CLOSED -
Gran Fondo Jersey Bundle
Includes Entry Into Gran Fondo Summer (120 Km), Gran Fondo Autumn (127 Km), and the Official Gran Fondo Scotland Jersey
£99.98
CLOSED
What's Included
- Iconic start location.
- Well stocked feed stations along the route.
- GPS file of the event.
- Well signposted route.
- Signposted Strava timed sections.
- Digital chip timing.
- Mechanical support before and during the event.
- First aid and safety provision around the course.
- Toilet facilities at event HQ.
- Service support vehicle on course.
- Bagpiper send off.
- Print at home certificate of your finishing time.
- Print at home finish line photos.
- Food and entertainment post event at our Pasta Party.
- Fundraising.
- Choice of 2 routes.
Location
The Kelpies, The Helix, Falkirk, Stirlingshire FK2 7ZT
How To Get There
The Helix Park is located around 19 miles from Edinburgh and 35 miles from Glasgow airports.
By Car
- From Edinburgh - take the M9 towards Stirling, exit at Junction 5 for Falkirk/Grangemouth and then follow the brown tourism signs to Helix Park and Kelpies
- From Glasgow - take the M80 towards Stirling, exit at Junction 8 for M876 and join M9, exit at Junction 6 for Falkirk/Grangemouth and then follow the brown tourism signs to `Helix Park and Kelpies`
- From Carlisle and the South - M74, M73, M80, M876, M9, and follow the signs for Falkirk as above.
- From Perth and the North - A9, M9 towards Edinburgh, exit at Junction 6 for Falkirk as above.
By Train
There are 2 main train stations in Falkirk that are close to The Helix: Falkirk High (3 miles) and Falkirk Grahamston ( 2 miles). There are multiple routes to these stations from all over Scotland including:
- Edinburgh to Falkirk High (25 minutes)
- Edinburgh to Falkirk Grahamston (35 minutes).
- Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk High (20 minutes)
- Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston (50 minutes)
- Stirling to Falkirk Grahamston (15 minutes)
- London direct to Falkirk Grahamston (5 hours) or via Edinburgh or Glasgow
- There are also services to Polmont Station, Larbert Station and Camelon Stations which are all close by
By Bus
From Falkirk High Station: Join the First Bus Number 2 for Bo'ness at Slammanan Road approx 2 minutes walk from the rail station. This bus will stop on Falkirk Road opposite Falkirk Stadium (watch out for the pink bus stop) this stop is the side entrance to the Helix Park.
For more information please visit the First Bus website or call First Bus on 01324 602200.
Parking
Helix Car Park (small 78 space car park as you enter the Park)
Kelpies Car Park (175 space car park near The Kelpies and Visitor Centre). The Kelpies Car Park is closed at 10pm each night with no egress until 8am.
Both car parks fill up early in the morning, so to avoid long delays we recommend you park at Falkirk Stadium and enjoy the walk through The Helix to The Kelpies. This car park is unavailable on match days.
Event Details
Registration: The Falkirk Stadium
Registration Option A: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Registration Option B: Sunday 07:30am - 8:00am.
Registration must be done in person as you must sign the start sheet to enable you to start and confirm that you have collected your rider number and chip - both must be attached to your bike with the cable ties provided. Rider numbers should be attached to your bike handlebars.
Start line: The Kelpies, Falkirk (1km from event parking)
Finish line: The Falkirk Stadium
FAQs
What is a Gran Fondo?
A Gran Fondo is a type of long-distance road cycling event of at least 120 kilometres (75 mi) long originating in Italy and roughly translates into English as 'Big Ride'. The starts are done en masse, and the format allows for riders of every level to participate, much like a marathon, where most participants are competing against the clock instead of other participants. Traditionally a large meal is served to the participants at the end of the event.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Fill out our contact form.
Are there lockers/storage facilities at the event?
There are no facilities to store your bike, bag or valuables at the event. All items left in vehicles are left at the owner's risk. There will be limited bike racks available at the finish area but you are advised to lock your bikes and they will be left at your own risk.
Are there shower/changing facilities at the event?
There are no showers or changing facilities at the event, however, there are event toilets available and the finish area. However, we recommend that you arrive to the event wearing your cycling kit and bring warm clothes for after the event.
Do I need to pay for my pasta after the event?
Absolutely not, your hot pasta is included in your entry fee!
WHAT TO BRING
- ID and note of emergency contact information on riders at all times
- Food and energy drink (although there are feed stations en route)
- Money/Credit or Debit Card
- Phone
- Small tool kit, saddle bag, pump and tubes (although there is mechanical support en route)
- Helmet, bike, shoes
- Weather appropriate clothing
- GPX device or phone with maps
MEDICAL SUPPORT St Andrews First Aid will be providing medical cover for minor first aid and will be in a mobile vehicle on the route. There is also a dedicated first aid station at the event finish. Please alert an event marshal or dial 07854580349 if you or another participant require minor medical assistance. However, in case of emergency please dial 999.
MECHANICAL SUPPORT Please ensure that you bring with you a small pump, saddle bag, tool kit including tyre levers and inner tubes. We have mechanical support / broom wagon for more serious mechanical issues. Riders experiencing such issues should call 07854580349 and wait for assistance.
PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs taken on the day will be shared on the Gran Fondo Scotland website and Facebook page. If you have any images from the day please share them on social media using the hashtag #GFS or #granfondoscotland.
HIGHWAY CODE Gran Fondo Scotland is a non competitive event. As this is an open road sportive, all participants must obey the Highway Code and abide by the Road Traffic Act. Helmets are mandatory and although there is mechanical support on the route you should ensure that you bring spare inner tubes, water, snacks and money for emergencies. Riders should ensure that they are able to ride at a minimum average speed of 10mph and can complete the event by 3.30pm to enjoy the Pasta Party where we will have music and food for you after the event.clothing and front and rear lights are also recommended.
SIGNAGE AND MARSHALS The event will be fully signed and marshals will be present at all right turns and throughout the course. Cycle event signs will also be placed around the route at junctions and key locations to advise other road users of the event.
ROUTE SAFETY INFORMATION Once the riders pass the start line, the normal rules of the road apply. Riders should be take caution on the descent from the castle as it is a cobbled surface followed by a tight left turn down Ballengeich Road. Riders should always be aware of surroundings as some of the road surfaces are uneven and contain potholes. Areas that require particular attention have been highlighted throughout the route.
PASTA PARTY The Pasta Party will commence from 12:00PM, however, pasta will be made throughout the day thereafter based on the rider finishing times. Riders should remove their rider number from their bike after the event and exchange the number for their pasta at the Pasta Party.
RIDER FINISHING TIMES
Rider finishing times will be displayed on the event website after the event.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a review