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Gran Fondo Scotland Summer Edition

5.0 · 1 review

Stirling Castle, Stirling and Falkirk

Stirling Castle, Stirling, UK

Sun 16th June 2019

Starting at 08:00

Organiser's Description

Whether it's with old or new friends, challenge yourself on either of our two great courses - 88km and 120km - which are electronically chip-timed from start to finish. Departing from the historic Stirling Castle, riders will head out towards the Lake of Menteith, before taking on the awesome Dukes Pass climb. Enjoy our feed stations along the way and marvel at the beauty of the Trossachs National Park, before heading back towards Stirling and our finish area, where you can enjoy our Gran Fondo Pasta Party Celebration and entertainment, all included in your entry fee. Although this is a non-competitive event, to bring an authentic Italian feel, we will have signposted Strava based KOMs, where you can test yourself on the day, should you wish.

The route of Gran Fondo Scotland takes inspiration from the beautiful sweeping roads around the lakes of Italy, the challenging short but steep gradients of Belgium, and the steady but long climbs of France.

Races

  • Medio Fondo 88 Km

    £35.00

    CLOSED
  • Gran Fondo 120 Km

    £36.00

    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 88 Km

    £35.00

    CLOSED
  • Gran Fondo 120 Km

    £36.00

    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

Stirling Castle, Castle Esplanade, Stirling, Scotland FK8 1EJ

How To Get There

By Rail: Stirling is about 35 minutes from Glasgow (Queen Street Station) and 50 minutes Edinburgh (Haymarket and Waverley stations) with three direct services an hour from Glasgow and two from Edinburgh, which are both key interchanges for the rest of the UK national rail network. There are also direct services to London, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness. For timetables go to travelinescotland.com or call Traveline on 0870 608 2608.

Stirling Station is on Goosecroft Road near the city centre. The castle can be reached on foot by bus or taxi. www.scotrail.co.uk

By Bus/Coach: There is an hourly non-stop coach service from Glasgow and Edinburgh, taking 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively, as well as regular bus services to Scottish cities and towns like St Andrews and Perth. The modern bus station, which has a café and left luggage lockers, is open Mon-Sat 06.30-22.00 Sun 10.00-18.00.

For timetables go to travelinescotland.com or call Traveline 0870 608 2608 or Stirling Bus Station 01786 446474.

By Road: Stirling is linked to Scotland’s motorway and trunk road network including the M9/A9 to Edinburgh, Perth and Inverness and the M80 to Glasgow.

By Bicycle: There are bicycle racks at the Castle.

Parking

Parking on Stirling Castle Esplanade is currently restricted and often reaches capacity, please allow plenty of time to park, and use alternative parking and public transport options wherever possible. See Stirling City Parking Guide for nearby parking and map.

Stirling Castle Car Park is not available for parking.

Course Details

120km Gran Fondo: Departing from Stirling Castle riders will head out towards the Lake of Menteith before taking on the Dukes Pass climb. You will ride on through the Trossachs National Park before heading back towards Stirling. 4065ft of elevation gain.

88km Medio Fondo: Departing from Stirling Castle, this is a shorter route towards the Lake of Menteith. Riders can still challenge themselves on the Dukes Pass climb and admire the beauty of the Trossachs before heading back towards Stirling. 2386ft of elevation gain.

These courses take inspiration from the sweeping roads around the lakes of Italy, the challenging short but steep gradients of Belgium, and the steady but long climbs of France.

Event Details

Registration: Stirling Castle, Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ
Registration Option A: Saturday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Registration Option B: Sunday 06:00am - 7:00am

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, which both must be attached to your bike with the cable ties provided.

Arrive at holding area at Stirling Castle no later than 7.00am

Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult on the ride

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

Verified Purchase

A 'verified' purchase review means that we've verified that the person writing the review purchased their entry to this race on findarace.com.

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5.0

1 review

MC
Marc

·4 years ago

One of the best....(of any type of race). This was my first ever Gran Fondo and to say I was nervous is an understatement. From start to finish the organisers had done an amazing job. The start from Stirling Castle and a piper was amazing and it made you feel special. The route was extremely well marked out with so many marshalls guiding you but also every marshall was cheering you on too. Devils Hill was just brutal and I mean brutal but worth it alone for the view at the top then the Devil himself at the bottom...BRILLIANT!! The Finish was fantastic with a superb wee village and the pasta was just perfect. If you're ever looking to do your first ever bike race, I couldn't recommend this one high enough, superb!!!
Thank you for the very kind words Marc! If you’re looking for more and can’t wait until next year we have our Autumn Classic on September 29th which starts at the iconic Kelpies in Falkirk. The route is completely different from the Stirling event yet still very beautiful and challenging with the Pasta Party awaiting you at the end. We’re also happy to let you know that our very own devil will also be making a special appearance ;) Hope to see you there!
GF
Gran Fondo Scotland
Thanks for the feedback, here's a link to the Autumn Classic mentioned above: https://findarace.com/events/gran-fondo-scotland-autumn-classic Enjoy the race (and the pasta)!
findarace.com (UK)

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Location

Stirling Castle, Stirling and Falkirk

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