The streets of the northern suburbs may acquire an Italian accent and atmosphere this weekend, as Roswell hosts the Gran Fondo Italia, an international cycling event, and the first of its kind for Georgia.
Please remember the three-foot law and make room, at least arm’s length, for the groups of two abreast bicyclists, as they wind, cruise and climb roads from Roswell City Hall, through Milton, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Jasper, and back again.
Most metro area recreational and amateur bicycle enthusiasts already know about the Gran Fondo Italia coming to town and have registered to participate, but for those out of the biking loop, here’s the inside track.
Gran Fondo roughly translates to “big ride,” and they are the mass start, long distance, recreational and competitive, cycling festivals that have become a tradition in Italy. Italian passion for such sport began before the turn of the last century, with the founding of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the pink sports newspaper that organized races and created competitions and championships comprised of colorful characters and legendary flavor.
Although Gran Fondos are not races, the perception is that whenever cyclists ride side by side, they succumb to a competitive spirit, even if it’s simply a personal quest against the course.
There are three course routes ranging in distance and difficulty, and offering cyclists of all skill levels an opportunity to experience the challenge, camaraderie and fun of Italian style group rides.
All courses begin and end at Roswell City Hall, and follow the same routes, but the mid-level course of 64 miles takes riders to Yellow Creek Trail, while those on the 106 mile route keep going, all the way to Burnt Mountain where they compete in the Gran Premio della Montagna climbing challenge, a timed event with several categories of winners.
The expected 1,500 participants, ranging in age from teens to 79, and coming from 23 states and three countries, will depart Roswell City Hall together at 7 a.m. today. Under police escort, the cyclists will create a rolling blockade as they pedal north along Atlanta Street, Roswell Street and onto Mayfield Road. As they approach the library, the police escort ends and the riders will then obey the rules of the road, just as every vehicle is expected to.
Most cyclists are there for the joy of the ride and will be satisfied to complete the course and be among friends, old and new. And everyone is welcome to celebrate this new annual event, complete with festival style Italian culture, at the Expo on the Roswell City Hall grounds.
Courtesy, patience and safety should be the driving force and mantra for everyone driving and cycling as we share the streets and say “Ciao, y’all” to the Gran Fondo Italia.
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