Fun, challenging, and breathtaking! With a start and finish elevation of 8,074 feet and 6,643 feet of total climbing, this beautiful ride is challenging, but manageable. Although there's plenty of uphill climbs on this very scenic route, they are nicely spaced-out with long, fast descents in between to recharge you for the next one. Ride Details:
102 miles
6,643 feet of climbing
8,074 feet elevation at start/end of race
Highlights:
One stoplight
75 Miles of the Gran Fondo Route closed to thru traffic
Meet Kären Edwards - a second time Mammoth Gran Fondo Grand Marshalette. Originally from South Africa, Kären has been cycling for as long as she can remember. Now at age 58, Kären aspires to continue pushing herself in the cycling world. Some of her goals include standing on a podium when she’s 60 years old, and writing a book on women’s cycling that includes anecdotes from women cyclists of all ages and calibers to inspire women entering the sport. Besides winning the Mammoth Gran Fondo twice, Kären has a long list of other cycling accomplishments. Between her and her husband, the two of them have logged over 100,000 miles on gravel, mountain, and road bikes. She also won the 10,000 ft, 36 mile climb to the top of Haleakala in Maui during the 2016 Cycle to the Sun race.Kären loves to cycle on all terrain, but especially in the mountains. She loves the beautiful views in the Eastern Sierra and is part of the reason why she loves coming back to the Mammoth Gran Fondo every year!
Kären’s Tips for the Mammoth Gran Fondo:
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery – this is one of the most beautiful rides you’ll do in the US.
Take advantage of the friendly aid stations, riding this distance at altitude is much easier if you hydrate well and pace yourself.
Don’t fret the climbs on this course – there are far more downhill and flatter sections than uphill sections.
Brandon Baker
For the second year in a row, Brandon Baker is our Grand Marshal. Born and raised in Santa Barbara I am the oldest of three and was home schooled until college. I raced Motocross growing up, started riding at 5 and racing at 13. My dream was to turn professional and achieved that at the end of 2010. I worked a job and raced throughout my career in moto and ultimately had to retire due to injuries at the end of 2013. I found cycling shortly after and did my first group ride and race in January 2015. I completed my first season of racing in 2016 and ended it with riding in the Mammoth Grand Fondo! My goal is to take racing as far as I can ( current Cat 1 Racer), I love racing as much as I love training. I am also currently a private contractor for CTS and a racer for Blacksheep / Stinner Frameworks
Brandon's Tips for Riding the Mammoth Gran Fondo:
Dress warm for the morning. It's cold! Have layers on and ready to take off once the ride is an hour in.
Don't be afraid to ride hard and take some chances riding with faster people! This course is challenging yet, allows for you to challenge others. The roads allow you to pedal hard or, have an amazing cruise over the afternoon; whichever you prefer.
If you can, come to Mammoth a week early! Take full advantage of this amazing place and go on some rides to acclimate to the elevation. Mammoth is a place I like to come and train. The roads are amazing and the town is so cozy and has plenty of entertainment.
