Here comes the Fondo

More than 1,200 cyclists biking for 60 charities are expected for the Sonoma debut of The Echelon Sonoma Gran Fondo on Saturday, May 12. The 9 a.m. ride starts (with a full rolling police car and helicopter escort) and ends (with a food, beer and wine festival) on the Plaza.

Organizers are encouraging the community to not only come out and watch the start and enjoy the festival, but to bring a bike and ride. All are welcome, even aboard cruisers and mountain bikes. In addition to the 50 and 75-mile rides, there’s the more casual 11-mile version ($25). All ride participants have access to food and beverages at the post-ride party.

Registration and check-in opens on the Plaza at 6:30 a.m. Riders begin staging at 8:15. The start ceremony begins at 8:45 with introductions of the top fundraising teams followed by the national anthem sung by Sonoma Valley High School student Ella Krikorian. All riders line up and depart together at 9 a.m. with the full police escort.

The festival and expo begins at 11 a.m. and includes music by the Whiskey Thieves and other bands.

To register for the race contact Echelongranfondo.org