Search
Close this search box.
 

Oakland Gran Fondo Rides Twice Around the Earth

Author: bcomadmin

Date: October 26, 2016

Over 1,100 people, some coming from as far away as Los Angeles and Chicago, rode the Oakland Gran Fondo this past weekend. Collectively, the riders pedaled over 47,000 miles, enough to go almost twice around our planet.

Bike East Bay’s fundraising ride highlighted classic bike routes in the East Bay hills and through the city. The family-friendly, 13.5-mile community ride drew the biggest crowd, including many kids on bikes and in trailers. They rode around Lake Merrit to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park for unforgetable views of the city’s iconic cargo cranes.

Rider Larry Matarrazi said, “My son and I did 100 miles, my daughter did 28, and my wife and son’s girlfriend rode the 13.5. Everyone had a great time!” 

The Oakland Gran Fondo took place on the same day as the highly anticipated completion of the Bay Bridge bike path to Yerba Buena Island. Bike East Bay has been pushing for this regional connection for over two decades. A few of our staff on the bridge reported many other riders sporting Oakland Gran Fondo jerseys were out there as well, taking a bonus lap after their morning ride.

Bike East Bay thanks our partners at USA Productions for helping create this ride to raise crucial funds for our advocacy work in the coming year.

If you’re ready for the next challenge, consider joining Bike East Bay’s team for the Central Coast Climate Ride! You’ll have the chance to meet former Climate Riders and this year’s captains at our meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, November 15 at 6pm at Bike East Bay’s office in Jack London Square.

The Central Coast Climate ride is a 5-day, fully supported ride following a new route from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo, featuring coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and sweeping ocean views. Bike East Bay will organize weekend training rides in the spring, open to everyone. Ride with us!

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required