'Everyone's race' open to any cyclists and will cruise the backroads of the area
Riders Walter Alta-Mirano (503) and Jim David clasp hands as they cross the finish line of the 112-mile portion of the 2013 Jedermann Gran Fondo. Around 250 riders began and finished either a 112-, 66- or 30-mile ride at Second and F streets downtown.
The third annual Jedermann Gran Fondo is taking place July 19, with three timed races beginning in downtown Cheney. The rides utilize back roads, are virtually traffic free and open to any cyclist.
The phrase "Gran Fondo" is Italian for "great rides" while the word "Jedermann" is derived from "Jedermann Rennen" which is German for "everyone's race." Strung together, the Jedermann Gran Fondo is "everyone's great race."
The rides are 100, 66 and 30 miles in length. The 30-mile ride loops out around Williams Lake while the others take cyclists through the communities of Sprague, Edwall and Harrington - with the 100-mile loop going as far south as Tokio near Ritzville.
Start times are 7, 7:30 and 9 a.m. at the intersection of Second and F streets in downtown Cheney. There is a free, carbo-loading pancake feed for riders at 5:30 a.m., with a barbecue, beer garden and live music beginning at 11:30 a.m. for post-race activities.
There will also be a number of custom merchandise options such as pint glasses, jerseys and medals - for the 100 mile participants - along with T-shirts, stocked food stops along the routes and mechanical support.
There are a number of different ride options to choose from ranging from $25 to $80. Online registration is available at http://www.signmetup.com/95620. Additional information is also available at http://www.emdesports.com.
John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.
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