The Gran Fondo is an uncompromising road romp across 171 km of the toughest and most picturesque terrain in the Chilterns. From Great Missenden the route runs north east through Chesham, Berkhamstead, to Dunstable Downs before heading south west along the Chilterns scarp slope, with the biggest and steepest hills.
All the fondos amply capture the essence of the Chilterns with fantastic ‘Red Kite country’, superb scenery, and demanding hills that will be a robust challenge for any club rider. The Gran Fondo route was inspired by and takes in all of the best climbs of the Chiltern Spring Series reliabilty rides and there are plenty of extra climbs thrown in for good measure. By European standards the hills are not big but have demanding gradients of up to 21%.
Don’t think that these rides will be easy. Experience shows that the frequent climbs on the ‘Gran’ and ‘Medio’ Fondos are tough, strength and energy sapping and ideal preparation for major European sportives. Good pace judgement will be your only friend. Consider yourself warned.
More info: www.chiltern-hundred.org.uk