GFNY World Events presents GFNY Rockford, a race in Illinois’ second largest city, Rockford, located one hour from Chicago. Chosen as one of our best road cycling events in the Midwest, there are two courses, the competitive long course option is 94 miles with 3583 feet of climbing, and the medium non-competitive option is a distance of 60 miles with 2326 feet of climbing. Both courses start and finish at the Venetian Club. All riders head to the main loop through Winnebago County. Long-course athletes race the loop once, and medium-course riders ride it once. The loop includes rolling hills, and long straight roads, ending with small, winding roads with difficult twists and turns. The course is challenging for all participants due to the mid-west summer weather.
All registrants receive an official GFNY Rockford jersey, course support, a chip for timing, a goodie bag, and a post-race meal. Finishers of the long course are eligible for Overall and Podium awards, distributed at the dedicated Awards ceremony before the end of race festivities. These awards include individual, Team, and competition category winners. Select a category as part of the Long course registration. GFNY Rockford events begin Friday and last through the weekend. The expo, awards, and festivities all take place conveniently at the Venetian Club.
Rockford, Illinois, has many parks and activities to enjoy during the weekend. See Searls Park and Anna Page Preserve nearby; information is posted at Rockford Park District. The Burpee Museum of Natural History and Discover Center Museum is open with activities for travelers. There are several restaurant options along the Rock River: Prairie St Brewing Co, Lima Mar Peruvian Restaurant, and The Top Lounge & Rooftop Deck. See the dedicated GNNY Rockford site for official host hotel information.
GFNY events are personal endurance challenges where you compete against others, the clock, and yourself. GFNY World events provide you with that same challenge in locations worldwide. Additionally, you can qualify for a front corral start at the GFNY World Championship every May in NYC. For every event, each athlete has a timing chip, which starts right after you cross the start line and stops when you cross the finish line. Timing results for all riders will be provided at the finish area on race day and online after the race. Only the finishers of the events-long course are eligible for category rankings and Overall Podium awards. You must complete the long course to race and be ranked in your category. The top 10% of finishers in each age group qualify for the Racer Corral at every GFNY World event. All GFNY events have the bonus of closed roads and police-moderated traffic that ensures added safety, and you don’t have to stop during the race. Also, look for VIP ticket options, including a VIP registration suite, Private shopping service, VIP Corral start, 30-min post-race massage, and access to a Post-race hospitality suite.
Besides GFNY Rockford and the GFNY World Championship in NYC, GFNY Florida and GFNY Maryland fill out their current US roster of events.
