The Utah-Cache Gran Fondo is an annual Italian-style ride in Cache Valley in Northern Utah that has consistently been ranked as one of the best Gran Fondos in North America and is one of the fastest-growing and largest rides in Utah. Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest. Although the event is open to all rider types, for competitive riders, the event is part of the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series (see below) and a qualifier event for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship to be held this Fall at Gran Fondo, Maryland.
This annual event, inspired by the Italian tradition of long-distance road cycling, offers four different routes for riders of all levels: 35, 50, 75, and 100 miles. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, you will find a route that suits your skills and goals. The Utah-Cache Gran Fondo is a race and a celebration of cycling culture and community. The event attracts thousands of participants and spectators from across the country and beyond who enjoy the scenic views, friendly atmosphere, and professional organization. The event also has a long history of supporting various local charities, such as the Cache Valley High School Mountain Bike Team, Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, The Family Place, and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
What makes the Utah-Cache Gran Fondo unique?
One of the main attractions of the Utah-Cache Gran Fondo is the variety and quality of the routes. The routes are designed to showcase the best of Cache Valley and the surrounding areas, with a mix of flat, rolling, and hilly terrain. You will ride through picturesque farmlands, historic towns, mountain passes, and canyons, with stunning views of the Wasatch and Bear River ranges. The routes are also well-marked, well-staffed, and well-supported, with aid stations, rest stops, and mechanical assistance along the way.
Another unique feature of the Utah-Cache Gran Fondo is the post-ride festival, which takes place at the finish line in North Logan. The festival features live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and an awards ceremony, where you can celebrate your achievement and mingle with other riders and supporters. The festival is open to the public, so you can invite your friends and family to join you for the fun.
What else can you do in Cache Valley?
If you are planning to travel to Cache Valley for the Utah-Cache Gran Fondo, you might want to extend your stay and explore the many outdoor activities and attractions the region offers. Cache Valley is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with a wide range of hiking, biking, climbing, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing options.
The area is renowned for its excellent rock climbing opportunities and is dotted with impressive limestone and quartzite cliffs, offering a variety of routes. Maple Canyon, a short drive from Logan, is a world-class rock climbing destination known for its steep walls, unique formations, and numerous sport climbing routes. The surrounding landscapes of Logan also boast exceptional mountain biking trails that cater to riders of all abilities. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers scenic views of the valley, while the Logan River Trail provides a picturesque riverside biking experience. The nearby Cache National Forest also offers a network of singletrack trails that wind through dense forests, providing immersive mountain biking.
If you are looking for a more relaxing outdoor activity, you can visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, which is home to over 250 species of birds, including pelicans, herons, eagles, and cranes. You can take a self-guided tour along the 12-mile auto loop or join a guided walk or kayak trip offered by the refuge staff. You can also enjoy a picnic or a fishing session at White Pine Lake, which is a serene and secluded spot in the Logan Canyon.
Cache Valley is rich not only in natural beauty but also in cultural and historical heritage. You can learn more about the Native Americans, mountain men, and pioneers who lived in the area at the American West Heritage Center, which is a 160-acre living history center that shows visitors what life was like in the Cache Valley between 1820 and 1920. You can also experience the arts and entertainment scene at the Ellen Eccles Theatre, a restored historic theater hosting Broadway productions, national touring artists, and local performers. In the summer, the theater also hosts the Utah Festival Opera, which brings world-famous performers to the area.
Part of the Gran Fondo National Series
The Mt. Evans Hill Climb & Gran Fondo is part of the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series, established in 2012 and comprising 12+ European-style rides/races staged in the United States. Every GFNS event offers courses covering 30, 60, and 100-mile journeys through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in endurance sports. Timed sections allow riders to compete in specific course segments, while casual cyclists can ride at their own pace. Participants can ride as individuals or on teams. GFNS awards special prizes to the top riders in every age and gender category. Each rider is assigned an electronic timing chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for the best time through highlighted sections.
For the most competitive cyclists, the series partnered with USA Cycling to bring the one-day Gran Fondo National Championship into the portfolio of official USA Cycling National Championship events. The event is held annually, and a national championship jersey and medal are awarded to the overall winner in each Gran Route age group category. The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event will be held at Gran Fondo, Maryland, in Frederick, Maryland, on September 15, 2024.
To compete in the National Championship category, riders must qualify by meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in Qualification Events. However, all riders are welcome to participate in Gran Fondo Maryland and ride any of the normal Maryland Gran Fondo routes (Gran, Medio, and Piccolo), regardless of qualification status.
GFNS-owned events include Gran Fondo Florida (Dade City FL – March 17), Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo (Helen GA, April 21), Highlands Gran Fondo (Butler NJ – June 2), Gran Fondo Asheville (Asheville NC – July 14), Boone Gran Fondo (Boone NC – Aug 4), and Gran Fondo Maryland (Frederick MD, Sept 15). Gran Fondo Maryland doubles as the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship. Partner events include Cheaha Challenge (Jacksonville AL – May 18-19), Vermont Gran Fondo (Bristol VT – June 29), Cache Gran Fondo (Logan UT – July 13), Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb – Gran Fondo (Idaho Springs, CO – July 20), 719 Ride (Colorado Springs – July 20), and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo (Fincastle, VA – Oct 13). All GFNS races consistently rate among the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast, New England, Rockies / Colorado, and Southwest / California.
