Red Fondo

Welcome to the Red Fondo. We'd love for you to join us in this beautiful region of the Bluegrass State for our event. See Q&A below for more info.

What kind of event is this?

This is a Gran Fondo with all paved roads. See the Red Fondo Instagram for more details of what the course looks like. It will be mass start group event. Results based on finish line placing. First person across the line wins and so on. 

What kind of bike should I use?

A road or gravel bike with climbing gears. All routes will be completely paved, though the pavement may be rough in sections. I'd opt for a 30-40mm road tire or slick gravel tire. You definitely want to have enough gears for some of the steep climbs out on course. I ride my Lauf Uthald with a 2x setup to give me sufficient gears for climbing and descending. No aero bars. 

What's the course like?

Amazing. Beautiful. Challenging. The roads are narrow and winding and have very little traffic. The course will be open to traffic and we may have a lead car to improve safety for the front group (TBD). The course will be challenging with several very steep climbs. Bring your climbing gears! Official courses will be released as we get closer to the day of the race.

Course will not be marked. Each rider is responsible for downloading and following the route on their bike computer.

Where is it?

The Red River Gorge is known for it's amazing hiking and climbing. I'd highly recommend everyone making a weekend out of this and enjoying the great outdoors the Gorge has to offer. The Natural Bridge trail is a must see and is an easy 1 mile hike. The start and finish of the race will take place at Bowen Elementary in Bowen, KY. 

What are the categories?

3 Course options to choose from including a 35 mile, 65 mile and 120 mile option. Each distance will include a Men's, Masters Men 40+ and Women's category. All categories and distances will start together. The split offs for each distance are far enough into the route that it shouldn't cause any issues. We will do 9 podiums. Male, Female & Masters podiums for each distance.

What are the rules?

Your safety is our #1 priority. We are racing on open roads. The roads are narrow and there are a lot of blind turns so please stay aware and stay safe. Most of the roads do not have a yellow line, but stay on the right side of the road when possible to avoid any potential accidents with vehicles on course. If the group is big enough I'd like to have a lead moto or lead car to improve safety for the front group. TBD. 

You can only take feeds at the designated feed zones. Or at stores or gas stations along the route.

No littering.

Be kind to your fellow racers. 

The race director has the discretion to relegate or disqualify riders.

Will there be food?

Each registered rider will receive a post-race meal. It will be a sub sandwiches with sides, desserts & drinks. All riders will receive a Red Fondo pint glass.

What about Aid Stations?

More information about feed zones and feed zone rules will come out once the routes are finalized.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks!