Gran Fondo Scotland - Autumn Classic

127KM GRAN FONDO ROUTE -

Starting at the Kelpies, riders can enjoy the scenic route out towards Stirling before heading west where the road begins to climb around the Carron Valley Reservoir. We chose this part of the course after being inspired by the lakes of Italy. Riders will then take on the challenging Crow Road with characteristics of the shallow yet long lower French Alpine slopes. This road is also where Britains only Tour de France King of the Mountains jersey winner formerly known as Robert Millar previously trained.

On route, stop off at our feed station to refuel before taking on the Tak-Ma-Doon climb then afterwards, the peaceful winding roads will take you back into Falkirk where you can finish your day with true "Italian Panache" at our Pasta Party Celebration, a Gran Fondo favourite, at The Falkirk Stadium.

86KM MEDIO FONDO ROUTE -

The 86km route follows the same course as the 127km route but loops back towards The Falkirk Stadium from Carron Bridge 27km into the ride. Participants in this event can still challenge themselves in Gran Fondo style on the 6km Strava timed climb within the route and finish off the day with food and entertainment at the Pasta Party Celebration at the Falkirk Stadium.

REGISTRATION -

Registration - The Falkirk Stadium
Registration Option A: Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Registration Option B: Sunday 07:30am - 8:00am.

Registering on the Saturday means that you are less likely to have to queue for a longer period of time on the day of the event, giving you more time to prepare on the day of the event itself.

Please take note before arrival of your rider wave number and time. Registration must

be done in person as you must sign the start sheet to enable you to start and confirm that you have collected your rider number and chip which both must be attached to your bike with the cable ties provided. Rider numbers should be attached to the handlebars of the bike.

HOLDING AREA -

Arrive at holding area at The Kelpies no later than 08:15am, your rider wave number will then be called forward to the start line..

WHAT TO BRING -

ID and note of emergency contact information on riders at all times
Food and energy drink (although there are feed stations en route)
Money/Credit or Debit Card
Phone
Small tool kit, saddle bag, pump and tubes (although there is mechanical support en route)
Helmet, bike, shoes
Weather appropriate clothing
GPX device or phone with maps

If you do have any questions about the event or would like to get in touch with the race organiser then please follow the link below -

https://www.granfondoscotland.com/contact-us

MEDICAL SUPPORT

St Andrews First Aid will be providing medical cover for minor first aid and will be in a mobile vehicle on the route. There is also a dedicated first aid station at the event finish. Please alert an event marshal or dial 07854580349 if you or another participant require minor medical assistance. However, in case of emergency please dial 999.

MECHANICAL SUPPORT

Please ensure that you bring with you a small pump, saddle bag, tool kit including tyre levers and inner tubes. We have mechanical support / broom wagon for more serious mechanical issues. Riders experiencing such issues should call 07854580349 and wait for assistance.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographs taken on the day will be shared on the Gran Fondo Scotland website and Facebook page. If you have any images from the day please share them on social media using the hashtag #GFS or #granfondoscotland.

HIGHWAY CODE

Gran Fondo Scotland is a non competitive event. As this is an open road sportive, all participants must obey the Highway Code and abide by the Road Traffic Act. Helmets are mandatory and although there is mechanical support on the route you should ensure that you bring spare inner tubes, water, snacks and money for emergencies. Riders should ensure that they are able to ride at a minimum average speed of 10mph and can complete the event by 3.30pm to enjoy the Pasta Party where we will have music and food for you after the event.clothing and front and rear lights are also recommended.

SIGNAGE AND MARSHALS

The event will be fully signed and marshals will be present at all right turns and throughout the course. Cycle event signs will also be placed around the route at junctions and key locations to advise other road users of the event.

ROUTE SAFETY INFORMATION

Once the riders pass the start line, the normal rules of the road apply. Riders should be take caution on the descent from the castle as it is a cobbled surface followed by a tight left turn down Ballengeich Road. Riders should always be aware of surroundings as some of the road surfaces are uneven and contain potholes. Areas that require particular attention have been highlighted throughout the route.

PASTA PARTY

The Pasta Party will commence from 12:00PM, however, pasta will be made throughout the day thereafter based on the rider finishing times. Riders should remove their rider number from their bike after the event and exchange the number for their pasta at the Pasta Party.