Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo

Now in its fourth year, the City of Ocala presents the 2018 Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo.

There’s a ride for all levels. The 70 mile Gran Fondo, the 40 mile Medio, and the 15 mile Piccolo, an escorted ride for kids, families, and beginners. The Gran Fondo and Medio routes have timed segments and cover beautiful and challenging rolling hills dotted with giant live oak trees draped with Spanish moss.

Cyclists will ride through Horse Capital of the World passing majestic horse farms with paddocks full of mommas and their spring babies. Hundreds of cyclists, will leave from Brick City Center for the Arts, Marion Cultural Alliance’s home in downtown Historic Ocala.

The event features a festive welcome at the Friday Night Packet Pick-Up Party, and on Saturday begins with a ceremonial welcome, safety instructions and takes off with a police escort. Other event features include snacks, SAG stops, mechanical support, post event lunch and tee shirts. Custom designed kites available for purchase.

Ride for the Arts raises funds for Marion Cultural Alliance whose mission is to champion, convene, and create opportunities for arts and arts organizations. In addition, the event promotes a healthy lifestyle and enjoyment of the sport of cycling.

THIS IS NOT A POINT-TO-POINT RACE. The Gran Fondo is scored by the lowest amount of time over three timed segments. Any cheating; cutting the course, drafting a vehicle, swapping numbers, etc. will disqualify you and you will not be allowed to ever enter the Ride for the Arts event. Cash awards are for overall women’s and overall men’s Gran Fondo ONLY.  The cash award is paid 10 places back; as follows: 1st place: $300.00, 2nd place: $200.00, 3rd place: $150.00, 4th place: $125.00, 5th place: $100.00, 6th place: $50.00, 7th place: $25.00, 8th place: $20.00, 9th place: $15.00, 10th place: $15.00.

Registration:

To Jan 28 - Gran Fondo Competitor $89, Gran Fondo non-competitor and Medio $55.

To April 2 - $99 and $60

To April 20 - $105 and $65

Day-of - $110 and $70

Piccolo $30 throughout