Ninth FoCo contest is ‘not yer grandaddy’s fondo’

By David Young

The cycling world is a different breed. There is no other sport with such different niches. A road cyclist and a mountain biker may share almost zero similarities except that they are both riding bikes. Even then, the bikes can look nothing alike.

The FoCo Fondo
What: A gravel ride/race with the insanity of a Fondo and the levity of the Fort Collins community.
When: July 21
Where: New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden St.
Register here.

Somewhere in between these distinct cycling worlds lies the gravel biker. This is a mix of both worlds and a segment of the sport that has really exploded in recent years and is being celebrated at The FoCo Fondo this month in Fort Collins.

Gravel riding is a bike ride or race on dirt roads or trails over long distances. And if that appeals to you, then the FoCo Fondo cycling adventure is right up your alley. The event celebrates its ninth anniversary on July 21 as cyclists take to the dirt in the wild ride that is geared for everyone from first-time riders to hard-core racers.

The ride is sponsored by the most bike-centric beer around — Fat Tire, brewed by New Belgium Brewing, which has continuously celebrated all things bikes. For the uninitiated, a Fondo, Italian for ride, is historically a long-distance road bike event. It originated in Italy in the 1970s and can attract thousands of riders and viewers to scenic locations, such as Fort Collins. Typically, a party vibe can be expected.

The FoCo Fondo is billed as “ Not Yer Grandaddy’s Fondo,” and for good reason. The elite level ride, also called the “Quadruple Dog Dare You” route, is 118 miles of exposed, windy, narrow, gravel roads. It will test the most gritted gravel rider.

Don’t let the massive mileage scare you away, there is also a nice 12-mile ride with more paved paths for those who want to check out the Fondo without fear of a century ride.

The FoCo Fondo is the brainchild of Zack Allison and Jake Arnold, with the help of Whitney Allison. In 2020, Zack and Whitney founded Bike Sports and transitioned from pro road racing to pro gravel racing.

And for those who just want to raise a toast to the riders, the FoCo Festival opens at 10 a.m. at New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden St. The event has food, beer, non-alcoholic beer, lemonade and festival merchandise.