Here’s what riders had to say about the inaugural 2009 Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego:
In all my years as an athlete I have never seen a first year event go off like this. It was extraordinary. Well done…very well done.
Jim Garfield, Los Angeles
Thank you for a great event! It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Colnago, and helpful and the route was killer!
Paul Snider
The ride was really fun, very well organized especially considering the unexpected number of entrants, the rest stations were well stocked with tasty carbs, the pasta meal delicious and, of course, the weather could not have been more perfect.
Bill Spore, San Diego
I read some stuff on your ride. More than 1,000 people is a great turnout for a first year event. I’m glad it went well, that’s a good sign of things to come.
Frankie Andreu, former pro cyclist & TV commentator, Detroit
Excellent job organizing the event and drawing the crowd. The course was more challenging than I anticipated but I wouldn’t change a thing. Excellent, excellent, excellent.
Lawrence Chen, San Diego
I had 10 of my local athletes participating on your ride. They loved but said it was hard !!! Great job on an awesome event!
Sergio Borges, multisport coach, San Diego
I thought your event was great. I heard many positive comments and thought the organization, atmosphere, spirit and setting were all amazing.
Brad Roe, editor, Road Bike Action magazine
The video is terrific and shows off what a great event you and your team produced. Congratulations! I look forward to seeing a circuit of Gran Fondo events all around the USA very soon.
Scott Lange, marketing professional, New York City
The course — especially the climb — was really challenging. But for pure scenic beauty, and a part of San Diego County I had never seen, it was an awesome route and great mix of roads. I had a fantastic time.
Jim Woodman, Active.com founder, San Diego
Thanks so much for asking me to be a part of this event. It was an awesome experience!
Kimberly Huynh, San Diego
What a great ride! Kristie and I want to thank you again for what was a very well organized first year event. I can’t wait until next year!
Skip McDowell, owner, Nytro Multisport
Congrats on the great success with the country’s first Gran Fondo!
David Smith, Cleveland
Great coverage! Congratulations on an amazing race and accomplishment!
Kristin Carroll, San Diego
It was a great ride! The route was excellent… the day was beautiful.
Paul Stoddard, Palm Desert
Thanks for letting me ride in your event. It was a very challenging course. I saw parts of San Diego I had not seen before. Your organization was excellent – well done!
Dennis Pinn, San Diego
Man, that was GREAT!!! I can vouch: it was a fantastic event!
Arch Fuston, San Diego
We had a superb day! The vibe was great and the riders — although worked – enjoyed their experience.
Konrad Reberio, Los Angeles
What can I say??? AWESOME comes to mind. So does EPIC! It was truly first class. I pray that you return to San Diego next year and do this one all over again. The aid stations were wonderful. The people, the volunteers, the ambiance. Your event is FIRST CLASS.
David Leaf, San Diego
Wow, what a great ride…. It was tough but amazing. Cant wait for next year. You put on an amazing event and everybody loved it.
Andi Neugarten, San Diego
Thank you for a great ride and terrific support.
David Earll, Monrovia
Wanted to thank you for putting on such a well organized, interesting, beautiful route! I had such a great time, and truly enjoyed everyone, from the volunteers at SAG stops, to other driven riders.
Bethany Kelly
Thanks for the fun and challenging course. It was a well planned event.
Adam Beck, San Diego
I just wanted to congratulate and thank you all for putting on a great ride for San Diego. It was definitely one of the best put together events I have done.
Steve Watanabe, San Diego
Thank you for putting on a good event. I thought the AID stations were great..very well equipped with great volunteers.
Diem Do, Chula Vista
Riding through the US Olympic Training Center and meeting Ernesto Colnago were unexpected treats. A good start for a hopefully long running tradition — I would definitely do this ride again!
Conan Liu, San Diego
What an awesome race, awesome job, and can’t wait for next year!
Darcy Eaton, San Diego
I just wanted to thank you for the awesome event. It was great! Thanks for all the volunteers at the aid stations and the clear marking of the course. You guys rocked it! The jerseys are very nice, too.
Claudia Flynn
Thanks for a great inaugural ride. You guys really pulled it through, especially the excellent parking accommodations. The Ferrari/Ducati escort was a nice touch.
Rich, Temecula Valley Cyclists
Great day today. You all did a job FANTASTICO! Grazie mille!
Todd Smith
Enjoyed the ride. It was one of the toughest that I have done for a few years. I will be back next year.
Bob Harting
What a stunning event you’ve created with Gran Fondo San Diego! The setting was just beautiful this morning and excitement was high with participants. Great work!
Lauren Walsh, Citrus Public Relations, San Diego
