From the Race Director

Troy Oldham, Race Director

The Cache Gran Fondo planning team recently asked me a few questions about this year's Cache Gran Fondo. I've included my responses below:

Why did the Cache Gran Fondo see such quick growth in registrants from 2012 to 2013?

The Cache Gran Fondo has quickly become a community event.  We start at Logan Regional Hospital, ride through beautiful communities in Cache and Box Elder counties where local charity and support groups volunteer to provide rider support and we end in a grand finish line in downtown Logan where 40,000+ spectators from the Logan Sidewalk Sale join in recognizing the riders as they cross the finish.

We also believe the growth has a lot to do with our cause of raising money to provide mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women.  

We all want our mothers, wives, daughters and friends to have access to these early screenings – early screenings save lives. 

What can riders expect for the 2014 Cache Gran Fondo?

Some new start line experiences to go along with one of the best pre-ride breakfasts of any ride anywhere.  This year we are offering a Utah Cycling Association portion of our ride where UCA riders can race for points and cash prizes.  We will also have great support in all locations – no more than 20 miles without a support station - all will be fully stocked with local fare and rider nutrition and hydration.  We also are working on plans for an expanded finish line area with great food vendors (lunch is included) and exhibitors. We will also continue to have inspirational bands/music at the tough spots on the course to help all riders get over the humps and reach their goals.  ALSO - a couple of jersey options.  Not only are we one of the ONLY rides that provides a jersey - we also are offering an option for all you who already have a bunch of jerseys and want something a little different - a sublimated 'commuter shirt', perfect for commuting into work, wearing out on the town (or at work), or on a mountain bike ride.

How does the Cache Gran Fondo tie in with Intermountain LiVe Well?

 The Gran Fondo concept is about providing a high-end race atmosphere, but making it accessible for all riders.  We love that we have both high-end racers and 1st time riders all together to participate in a healthy, active event.  We do pre-event training rides, provide healthy food options at our support stations, and the Intermountain LiVe Well bike team riders, as well as other great Utah teams (Logan Race Club for example) are seen all over the course, (and usually at the front of all the packs).  LiVe Well is about setting goals and being with the people you care about to accomplish them.  We invite all riders to consider the Cache Gran Fondo as one of their goals in 2014, and come ride with us as we 'Ride 2 Save'.