2010 Vino Fondo

Images from the 2010 Vino Fondo can be found at Kim Morris Photography

www.kimmorris.com

Results and Post Event Race Information: As soon as we have reconciled the results and placed riders in their respective age/distance brackets we will post the official Vino Fondo Results. Winners will revieve a fabulous bottle of Missouri Wine, a certificate with their time and front row starting positions for the 2011 event.

If you enjoyed the Grand Fondo cycling expereince we would like to recommend the end of summer Lupus Foundation Wolf Ride Grand Fondo in Columbia, Illinois on Saturday, August 7th, 2010. Featuring half-ironman and full-ironman distance events, the Wolfride Grand Fondo is a wonderful event. You can find out more about the Wolfride HERE. Or you can simply register HERE

The Vino Fondo- Big Shark Bicycle Company, Trailnet and Mount Pleasant Winery are bringing the European cycling tradition of the Grand Fondo cycling experience to Missouri's hilliest wine country. A traditional pairing of challenging riding and a tour of some of Missouri's best and oldest vineyards. Experience the same roads and towns visited by the internationally acclaimed Tour of Missouri Professional Cycling Race and challenge yourself to complete one of three formidable routes of the inaugural Missouri Vino Fondo.

The Grand Fondo- Also called Cyclosportif rides, Grand Fondo's are challenging rides that combine the best elements of epic recreational rides, some of the characteristics of a race and the visual experiences of the touring cyclist. The tradition of the Grand Fondo includes climbs and difficult riding conditions which we will going forward refer to as "features." The Grand Fondo experience is a true melting pot for cyclists of all abilities- with one goal, the satisfaction of achievement (and a good post ride meal and party.)

The Vino Fondo is a fully supported, timed ride. Although not a race, all participants will receive two measures of their achievement: overall ride time AND their climbing time over the penultimate beast, the Schleusberg. We are offering three distance options, each tuned to maximize scenery and include as many of the regions "topographic features" as we can find. We're crafty like that. Please note that the above topography is actually from the route, and not an electrocardiogram.

The Beneficiary. A portion of the proceeds for the Vino Fondo will be donated to Trailnet. Trailnet is a St. Louis based non-profit organization with a 20-year history of Promoting Active Living* - a way of life that encourages people to integrate physical activity into their daily routines.Trailnet's mission is to lead in fostering healthy and active communities through innovative programs, planning, and policy that promote walking and bicycling throughout the St. Louis bi-state region. Areas of emphasis include programs, community planning and policy initiatives.

The Ride. We will have three different routes. All of these will start and finish at the same point and include the majestic Schluesberg.

• The Mondo Fondo- 132 miles, snaking from Augusta, Missouri to Hermann, Missouri and back. With 12,000 feet of climbing the grapes won't be the only thing whining.
  
• The Midi Fondo- 75 miles, 5700 feet of climbing. From Augusta, past Daniel Boone's home, and up and over the historic route of the Missouri State Championship Road Race.
• The Mini Fondo-25 miles, 2,600 feet of climbing. For those looking for a less intense day with a few challenging climbs. The image below is of Alberto Contador on the Schleusberg doing an earlier version of the Vino Fondo.
  

A Challenge, Not a Race

A Grand Fondo event is chip timed. Every rider will receive two times, total ride time and their time from the base of the Schleusberg to the summit. We will give special recognition to the riders that are able to complete the ride under a certain time as well as to the faster riders in their respective age groups. There are no prizes for being the fastest person back to Augusta other than being first in line at the post event party. We will give special recognition to category winners, fastest ascent of the Schleusberg, and the fastest overall man (The Mando Fondo) and woman (The Jane Fondo) for each of the three distances.  Riders of all abilities are encouraged to participate and push themselves.

In Europe the Grand Fondo attracts a very broad group of cyclist- professional racers, amateur racers, weekend warriors, new cyclists and cyclo-tourists. The compelling elements of a Grand Fondo are the scenery and challenge alongside terrific athlete support and a memorable route.

Pre-Race Services:

Logan College of Chiropractic Sports Council will be providing treatment for participants in this years Vino Fondo.  Doctors and interns from Logan will be on site to treat competitors pre-race.  This is a great opportunity to improve your performance or help manage any existing injuries.  Treatment that will be offered includes soft tissue work, stretching, taping and much more.  Good luck to all competitors and we look forward to seeing you all on race day!

Registration:

Pre-registration for the Vino Fondo is $85 for individuals and $150 for tandems. Race day registration will be $100 for individuals and $175 for tandems. There are no refunds, however ride bibs are transferable. While there is no maximum age limit, participants must be over 13 years of age. 

Each athlete will receive:

• Vino Fondo Bib Number
• Pre-Race Musette
  
• Vino Fondo Fashion, signature event shirt
• Pre-event high calorie buffet.
• Rest Stop Support
• Mechanical Support and Sag
  
• Chip Timing
• Post Event Festival and Meal
  
• Prize lottery post event.
  

Chip Timing and Start Order

Riders will start in the order of registration. Each rider will be chip timed. We will record rider times at the start, base of the Schleusberg and Summit of the Schleusberg. Chips will be worn on the non-drive side ankle and must be returned post event. (Chip replacement is $100.)

Route Description:

The Mondo Fondo 132 miles of some of the most beautiful riding in America, punctuated by some of the biggest and baddest climbs we can find. With over 12,000 feet of climbing and taking in many of the King of the Mountains points featured in the Tour of Missouri Professional Cycling Race, the Mondo Fondo route will be similar in difficulty to a true Tour stage. We recommend showing up prepared, this route is as challenging as it is scenic.Visiting some of the great towns of Augusta, Washington, New Haven and Hermann. The return trip to Augusta will feature the ascent of the Stone Hill Winery in Hermann.

The Midi Fondo 75 miles, 5,600 feet of climbing, taking in several of the same KOM points as the Mondo route, this route stays north of the Missouri River and incorporates some of the best paved scenic roadways in Missouri.

The Mini Fondo 25 miles, 2,500 feet of climbing. Unlike many shorter ride options that can dilute the days challenge, this route cuts to the chase and provides each participant with several of the biggest and best climbs in the state and it takes in the same roads and climbs along the historic Missouri State Road Race course.

Event Schedule:

Fondo Categories:

Men: 18 and Under, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+

Women: 18 and Under, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+

Parking and Direction:

The Ride Start will be at Mount Pleasant Winery. ALL Parking and Pre-Fondo activities will be held on their campus. Adequate, convenient parking and facilities will be on site. From Highway 70 (from the East or West) take Highway 94 west for 20 miles to Augusta and follow signs to the winery. No Parking at event finish other than staff vehicles.

Hotels and Accommodations:

Augusta Missouri

Washington Missouri

Hermann Missouri

New Haven Missouri

About Missouri Wines:

The Missouri wine industry in the new millennium is thriving. The number of wineries has jumped to over 65 and Missouri wineries are producing diverse, complex and sophisticated wines, wines that easily earn top awards in national and international competitions. The Vino Fondo will ride past and through many of the best wineries in Missouri.

Augusta Events:

The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Augusta Plein Air Event on May 1st- so there will be opportunities to explore some wonderful post-Fondo events. The Plein Air event has become one of the largest open air art events in the Midwest. In previous years over 100 artists from 6 states have participated in this 10-day event. For the artists there will be a contest with prizes and an opportunity to sell their art. For the public this is an opportunity to chat with the artists and watch them work during a variety of special events. There will be an art sale and auction on May 1st. More information at www.augusta-chamber.org

Hermann, Missouri

The turn around rest stop for the Mondo Fondo will be at the Hermannhof Winery, 330 East 1st Street. The website for the winery is www.hermannhof.com  You can find our more about Hermann, Missouri at www.VisitHermann.com or call their welcome center toll free- 1-800-932-8687.