2013 Vino Fondo

2013 Vino Fondo Results

2013 Vino Fondo Photographs by Kim Morris

Saturday May 4th, 2013

The Vino Fondo- Big Shark Bicycle Company, Trailnet and Mount Pleasant Winery are bringing the European cycling tradition of the Grand Fondo cycling experience back 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 four formidable routes of the 4th annual 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 four 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.

New For 2013!

Based on feedback from last year's Vino Fondo we have made some changes to improve the this years Grand Fondo.

• All participants will recieve finisher medals.
• Each Age Group Winner will recieve an Age Group Overall Winner Medal.
• Top 3 Men and Women will recieve Overall Medals for each distance. 1st/2nd/3rd.
• Vino Fondo Jerseys will be available for purchase.
• The Addition of the 52 mile Double Mini Fondo (Two Mini's- two laps of the Mini Fondo)
• Increased police support crossing the Highway 47 Bridge into Washington, Missouri.
• All rest stops will be course-side, in shade when possible with more bicycle parking rack.
• We will have an additional aid-station, loaded with calories, nutrition and hydration 20 miles from the finish line.
• The Start and Finish will be at Mt. Pleasant Winery in Augusta.
• More food and caffeine pre-ride and an improved menu post ride.
• Cold Drinks at each rest stop.
• Additional food items per rest stop.

New Vino Fondo Jersey- available post event by special order only!

Be one of the cool kids...

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 Rides. We have four 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 11,000 feet of climbing the grapes won't be the only thing whining.
• The Midi Fondo- 89 miles, 6700 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 Double Mini- 56 miles, 5,200 feet of climbing. Shorter. Super Burly. For those looking for a shorter ride with TWO ascents of the Schleusberg Climb.
• The Mini Fondo-28 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

What to expect: Grand Fondo's are 'competitive recreational rides' and attract recreational cyclists looking to push themselves as well as racers looking for a great riding experience. The roads will NOT be closed and the ride and route will be open to traffic. All turns will be marked with signs and paint. Each cyclist will be given a cue sheet and maps of each route are online (below). We encourage all participants obey traffic laws and be courteous to traffic and residents. Please adhere to the rules of the road and do not take unnecessary risks on descents and turns. 

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. 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.

Rest Stops: Rest stops will be spaced every 15 to 20 miles. Unlike a charity ride or other recreational rides the frequency of each rest stop is less thanin  a non-competitive event. Riders are encouraged to carry enough nutrition to manage themselves on route. We will make sure that there are several opportunities to take on enough nutrition to manage the day comfortably.

Rest stops are locates at:

• Washington, Missouri- Riverfront. (out and back, Mondo and Midi)
• New Haven, Missouri (out and back, Mondo and Midi)
• Hermann, Missouri (Mondo only)
• Femme Osage,Missouri (Mondo, Midi, Double Mini, Mini)

Pre-Race Services:

We will have massage therapy, stretching and first aid on site for the participants in this years Vino Fondo.  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 $165 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. 

Packet Pick Up:

Friday, May 3rd: From 12:00pm until 8:00pm, Big Shark Bicycle Company- LOOP, 6133 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis MO 63112

Race Day: From 6:00 AM until 8:00 AM

Each athlete will receive:

• Vino Fondo Bib Number
• Cue Sheets with turn-by-turn directions and map.
• Pre-Race Energy Gels, Bars, Mix and Fruit.
• Vino Fondo Fashion, signature event shirt
• Pre-event Breakfast. Served at the Appelation Cafe from 6:30am-7:30am. Menu will include a breakfast Buffet of cheesy scrambled eggs, sausage patties, hash browns and french toast sticks with maple syrup. Coffee, hot tea and bottled beverages will be available.
• Coffee station in the AM and beverage cooler.
• Rest Stop Support- Gels, Mix, Bars, Fruit, Water, PB and J, Pretzels.
• Mechanical Support and Sag
• Chip Timing
• Post Event Festival and Meal: Lunch buffet will in the Crush Lounge from 11am-6pm. Menu: Baked Ziti, Vegetarian Stir Fry, Garden Salad and Cookies and Brownies.Yum.
• Stragglers: Riders finishing between 6:00pm and 7:00pm will recieve a bagged lunch.
• Note: We will not guarantee support or food after 7:00pm.
• Bib Numbers and Registration on Ride Day and Post April 25th may not be provided with Event Shirt, Breakfast and Lunch. Sign up early.

Official Clothing Supplier:

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.)

Post Event:

You can check out images from the Vino Fondo and purchase them to make giant life sized posters of your fondo heroics at www.kimmorris.com

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 11,000 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 a rest stop and turn-around at the Hermannoff winery in Hermann.

The Midi Fondo 89 miles, 6,600 feet of climbing, taking in several of the same KOM points as the Mondo route, this route follows the Mondo route to New Haven Missouri and then finishes back at Mt. Pleasant Winery after summitting the Schleursberg. The last 30 miles incorporates some of the best paved scenic roadways in Missouri.

The Double Mini 56 miles. by popular demand. Too long? Too short? Just right! For those looking to shred their legs and stay close to the Mount Pleasant Winery- the double mini is arguably harder than the Midi Fondo. Siz giant climbs and two loops of the Mini Fondo. Sadistic? Yes.

The Mini Fondo 28 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 and Tour of Missouri.

Event Schedule:

November 1st	12:00 am	Registration Opens
Sat., May 4th	6:00 am	Pre-registration Pick Up Open	Mount Pleasant Winery
Sat., May 4th	6:30-7:30am	Pre Ride Meal and Ride Supplies	Mount Pleasant Winery
Sat., May 4th	8:00 am	Rider Staging	Augusta, Missouri
Sat., May 4th	8:20 am	Pre-Ride Comments/Instructions	Augusta, Missouri
Sat., May 4th	8:30 am	Start- Vino Fondo	Augusta, Missouri
Sat., May 4th	11:00- 2:00 pm	Mini Fondo and Midi Fondo Buffet	Augusta, Missouri
Sat., May 4th	2:00 pm	Mandatory Sag Cut-Off	Hermann, Missouri
Sat., May 4th	6:00 pm	Mandatory Sag Cut-Off	All routes.
Sat., May 4th	4:00- 7:00pm	Mondotory Post Ride Celebration	Augusta, Missouri

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+

Winners of each category bottle of wine from the Mt. Pleasant Winery.

Parking and Direction:

The Ride Start will be at Mount Pleasant Winery. All of the rides will start at the same time- with the riders being staged according to distance and sequence of registration. 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.

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 town of Augusta, Missouri is a absolutley beautriful, overlooking the Missiouri River Valley. Be sure to set aside some time to explore the wineries, bed and breakfasts and artisans that call Augusta their home. 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.

If You Like Grand Fondos... We Also Support the LUPUS Wolfride Grand Fondo. A 56mile and 112mile Grand Fondo set in beautiful Columbia,IL. August 3rd, 2013. This is a more "gentle" ride profile than the Vino Fondo, but one of our favorite rides of the year. Check them out and add to your ride calendar.