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The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Bicyclists encouraged to register for Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo in Ocala

Registration is open for Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo online and on event day, Saturday, April 21.

Registration takes place at Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala, Florida.

Now in its fourth year, the race has a ride and route for everyone, including a challenging 70 mile Gran Fondo. Cyclists competing in the challenging 70 mile Gran Fondo will receive an electronic chip to track their time in three segments of the route. Awards will be given based on the winning times.

Sponsored by the City of Ocala, with partial funding from the Ocala/Marion County Tourism and Convention Bureau, the route starts in historic downtown and winds through famed horse country finishing at Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway Street. The Saturday, April 21 event is a signature fund raiser for Marion Cultural Alliance.

“I could not be more excited to be the Director of the “Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo” for the fourth year. When I was asked to be involved, I knew the impact this event could have raising funds for the arts. Our aim, by adding the Gran Fondo in 2017, was to make an enormous leap from benefit ride to a first-class national event,” said race director Mary Verrandeaux.

Registrations reflect cyclists travelling to Ocala from as far away as far west as California and as far north as New York.

The event includes $2,000 in cash prizes to be distributed among the top ten Gran Fondo men and women winners, door prizes, age groups awards, a Vendor Village, finishing medals for all, and specially designed ‘kits’ or jerseys for purchase.

This event is tailored made for all levels of cyclists. From the 15 mile Piccolo ride, 40 mile Medio ride and the 70 mile Gran Fondo, cyclists will enjoy the scenic beauty along the routes.

For more information and to register go to rideforthearts.com or Ride for the Arts Gran Fondo Face Book ttps://www.facebook.com/events/1420203741434346/

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