1,500 cyclists geared up to fight skin cancer at second annual MSU College of Human Medicine Gran Fondo
Nearly 1,500 cyclists rode through scenic West Michigan on Saturday, June 28, in the second annual MSU College of Human Medicine Gran Fondo. It drew participants of all ages from 14 states – some as far as Nevada and Florida. Italian for “Big Ride,” proceeds from this non-competitive cycling event go towards programs to increase awareness, prevention and detection of skin cancer and supports MSU’s skin cancer research.
Some participants are avid cyclists with a passion for these types of events, while others are rode to honor a loved one – or their own – battle with skin cancer. Others joined their employers to support skin cancer awareness and research. More than 40 West Michigan companies have participating teams, some as large as 50 to 150 riders.
Participants started and ended their ride at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids. More than 500 cyclists rode 80 miles, the longest route which turns at Lake Michigan in Ferrysburg. Hundreds more rode the 40- and 25-mile routes which follow the twists and turns of country roads. The MVP Sports 12 Mile Family Ride took riders through Millennium Park.
Riders and public celebrated at the Finish Line Festival outside The B.O.B. They enjoyed live music, gourmet food, craft brews and wines, while catching a glimpse of the Herman Miller Brickyard Criterium – an amateur and professional racing event held in conjunction with the MSU College of Human Medicine Gran Fondo.
This year, the MSU Gran Fondo received the Pure Michigan FITness Series endorsement from the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. The Pure Michigan FITness Series recognizes events that significantly contribute to the health and well-being of Michigan residents. By participating in this Pure Michigan FITness Series event, Gran Fondo riders become eligible to enter the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run lottery.
RELATED LINKS
Daily News: Partlo team finishes Gran Fondo
WOTV 4 Online: Social Sizzle Photos - MSU Gran Fondo
WOOD TV Online: Gran Fondo rides through Grand Rapids
WZZM 13 Online: MSU's Gran Fondo takes over downtown Grand Rapids
WZZM 13 Evening News, June 28: Interview with Bob Hughes
Fox 17 Evening News, June 28: Gran Fondo riders roll through GR
MLive: MSU Gran Fondo photo gallery
WZZM 13: MSU's Gran Fondo underway in Grand Rapids
Fox 17 Morning News, June 28: Live interviews with Bob Hughes, Walt Esselman and Idong Ibok [video not available]
Fox 17 Morning News: Cyclists riding for a cause this morning
WZZM 13 Morning News: Gran Fondo bike ride benefits cancer research
WOOD TV Evening News, June 27: Gran Fondo event tomorrow
WJRW Radio's Sound Off West Michigan [Listen]
WOOD Radio: MSU Gran Fondo live preview during The Justin Barclay Show [Listen]
WOOD TV Daybreak, June 27: Gran Fondo event tomorrow
Daily News: Stanton woman celebrates one-year recovery from cancer with Gran Fondo
MLive: MSU Gran Fondo returns with cycling events and post-pedaling party at The B.O.B.
Fox 17 Evening News, June 25: MSU Gran Fondo taking place Saturday
Grand Rapids Business Journal: MSU Gran Fondo rides into downtown
Michigan Fitness Foundation: MSU Gran Fondo
WGVU Radio: MSU Gran Fondo featured on The Morning Show [Listen]
West Michigan Sports Commission: MSU Gran Fondo keeps rolling in year two
WOOD TV Evening News, May 28 & June 8: Interviews with Axel Merckx [video not available]
MLive: Live chat today - Why men don't use sunscreen (and why they should)
Grand Rapids Press: MSU Gran Fondo keeps on rolling for skin cancer research
MSU Today: MSU's second annual Gran Fondo cycling event raises funds for skin cancer research
Grand Rapids Press: Get ready to roll: Time for Gran Fondo 2014
Gran Fondo wins 2014 AAMC Premier Award
WZZM 13: MSU’s second annual Gran Fondo cycling event raises funds for skin cancer research