Originally Posted by coasting

i recommend you also use cyclists as marshalls. i've been on events where the marshalls just looked like bored school kids standing on street corners who couldn't give a rat's ass so there was no point asking them anything and god forbid you get lost and need directions. then i've been on events where the marshalls were all enthusiastic cyclists and they made the day so much more enjoyable.

Originally Posted by passista

I'm sure not going into detail about our financial planning here but I guess one can do the math. Add 100% to your result that and you're close.
We're a team of former professionals who left their well paid jobs to pursue their passion. Yes, it's a risk. No, we don't know if we make money of it but money isn't everything. All we care about is to put up a professional event. NYC wouldn't let us stage this if they wouldn't trust us to pull it off. We believe a Gran Fondo in New York is overdue and so do many others judging from the feedback we receive.

Unlike the NYC Century, GFNY will be an international event. The feedback we received from across the globe is simply amazing. Have a look at the eight page cover article in the Italian cycling magazine (you can find it in the media section of our homepage).

So, we not only have local people signed up but also e.g. from the west coast, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria and as far as Australia.
We're working with various travel agencies around the world for foreigners who like their journeys organized. These companies approached us to be official agent for their country and we had to decline quite a few already.

This is NOT your usual "ride". Not to discredit any low key century ride, we love them, ride them, they absolutely do have their place, I would even recommend some of them here in New York if you care, but Gran Fondo New York is different.

First, you have road closures, partial road closures and moderated traffic. And this is New York!

Second, with four timed climbs you have a competitive part. There are over all, age group and various team categories competing for great prizes like high end road bikes, frames, racing wheels, shoes etc. We have European teams signed up who will make it tough for the locals to keep the prizes in town. Don't let them take everything home!
On top of that, raffle prizes will be for grabs if you want to take it a little easier and enjoy the sights a little more.

Then of course there's the jersey, which has a retail value upwards of $100, great post race food and party with Whit Raymond as announcer, well stocked aid stations, an overflowing goodie bag and much more you might find at your typical "rides" as well but maybe not all at one.

That said: if there's a key element you would like to have, let us know. We're experienced athletes who have raced and participated in thousands of events all around the globe and believe we "get it", know what's necessary. However, any suggestion/comment/question is much appreciated!

Runners have the NYC Marathon, Triathletes have the NYC Triathlon, so it was time for a cycling event, hence Gran Fondo New York.

Originally Posted by passista

I'm sure not going into detail about our financial planning here but I guess one can do the math. Add 100% to your result that and you're close.
We're a team of former professionals who left their well paid jobs to pursue their passion. Yes, it's a risk. No, we don't know if we make money of it but money isn't everything. All we care about is to put up a professional event. NYC wouldn't let us stage this if they wouldn't trust us to pull it off. We believe a Gran Fondo in New York is overdue and so do many others judging from the feedback we receive.

Unlike the NYC Century, GFNY will be an international event. The feedback we received from across the globe is simply amazing. Have a look at the eight page cover article in the Italian cycling magazine (you can find it in the media section of our homepage).

So, we not only have local people signed up but also e.g. from the west coast, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria and as far as Australia.
We're working with various travel agencies around the world for foreigners who like their journeys organized. These companies approached us to be official agent for their country and we had to decline quite a few already.

This is NOT your usual "ride". Not to discredit any low key century ride, we love them, ride them, they absolutely do have their place, I would even recommend some of them here in New York if you care, but Gran Fondo New York is different.

First, you have road closures, partial road closures and moderated traffic. And this is New York!

Second, with four timed climbs you have a competitive part. There are over all, age group and various team categories competing for great prizes like high end road bikes, frames, racing wheels, shoes etc. We have European teams signed up who will make it tough for the locals to keep the prizes in town. Don't let them take everything home!
On top of that, raffle prizes will be for grabs if you want to take it a little easier and enjoy the sights a little more.

Then of course there's the jersey, which has a retail value upwards of $100, great post race food and party with Whit Raymond as announcer, well stocked aid stations, an overflowing goodie bag and much more you might find at your typical "rides" as well but maybe not all at one.

That said: if there's a key element you would like to have, let us know. We're experienced athletes who have raced and participated in thousands of events all around the globe and believe we "get it", know what's necessary. However, any suggestion/comment/question is much appreciated!

Runners have the NYC Marathon, Triathletes have the NYC Triathlon, so it was time for a cycling event, hence Gran Fondo New York.

Originally Posted by gsteinb

I know it's difficult to believe, but New Jersey is not a country.