Anyone else ride the LA Gran Fondo today?
 

Kind of surprised how little the LA Gran Fondo has been mentioned here. Did anyone else do it today? I did the shorter route. It was a great day for it. Good weather, big turnout. LA's roads leave something to be desired in some places, especially on Santa Monica Blvd, but once out in the mountains, it was really nice.

Anybody else do it? What did you think?

I was wondering what the heck differentiates a "gran fondo" from other organized cycling events like centuries. Is it all just marketing?

Basically, I think so. Gran Fondo is the new century to keep it new and improved or whatever.
Modelled after the Euro Fondos, I guess the thing is to have a (chip) timed climb along the route.

Yes and good food at the end.