By Dave Iltis –
The 4 Peaks Gran Fondo is in its fifth year. The ride will be held in Pocatello, Idaho on August 10, 2019. The ride gets its name from the 4 summits it traverses over the 80 mile long course. The shorter courses cover some of the climbs too.
We asked organizer David George of 4 Peaks Gran Fondo about the ride.
Cycling West: The ride is in its 5th year, how is it going? What’s new for 2019?
4 Peaks Gran Fondo: The 4 Peaks Gran Fondo is in its 5th year. It is hard to believe that we have already hit year 5. Our Gran Fondo will take place on Saturday, August 10. What started out as a dream to get riders from all over to experience the best Gran Fondo in the West, is now a reality. We had over 200 riders last year and expect even more this year.
Cycling West: Tell us about the courses. What are the different course options? What are the highlights of each?
4 Peaks Gran Fondo: It is a beautiful course with rollers, great climbs, and nice scenery. As far as options go, we have added teams (2-4 people) and also what we call a valley ride for those who want to participate, but are newer to cycling. The valley ride takes you from base to base without any of the peaks. The highlights of each are that you can challenge yourself. You can ride it all yourself, or enjoy it with friends. It is hard to choose a favorite peak: Crystal is a good warm up, Scout is beautiful, there is a sense of accomplishment with Pebble, and you may see wild turkeys and some deer on Buckskin. Those that ride this area know that Pocatello is a cycling mecca. Great scenery, little traffic, and tons of variety.
Cycling West: Part of the ride is timed. Can you tell us how that works?
4PGF: The ascents are the timed portion. The KOM and QOM are strictly for the uphill portions. We want people to be careful and safe on the downhills, which by the way are fantastic!
Cycling West: Tell us more about the climbs. How hard are they? What gearing might riders need?
4PGF: The climbs vary. Crystal, Scout, and Buckskin are nice climbs with their own challenges (Category 3-4), but you will just find that gear that works for you and crank away. I think Pebble would be a Category 1 climb. She will test you, but the sense of accomplishment when you hit the top is awesome. As far as gearing goes, you won’t need anything special for the climbs, just some determination.
Cycling West: The event is a fundraiser. Can you tell us more about the beneficiary?
4PGF: 4 Peaks has donated thousands of dollars into the growth of the Pocatello Poineers High School Mountain Bike Race Team along with the Idaho Cycling League. It is a great pleasure and honor to help get and keep kids on bikes and watch them develop their own love and passion for the sport.
Cycling West: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
4PGF: Many don’t know this, but the Pocatello area is really second to none as far as quality of cycling (road and mountain). We have beautiful scenery, great climbs, and typically, very little traffic. For us that get to enjoy it every day, we feel lucky, but now it is time to share. If you come and ride, you will not be disappointed.
Event Details:
August 10, 2019 — Four Peaks Gran Fondo, Pocatello, ID, One Day: 82 miles, Four Peaks: 7800ft total elevation gain. Climb the 4 peaks of the Portneuf Valley; Crystal, Scout Mountain, Pebble Creek, Buckskin. The hill climb portions are timed with timing chips. Downhill portions are not timed. Cumulative climb times will be combined to determine rank. Ride 1-4 peaks as you wish, DanielleBagley,208-339-2043, [email protected], David George, 208-317-2225, [email protected], 4PGF.com
