2020 may have been a wild ride, but FoCo Fondo is back for 2021 and ready to party. Year 5 Take 2 will bring an exclusive VIP experience on July 24th and the main party July 25th. The ride is seeing all small business and community-minded partners return despite a roller coaster years. The 2021 FoCo Fondo is run by power-couple Zack and Whitney Allison and they are seeking to help riders redefine their limits and enjoy the gravel racing challenge. 

Four route options include approximate 12-, 25-, 50-, and 115-mile Bite the Bullet Challenge. They are committed to expanding our efforts to create an inclusive event. To add to the FoCo Fondo’s commitment of supporting diversity in cycling, over a dozen entries and event housing were provided to BIPOC cyclists who applied to the FoCo Fondo Entry Program. Our commitments to supporting families riding include a Strider course hosted by Scheels Johnstown, free entries for Kids 12 and under, reduced rates for teens, and funding Safe Routes to School after-school bike clubs that serve kids of all economic statuses. 

The routes finish with a cycling festival, the Fondofest, at iconic New Belgium Brewing, complete with live music, announcer Dave Towle, vendors, Ibis bike demos, vendors, catered lunch, and, of course, New Belgium beer. Pre-registration is open and day-of registration will also be available. 

2021 will have a full bike race, start to finish, for the 115 mile Bite the Bullet Challenge with a $4000 prize purse equally split between men and women. Riders who finish under a prestigious time limit on the Bite the Bullet challenge win an exclusive FoCo Fondo bolo tie.

FoCo Fondo fills the space between sanctioned races and supported group rides, providing competitive components, but first and foremost, encouraging adventure and self-challenge. Riders will pass through remote old-time western towns, grasslands, parks and open spaces before making their way back to New Belgium Brewing for a festival celebrating cycling. 

 

About Foco Fondo: FoCo Fondo was founded from a love of exploration and adventure in 2016. This love took the event to the quiet rolling gravel hills of Northern Colorado. The FoCo Fondo seeks to share this love of exploration and adventure with Fort Collins no matter the mileage. 

 

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The FoCo FondoFest, returning July 25, 2021, is both family ride and gravel grinder. This “daring gravel cycling adventure” starts and finishes at New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colo., and features route options ranging from 12 to 100 miles. The family-friendly 12- and 25-mile rides offer the perfect summer challenge wrapped in a fun package, while the 50- and 100-mile routes promise to test your mettle. Ride the 50 for a rolling ramble of the area’s unpaved roadways, or race the 100-mile Bite the Bullet open category for cash, prizes and a bolo tie. All FoCo Fondo entries include: a swag bag; aid station support with snacks, water and hydration options; a delicious post-ride meal and beverage; entertainment; and a few additional goodies. Post-ride, enjoy FondoFest’s food trucks, vendors, bike-demos, live music, and kids-friendly activities. Note: mileage is approximate pending final permits. A portion of the profits go to support after-school and summer programs through Safe Routes to School, an FC Bikes program. FoCo Fondo is a Fort Collins based event company founded by pro bike racers Zack Allison and Jake Arnold. Arnold moved on in 2020 to run his successful restaurant and catering business, and Whitney Allison joined husband Zack to “bring the best, largest race and riding event to gravel cycling in Colorado” in 2021. More on them here:  https://focofondo.com/our-impact