The Jensie Gran Fondo was an absolute blast and one that I’ll be coming back to participate in year after year. The event was very organized and the volunteers all knew what they were doing. I never felt like I was led in the wrong direction. The support on the road was unbelievable, from all the great rest stops to many motorcycles on the course to the cowbells at the finish. From 6am to 5pm, the whole day felt very smoothly operated. This was the Jensie Gran Fondo’s first year so it was a little smaller than other Gran Fondos like Levi’s, but that was a good thing rather than a bad thing. First of all, the food was GOOD. Delicious brats, healthy vegetarian options, and some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had made this a real standout in my mind. It wasn’t just the usual cold pizza in the food tent, and they never ran out, either. There weren’t very many vendors, but the booths that were there were great, like raffles from Bonk Breaker, a photobooth from FitBit, and free RoadID-like wristbands from Safe Mate. The swag was also great, too – TWO water bottles(one signed by Jens!), nutrition, etc. The merchandise was a little pricey but par for events like this. And of course… the man, the myth, the legend, JENSVOIGHT! What a great idea to have him hanging out on the course with everybody, falling back with the mortals, giving tips, laughing, and telling our legs to shut up? He was so gracious, spending a lot of time at the various rest stops, taking lots of photos, signing autographs, having genuine conversations and remembering peoples’ names throughout the day. You just don’t get that from celebrity athletes, and to have that experience here in Marin County was a real treat. This was the best«small» cycling event I’ve ever been a part of and will definitely be back. If I had known how much I’d enjoy it this time I would have joined the«Founders’ Club,» but oh well.
