Grand Fondo Hincapie – Merced: The Challenge Continues …  And It Should Be Wet, Wild 

Anticipation is building for the second annual Gran Fondo Hincapie “Gravel” cycling experience that’s returning to Merced this Saturday, March 15, starting with a grand downtown send-off for riders at 8 a.m., and continuing with an all-day Family Fun Festival for everyone to enjoy.  

About 600 cycling enthusiasts from across the nation and around the world will tackle a multi-terrain course that will lead them through lush ranch lands and into a world where the scenic Sierra Nevada mountains beckon in the distance.  

“This is what gravel dreams are made of,” said Joe Coddington, the technical director for the race. 

However, the race Saturday was set to be preceded by three days of rainy conditions in the area. Rain was in the forecast for Wednesday through Friday, with the sun emerging at 65 degrees on Race Day. 

Surprisingly to many observers, the local weather is actually expected to enhance the riding experience. 

“People are worried about the weather because so much of the race is on dirt roads, but the weather will make it muddy, slippery, and actually, this is what all the riders want,” said Doug Fluetsch, a local cycling enthusiast and organizer who helped bring the event to town.  

“It’s the endurance of it,” he pointed out. “It will make the ride longer. We will have creek crossings. We will have crossings where riders will have to get off their bikes and walk through ankle or knee deep water in the creek. Last year, we had mud in some areas that were flooded, and people were actually crashing in the mud. Now they will have that for almost the whole 80 miles. So the conditions, for this type of event, are perfect.”

The 54-year-old Fluetsch knows quite a bit about cycling events and what makes them roll. He raced competitively between the ages of 16 and 24, and he went on to direct the annual MERCO Cycling Classic in Merced for many years. 

For the this year’s Grand Fondo, Fluetsch said he was participating in the 61-mile course category as opposed to the top 81 mile course.  “I have to be able to walk around when I’m done,” he said with a laugh. “If I did the 80, I wouldn’t be able to move.” 

Fluetsch will be joined by none other than the mayor of Merced, Matt Serratto, who will also attempt the 61-mile course. When asked if he had ever entered a cycling race like the Grand Fondo before, and if he was up to the task, the mayor sported a grin and replied: “No and no.”

“I haven’t even seen the bike I will be riding yet,” Serratto quipped. “I guess there is somewhat of a low expectation on my part, but I’m thinking I can finish within five hours. But my only goal, really, is survival.” 

For those onlookers who want to see the racers in action (and maybe the mayor struggling to keep up), one of the best, easily accessible viewing areas along the course is located on the back side of Lake Yosemite in a parking lot and fishing area. The parking lot is situated at the end of Old Lake Road.  

Community events

Just ahead of the race on Friday, March 14, “Operation Get Out” is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club of Merced to host a Bike Giveaway. These groups will donate 50 bikes and helmets to local kids. The giveaway will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Event Expo (Packet Pick-up/Registration). On top of that, the young people who win bikes will be given the opportunity to show up early and lead off the entire group of riders down the red carpet corral, along N Street, just up from Main. This is a collaborative effort with the support of Operation Get Out, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, Hincapie Sports, Centurion Boats, Trek Bicycles, and the City of Merced.

Additionally, there will be a Family Fun Expo and Festival near the Civic Center, at the corner of 18th and N streets, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For those unfamiliar with the Gran Fondo Hincapie race, it is much more than just some “big bike ride.” This event — hosted by former professional road cyclist and Team USA Olympian George Hincapie and his family — is a multi-day celebration of everything cycling. There will be complimentary live music, games, refreshments, and the kinship of fellow riders from around the globe. The event was first put together 13 years ago in Greenville, N.C., and is now returning to the West Coast for the second time.

“Bringing the Hincapie Gran Fondo back to Merced for its second year is incredibly exciting,” said Rich Hincapie, president of Hincapie Sports. “The local community’s energy and enthusiasm for cycling, along with their amazing support and involvement, make it the perfect place to celebrate the sport and connect with riders of all levels. This event is especially meaningful as it is our only West Coast and gravel event in the Hincapie series. The stunning beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains provides a breathtaking backdrop, making this ride even more unforgettable. We’re very grateful for the support of the El Capitan Hotel and the City of Merced, whose partnership helps make this event possible.”

Said Robin Donovan, managing director of the El Capitan: “We are thrilled to welcome the Hincapie event back and to once again serve as the hotel sponsor. Last year, it brought significant community impact, with downtown businesses thriving and many local vendors actively participating. This event not only creates a fantastic economic opportunity for our community but also serves as a vibrant platform to showcase all that Merced has to offer.

“The Central Valley is more than just a gateway to Yosemite — it’s a destination for incredible riding experiences. Our local trails, roads, farms, and ranches highlight the beauty of Merced County. With the Central Valley supplying 40 percent of the nation’s produce, this event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that our community has to offer to riders. … Riders will get to experience the historic Mainzer Merced Theater and our 114-room boutique hotel, the El Capitan, where we’re proud to provide post-race finish beers for participants. They can also enjoy our on-site Rainbird Restaurant, which offers a farm-to-fork dining experience with special menus crafted just for the riders.”