OWEGO, N.Y. — The First Annual Tour Tioga Gran Fondo will be held beginning at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, September 10, at Hickories Park, 359 Hickories Park Road in Owego.
But what exactly is a “Gran Fondo?”
Gran Fondo roughly translated is Italian for “big ride.” The mass participation cycling event has enjoyed tremendous popularity for decades in Europe and can now be found around the world including right here in Tioga County.
Riders of all abilities will enjoy the experience and the scenic views of historic Tioga County, N.Y., on routes of 10, 30, and 62-miles. Each course is marked and supported by local emergency personnel, aid-stations, and roving mechanical support.
This premiere cycling event will raise awareness and financial support for Tioga Opportunities, Inc., (TOI), a non-profit, Community Action Agency that has served Tioga County since 1965. While everyone deserves to aspire to their hopes and dreams, 37-percent of families in Tioga County, N.Y. struggle to meet their basic needs. TOI helps meet those needs in a variety of ways including serving as the Office for the Aging for the county, providing congregate lunch to the community and home delivered meals to vulnerable older adults, weatherization services to residents of both Tioga and Broome counties, home repairs to eligible Tioga County homeowners, transportation services to critical medical appointments, self-sufficiency coordination for those individuals and families in crisis, financial social work, the operation of a family planning and WIC clinic that provides health care and nutrition, and operation of three housing complexes.
Registration for Tioga Gran Fondo includes a swag bag, T-shirt, and a free meal. Music on the lawn post ride will also be included. Pre-register before noon, Thursday, September 8, at: bikereg.com/toifondo. To learn more about the race and the programs provided by TOI visit www.tiogaopp.org.
