RIDE TIPS - EASTSIDE VELO
2022 MAMMOTH GRAN FONDO WINNER - TEAM
Eastside Velo (ESV) is the local road cycling club serving Mono and Inyo counties. We welcome locals, second homeowners, and visitors to join our club. Club members are all ages and range in skill level from beginners to competitive racers. The club promotes (at least) weekly group rides that are open to the public year-round. We also do several “signature rides” each summer for club members.
Eastside Velo riders are very familiar with the Mammoth Gran Fondo route since we ride these roads all the time! In fact, we typically ride the Mammoth Gran Fondo course backwards as a signature ride a couple of weeks prior to the actual event.
Eastside Velo’s Tips for the Mammoth Gran Fondo:
Join ESV’s pre-ride the Friday before the Fondo to get a sneak peek of the last 20 miles of the route.
Live at elevation! Okay, this might not be an option for many of you, but you can still take steps to minimize the effects of coming to high elevation for a grueling athletic event: hydrate in the days leading up to the event, limit alcohol intake until after the ride, get good sleep before the event, hydrate the morning of the event, eat before you are hungry during the ride, and hydrate during the ride! Try to finish your first water bottle before turning off 395. Refill at the rest stops.
Be realistic with your effort. Accept that there will be people faster and slower than you. Find a group the fits your fitness to ride with.
The 22+ miles between Sagehen and Wildrose is a great place to make up time. Get with a group and share the load. The climb up Wildrose usually breaks groups up, but the good news is that you just have to make it to Watterson Summit to find Medio riders that can then help you make it to the finish.