Gran Fondo NY season: Big bike race goes through Rockland on May 19. What you need to know
You may have seen the lime green "GFNY" bunting popping along Route 9W. Yes, Gran Fondo New York is back, coming to Rockland and north Jersey on Sunday, May 19.
The race draws thousands of riders from around the world. And it causes considerable traffic disruptions.
The Gran Fondo has 50- and 100-mile cycling courses and both loop through the county. That means traffic detours and delays can be expected as large pelotons of riders come through.
This year, a professional race called “Gran Premio New York" will kick off the race.
What to expect along the route
The race starts at the George Washington Bridge. The lower level will be closed Saturday overnight and through 9 a.m. Sunday.
In New Jersey, Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee and Henry Hudson Drive will be closed Sunday.
The course uses Route 9W, which will close to vehicles from Alpine, New Jersey, to Nyack from 7-9 a.m.
In Stony Point, riders tackle Mott Farm Road, Gate Hill and Cheesecote Mountain, with an 18% grade, the steepest part of the course. The course skirts Harriman State Park.
Heading south, riders go through Ramapo, Clarkstown and Orangetown, including the Joseph B. Clarke rail trail in Blauvelt. The course doesn’t go onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway but will shut down entrance and exit ramps at exits 2, 3 and 4.
The terminus is in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where a big street party-style celebration is planned.
Find out more
Plenty of local cyclists participate each year. If you're interested, get information about fees and registration at nyc.gfny.com.
If you're not riding but want to join in, course flaggers are still needed. Contact volunteer@gfny.com to volunteer; for questions, contact support@gfny.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Gran Fondo New York cycling race goes through Rockland County May 19
