Mass Participation or Gran Fondo insight?

[Chuck Johannsen]

Saw on my local news in Victoria, BC that Ryder Hesjedal is doing a gran fondo style race here in Victoria, British Columbia. I haven't participated in a mass participation race before but I've heard from friends who've ridden in them throughout British Columbia and had good things to say. I followed Ryder Hesjedal pretty intently through the 2010 Tour de France.

Has anyone participated in a Gran Fondo before? Any insight into the experience from a mass participation event would be really helpful. I'm an avid cyclist but not particularly competitive.

Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria Gran Fondo

Thanks!
Chuck J.

 

[ambal]

Looks like an awesome event, I wouldn't mind doing some gran fondos, now the body is slowing down a bit.