Portland Gran Fondo News

Hood River

2012-01-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Our Hood River date is set for Saturday, September 22.

We will make another important announcement on Jan 16 when our registration opens for regular or Charityof Choice.

Hood River Dirt

2011-06-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Echelon Masters Race Team and staff where in town last week racing in the Mt Hood Cycling Classic organized by our local partner Break Away Promotions. Our fall gran fondo courses follow many of the same epic roads we raced on this week. Scenic, epic, unbelievable are some words that come to mind while riding here.

Adding to our excitement this week was teaming up with two local shops below, both of which are helping us design the 30 and 60 mile Echelon Cross Mountain rides that will coincide with the September 24 Gran Fondo. All riders, Road, Cross, and Mountain will stage/ride together for the first 9 miles along the closed historic Columbia River Highway. At the town of Mosier, the Cross and Mountain riders will split from the road riders and start their 9 mile climb to the top of Fir Mountain Road. 60 mile CrossMountain riders will actually converge with the 100 road riders at mile 70 on the road and mile 40 for dirt.

Preliminary courses for both Road and CrossMountain can be found here:

Echelon is pleased to announce its Hood River shop partners for course design work, support, and packet pick up.

Discovery Bicycles

Downtown Hood River, OR

541-386-4820

(mix of road and mountain)

Dirty Fingers Bikes

1412 13th Street, Hood River OR

(known for mountain but they are also roadies!)

next to 10-Speed Coffee (yum)

541-308-0420

10-Speed Coffee (our coffee sponsor in Hood)

Back in The Hood for 2011

2010-12-15T05:24:00.000-08:00

Echelon is back in 2011 and moving to a Saturday so we can light up the town a little more.
Look for an off road-section too for mountain and cyclecross. Look for more on course support and better cuisine out on the road vs this and just one knife for 500 riders. OMG, our bad last year.

Hill Climb Prizes

2010-10-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

DONATED PRIZE LIST: (scroll down for winners)
1st place--Garmin GPS 500, Garmin Slipstream edition
2nd place--1 custom laser bike fit by Cycle One Coaching & Winning Fit $250 value
3rd Place-- Ritchey Carbon fork from Renovo Wooden Bicycles
4th place--1 Cascade Acupuncture - Gift Package - healing Acupuncture treatment package from Cascade Acupuncture center contains One Free Consultation and Two Free Treatments for Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
5th place--Columbia Laser Skin Center- $100 Gift Cert for services and a Free Skin Analysis Consultation to help you decide what type of treatment you would like.
6th place--Columbia Bank - $50 Visa Gift Card
7th place--Columbia Bank - $50 Visa Gift Card
8th place--Columbia Bank - $50 Visa Gift Card
9th place--Columbia Bank - $50 Visa Gift Card
10th place--Columbia Sportswear duffle bag

NAMES OF WINNERS: (prizes will be mailed). Winners were based on time bonuses awarded for fundraising jersey levels.
1st place--Janne Hamalanien--56:05 with 20 min time bonus for Polka Jersey. Actual time was 1:16:05
2nd place--Kiva Hartfield--1:03:32 with 20 min time bonus for Polka Jersey. Actual time was 1:23:32
3rd place--Gerben Gerristn--1:11:33 with 5min time bonus for White Jersey. Actual time was 1:16:33
4th place--Lang Reynolds--1:12:37 with no time bonus (FASTEST TIME ON DAY)
5th place--David Mackintosh--1:12:38 with 10 min time bonus for Blue Jersey. Actual time was 1:22:38
6th place--Jennifer Slawata--1:14:23 with no time bonus (FASTEST FEMALE TIME ON DAY)
7th place--Matthew Barton-1:15:26 with 5min time bonus for White Jersey. Actual time was 1:20:26
8th place--Kyle Medlin--1:1:16:03 with 10 min time bonus for Blue Jersey. Actual time was 1:26:03
9th place--Lindsay Kandra--1:18:58 with 20 min time bonus for Polka Jersey. Actual time was 1:38:58
10th place--Robert Dobrey--1:19:27 with 10 min time bonus for Blue Jersey. Actual time was 1:29:27

Special thanks to our food and wine donors:
Viento Winery - donated a case of 2006 Pinot Noir and Verona (White field blend) that went into our center piece gift baskets. Thank you Viento for also providing your excellent wines at our VIP Dinner.

Klickitat Canyon Winery - donated 2 bottles of 2006 Lenberger. Congratulations Peter Burnum on winning these bottles!

Argyle Winery - Providing bottles of 2006 Knudsen Vineyard Brut for our hill climb winners!

10 Speed Coffee – Donating coffee for our VIP dinner, gift baskets and morning brew!

Gorge Delights- Box of delicious Just Fruit Bars. 100% Natural, wheat, dairy, gluten and nut free!

Full Sail Brewery and Sierra Nevada for donated beer.

OREGON UPDATE Sept. 15

2010-09-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Packet Pick up/Reg info

Packet pick up times starting Friday September 24:
12 PM to 5 PM: Friday at River City Bicycles in Portland
9 AM to 11 AM: Saturday at River City Bicycles in Portland
4 PM to 6 PM: Saturday at Expo location in Hood River
6 AM to 7 AM: Sunday AM in the parking area at the event in Hood RiverDirections to River City Bicycles

Group Packet pick up:

You may send a representative to any of the packet pick up locations to pick up your teams packets but you must have a signed Echelon waiver for all of your riders as well as an OBRA waiver if your rider is participating for points in the OBRA sanctioned race. Non licensed OBRA riders need no OBRA waiver. An OBRA license is not required to compete in the Hill Climb Competition but if you wish to purchase a one day OBRA license go here. Email hunter@planetz.org for an Echelon Waiver for now. We will post one later that is downloadable.

The Dinner and Movie (nearly sold out)

Purchase options can be found on BIKE REG.COM/Echelon

White Jersey level fundraisers ($300 and up) get the movie for free.

Blue Jersey level fundraisers ($500 and up) get the dinner and the movie for free.

If you did not purchase a dinner or movie ticket and have fundraised to get in, be sure you have communicated with Nick McGowan as to your reserved seat at dinner.

LOCATION is Skylight Theater in Hood River, 109 Oak Street, Hood River OR, 97031

START TIME: 8:30 PM (right after dinner ends).

KINK FM competition

Echelon expansion cities announced

2010-08-18T16:23:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release:

ECHELON GRAN FONDO SERIES ANNOUNCES EXPANSION PLANS FOR 2011 AND BEYOND.

Targeting communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, New York, and Washington DC.

(San Francisco, CA – August 17, 2010) – The Echelon Gran Fondo Cycling Series by PlanetZ/Echelon, a non-profit organization that benefits cancer research and survivor support, has announced intentions to increase their program to additional markets in 2011 and beyond. Echelon, a unique series designed for cyclists of all levels, combines riding, racing, and fundraising, along with what the organizers call a “Tour de France-like frivolity” to offset the serious nature of fundraising. Echelon has produced smaller charitable events since 2005 with cycling celebrities Eddy Merckx, Bob Roll, and Frankie Andreu, and this past May produced its first Gran Fondo in Napa, CA.

Based on the success of the Napa event and strong participation levels at the forthcoming September Hood River, OR event featuring Chris Horner of Team RadioShack®, the Echelon Gran Fondo will enter Arizona, the Rocky Mountain Region, Washington DC, Manhattan/Southern Connecticut, and the Stanford/Palo Alto markets. According to David Cochran, Director of Operations for Echelon, “Not only have certain cycling-oriented communities come forward and asked us to create a Gran Fondo for them such as groups from the New York Tri-states area, but we also have pursued locations such as Tucson and Palo Alto both of which have tremendous health oriented demographics and highly specialized cancer research universities. Specific to Colorado, with the recent introduction of the 2011 Quiznos® Pro Challenge cycling tour in Colorado, there is a logical fit for us to give fans their own challenge and support the local community.” The Echelon team also anticipates partnering with a key events operator for a Washington DC Gran Fondo; this would occur in conjunction with the Prologue stage of the Giro slated to start in the Capitol city in 2012.

What makes the Echelon event distinct from other charity-based cycling rides is the ride itself, or what Echelon’s Executive Director Hunter Ziesing calls “theater on the roads” –where cyclists are treated to an experience of riding in a grand tour for the day. At an Echelon event, a rider can expect announcers, balloons, cheerleaders, helicopters, live music, marching bands, epicurean treats, and a cast of characters typically found on Alpe d’Huez. Additionally, and fundamental to the both the fundraising efforts and the ride is the integration of sponsor partners. (Sponsors for the 2010 series are Capo, Skins, Garmin, Hammer Nutrition and Bicycling Magazine). According to Ziesing, “Activation of our sponsor partners is a critical ingredient of offering an outstanding experience, fundraiser awards, as well as lowering our cost ratios. We are now in dialogue with potential national partners who recognize the platform we have created for brand immersion in the worlds of health, healing and fitness.”

Echelon’s national beneficiary is LIVESTRONG® but unique to the Echelon model is their heavy focus on partnerships with local hospitals that have cancer specific clinics or foundations. “Fundraising is not for everyone and it is optional, but we offer all levels of cyclists the opportunity to raise money for the fight against cancer, reap rewards from their efforts, and have an unbelievable day on some of the most beautiful roads in this country,” commented Ziesing.

For more information, please visit www.echelongranfondo.org

About PlanetZ/Echelon:

PlanetZ is a non-profit global member organization that promotes human affairs including health, environment, and community, and is greatly committed to the cycling community at large by creating events and fitness challenges that are designed to raise money to local and national cancer focused institutions.

Media Contact: Rebecca Kotch

Email: Rebecca@rebeccakotch.com

Phone: 323.806.5900

Chris Horner and Jana Ireton at Tour of CA

2010-05-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

THE ANGEL OF ECHELON HAS RISEN

2010-04-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

THE ANGEL OF ECHELON RISES FOR THE INAUGURAL ECHELON GRAN FONDO SERIES – NAPA VALLEY, MAY 23RD

Angel serves dual role of inspiring the cancer community and encouraging cycling fundraisers on the Napa Gran Fondo course.

(San Francisco, CA – April 16th, 2010) – With the focus on fundraising for LIVESTRONG® and local cancer institutions, Queen of the Valley Hospital and the Martin O’Neil Cancer Center, organizers of the Echelon Gran Fondo series have resurrected a known figure in the world of professional cycling, and soon to be known to many more in the cancer centered hospital communities where the Echelon rides will occur – the Angel of Echelon. The Angel, formerly known as the Specialized® Angel, popular to both the cyclists and fans, has been restored and restyled to emulate a protector and healer while still maintaining her celebrated allure and charisma.

The real life angel, California native Jana Ireton, began her career in the service sector as a nurse and is all too familiar with the emotional toils of working in hospitals. “When I was asked to bring back the Angel, I was thrilled, as I know the cycling fans liked this character and it was also great to simply energize the peloton. Now I have the chance to take the Angel to a different level, and work with the Echelon beneficiary partners and spread good will and encouragement to those who need it the most,” stated Ireton.

Echelon Event Director, Hunter Ziesing, has said that this particular series will emulate more the fanfare of the Tour De France, than the Italian heritage of Gran Fondos. “The angel character serves a dual role: one to inspire and support those off the bike and the other to captivate and cheer those on the bike,” said Ziesing. Ziesing has explained that other lively and unexpected characters will be on course cheering the riders along.

The Echelon series is designed as a partnership between the local beneficiaries who donate their time, and the donors who are focused on raising money for cancer initiatives. The key event sponsors - Garmin®, Louis Garneau®, Hammer Nutrition®, Capo®, Skins™, Bicycling Magazine and 1440 KVON- have donated product and services, of which will be rewarded to the fundraisers.

The Echelon Napa cycling event will begin at 8:30am at Napa’s Veteran’s Park. Shortly after the cyclists depart much of downtown Napa will be closed for the inaugural Echelon 5k Run/Walk benefiting the Napa Valley Vine Trail, and beginning at 9:30am. A fun run for kids under 12 will take place after the 5K run. Deadline for team and individual registration is May 16,2010. For more information, visit http://www.echelongranfondo.org/napa.

Chris Horner to ride Oregon Echelon Gran Fondo

2010-03-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release:

PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST CHRIS HORNER TO SERVE AS AMBASSADOR FOR ECHELON GRAN FONDO PORTLAND/COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Bend, OR resident, and Team RadioShack® Rider will return to his home state to promote and participate in the state’s inaugural Echelon event

(San Francisco, CA – March 2nd, 2010) – PlanetZ/Echelon is proud to announce a partnership with professional cyclist Chris Horner for the inaugural September 26^th, 2010 Echelon Gran Fondo in The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. Horner, a resident of Bend, Oregon, will serve as an event ambassador, and aid in creating greater awareness of the organization’s commitment to creating community focused cycling events, which raise money for local and national cancer institutions. The majority of entry fees and additional donations contributed by participating individuals and teams will support the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and LIVESTRONG®.

Horner, a dominant figure for over 15 years in international pro-cycling, and member of the newly formed Team RadioShack® with American teammates Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer and Jason McCartney, is excited to partner with Echelon and the community of Portland. “When I was approached by Echelon and learned about their event goals, a unique opportunity was created for me to support the beneficiary organizations and participate on my home turf," commented Horner.

The primary local beneficiary of the Echelon event is the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, considered as one of the nation’s top cancer centers. With the latest treatments, technologies, hundreds of research studies and approximately 400 clinical trials, the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is the only cancer center between Sacramento and Seattle designated by the National Cancer Institute — an honor earned only by the nation's top cancer centers. LIVESTRONG®, the event’s national beneficiary and source of inspiration and assistance for millions is the globally recognized Lance Armstrong Foundation, which connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Additionally, a portion of funds will also support the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway (FHCRH), an Oregon nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support the restoration of the historic highway through the Columbia River.

“Having Chris as part of this event is quite a thrill. His spirited personality and his commitment to generating awareness for our event are exciting. We look forward to our Portland participants having the opportunity to meet and ride with Chris,” said Hunter Ziesing, founder of Echelon.

Echelon, whose 2010 events are planned in Napa, CA and Portland, OR, has created 30, 60, and 100-mile rides to emulate the pageantry of the Tour de France. All abilities of riders are welcome, and all participants will encounter a uniquely crafted and festive event.

About PlanetZ/Echelon: PlanetZ is a non-profit global member organization that promotes human affairs including health, environment, and community, and is greatly committed to the cycling community at large by creating events and fitness challenges that are designed to raise money for local and national cancer focused institutions.

For more information, please visit www.echelongranfondo.org.

Media Contact:

Rebecca Kotch

323.806.5900

Rebecca@Rebeccakotch.com