Hey there, I just registered for the 2019 Garrett County Gran Fondo and was wondering if there are any other forum members that will ride it this year.
GCGF happens in the western part of MD, and it’s probably both the hardest and most scenic ride I’ve ever done. I’m signed up for the 60 mile ride this year and am using the event as motivation to get back to training after becoming a dad for the first time this year.
Anyone else going to be there?
It looks brutal. I would think anyone who did Disaster Day would be a prime candidate to join you. 7 hour drive for me, hows that for an excuse!
I did GCGF this past year. Sounds like you’ve done it before and as you’ll know its one of the toughest rides in the area, on par with any of the epic rides they mention on the podcast. I’m going to be a dad for the second time at the end of March so its not going to happen for me this year. Good luck and congrats on the new little one.
What a beautiful (and challenging) area for a Gran Fondo!
I did the Gran Fondo in Frederick MD many years ago and that first hill up Hamburg Rd. was brutal. I did a lot of fly fishing in Garrett County Maryland area. The hills out in Frederick have gotten nothing on western MD.
Congratulations on your little one, mine turns 2 in a week 
I’m reviving this old thread checking to see if anyone else is doing the GCGF this year. It’s such a challenging and well-run event. But it’s not marketed-publicized as well as it could be. GARRETT COUNTY GRAN FONDO – GCGF 2024
I did it in 2019 and enjoyed the route, the scenery and locals cheering along the roadside. Some of the post-ride organization was lacking that year WRT the post-ride food/drinks; caterer literally removed food from my plate because they “gave me too much” (lol) and they were having problems with the beer truck’s taps. I mentioned it in the post-ride survey and one of the organizers reached out to apologize and let me know that it would be smoother the following year (2020, which I didn’t ride). I considered doing it again this year, but had a conflict with the date. I may ride it next year; I generally don’t like to repeat rides/events like that but it’s one I’d do again.
Done it twice and wanted to go back for 2024, but had a conflict and will miss it. It’s definitely one of the most memorable / challenging events I’ve ever been part of. Two thumbs up! Absolutely fantastic course!
The Diabolical Double was my first ever road “race”. Through work I was stationed in the US back in 2011/2012 and that’s when I started riding on the road. Cool event. If I remember correctly it even had a gravel section, and this was back in the days of 23mm tires.
In the middle of nowhere there was this cabin where a couple of gyus where playing “Dueling Banjos”. Put a smile on my face 
amidst the pain.
Definitely a tough course. A couple of bigger climbs, but mostly shorter (and steep) climbs. “Death by a thousand cuts” as Johnathan would put it. In 2012 it ended on top of a ski lift, but looking briefly at the profile it seems that’s taken out?
Anyway, thought I’d chime in as this was the start of my love for climbing mountains on a bike (even thought I’m not exactly built like Tadej 
)
That cool that you got to do it while in the U.S. And very impressive that the Diabolical Double (126 miles 16,500’/200k 5000+meters) was your first road race! My first was at this fondo also. But I only did the 100 mile 12,000’ route. However, it was my second year of cycling after 25 years on the couch, and first time doing any structured training. It was a great challenge to shoot for.
I’m aware that the start/finish used to be on top of a mountain. But they changed it because of fog and cold. Now it starts in the lower elevations. It still has the 2 mile gravel piece.
At 88kg, I’m not a typical climber profile either. But I try anyway. I would love to get a top 3 in my age group. Last year I came in 5th. Next year when I’m 60, I think my chances may be better. Thanks for chiming in, and congrats on the hateful Diabolical Double being your first road race!