Frequently Asked Questions

Italian for “Big Ride,” a Gran Fondo is a long-distance, mass participation event geared toward cyclists of all abilities. The KayBank Gran Fondo starts and ends in downtown Grand Rapids and offers multiple lengths through West Michigan. Experience the scenic terrain and the Lake Michigan shore while on a rolling party to support our charity beneficiary. Stops along the way are a foodie’s delight, offering the area’s finest cuisine and the fresh taste of Michigan-sourced foods. The day will culminate with the Finish Line Festival – an outdoor after-party with craft brews, a grand feast and music.

Things change eventually, that is the simple truth. While the name may be different, everything you loved about the original MSU Gran Fondo for 8 years and then the GR Gran Fondo for the past two years is still the same: the well-known finish line festival on the streets of downtown GR, the courses and ride options, professional timing, on course amenities and police support, celebrity rider and more.

Throughout the 8 years of the MSU Gran Fondo, over 1.2 million dollars was raised for skin cancer research. That is astounding and due to the efforts of the event and countless riders! With the reimagining of Gran Fondo, it is time to look further into our West Michigan community and support new causes. Visit our “Mission” page for more information.

Athlete-focused, community-minded: We are much more than triathlon.
From national championship triathlons to highly-produced road and gravel cycling events, our priority is to provide an unparalleled participant experience.

Since 2011, Tris4Health has been a Michigan leader in the endurance event space. We produce Grand Rapids Triathlon, Michigan’s largest triathlon and two-day event, Michigan Titanium, the nation’s biggest independent 140.6-mile triathlon, plus numerous gravel and running events. We are the event company responsible for the return of Gran Fondo in 2023 and will produce a total of over 20 events in 2025, with additional events planned in the future.

We suggest using a road bike as it is the best option to ride in groups. You are welcome to ride a mountain bike, touring bike, single speed with two brakes, e-bikes, tandem, recumbent or hand bike. Triathlon bikes are also fine as long as you keep your hands on the brake lever.

Riders are asked to exercise extreme caution, as the majority of riders may not be familiar with non-standard bicycles. Please note, when riding a tandem both riders must be registered for the event.

• Detachable Aero Bars, penny-farthings, and unicycles are not permitted for safety reasons.
• Participants using non-standard bicycles must wear brightly colored clothing and attach an orange flag to cycling units
• Bike trailers are permitted on the Family Ride only.

Parking for GR Gran Fondo is at the expense of the participant and all parking must adhere to City of Grand Rapids parking rules. Please reference the map in the link provided to be sure you are parking in approved zones for the morning of the ride.

Downtown Grand Rapids Parking Map

Our primary goal is to raise funds to our chairity beneficiary. Therefore, we encourage each rider to raise at least $50 prior to the ride. You will have up until the time you pick up your packet to turn in your donations.

If you receive physical donations, please contact Tris4Health at [email protected], and they will assist you with where to send the donations and how to get the money attributed to your fundraising profile.

If you receive physical donations, please contact Tris4Health at [email protected], and they will assist you with where to send the donations and how to get the money attributed to your fundraising profile.

Yes, the money you raise as an individual will qualify you for prizes and roll-up to count as part of the cumulative team total.

If you receive physical donations, please contact Tris4Health at [email protected], and they will assist you with where to send the donations and how to get the money attributed to your fundraising profile.

If you made an error with the donation process, please reach out to Tris4Health at [email protected], and they can help you allocate your funds to the correct person or team.

The KeyBank Gran Fondo will take place rain or shine unless threatening weather conditions exist. In the case of severe weather, the course will be shut down for 1 hour. If conditions do not improve, the ride will be cancelled. Refunds will not be issued if cancellation is due to weather. 

Threatening Weather Conditions
The start of the event(s) can be delayed up to one (1) hour from the posted start time if any of the following conditions exist.

• Tornado warning
• Thunderstorm
• Tornado watch
• Heavy rain

Cancellation of the Event
The event will be cancelled if one of the following weather conditions exist:

• Tornado warning
• Sever thunderstorm
• Extreme heat index

In the event immediate shelter is needed, all persons will be directed to Fulton and Ottawa parking ramp.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation will be broadcast from the stage/starting line as well as communicated to event staff on the course, SAG and at each rest stop.

If the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, no refunds or deferrals on entry fees will be given.

All unused food will be donated to charity.

The KeyBank Gran Fondo offers the Tris4Health Risk-Free Racing Policy.

If a life event happens where you can no longer attend The Big Ride, you can claim a full refund or receive a deferral voucher. If it is 60 days or more from the event, you can request a full refund of the race entry dollars you paid.

If it is less than 60 days, you can request a deferral in the form of a voucher. The voucher will be connected to your Runsignup account. You will have one year from the day of deferral to use the value of the voucher. The voucher can be used to register for the KeyBank Gran Fondo the following year, purchase Fondo merch, or transfer to another Tris4Health event.

For more information on Risk-Free Racing, visit: https://tris4health.com/risk-free-racing/

The KeyBank Gran Fondo offers the Tris4Health Risk-Free Racing Policy.

If a life event happens where you can no longer attend The Big Ride, you can claim a full refund or receive a deferral voucher. If it is 60 days or more from the event, you can request a full refund of the race entry dollars you paid.

If it is less than 60 days, you can request a deferral in the form of a voucher. The voucher will be connected to your Runsignup account. You will have one year from the day of deferral to use the value of the voucher. The voucher can be used to register for the KeyBank Gran Fondo the following year, purchase Fondo merch, or transfer to another Tris4Health event.

Transfers will be treated the same as a deferral. If it is less than 60 days out from the event, you will defer and receive a voucher that can be used to transfer to another Tris4Health event.

If you are looking to change the distances for the KeyBank Gran Fondo ahead of the event, please contact Tris4Health at [email protected]. They can help you with that request.

For more information on Risk-Free Racing, visit: https://tris4health.com/risk-free-racing/