FoCo Fondo: Do It, You Won't

More than a decade ago, pro cyclist Zack Allison veered off his usual training route near Fort Collins, Colorado, swapping smooth pavement for rough-and-tumble dirt. What he discovered was a wilder, rowdier, and infinitely more thrilling ride. It was too good to keep to himself, so he shared it with others, and just like that, the FoCo Fondo was born—a homegrown gravel adventure that’s anything but ordinary.

Year 1 for FoCo Fondo, dubbed "Bite the Bullet," kicked off in 2016 with a truly grassroots vibe. This unpermitted adventure started at the crack of dawn from New Belgium Brewing’s new outdoor tasting center. The aid station? Just a couple of coolers stashed in a ditch. Riders tackled a 100-mile journey over Northern Colorado's best-kept secrets—its wild and varied dirt roads. They braved everything from smooth pavement to rugged double track, passing through quaint western towns and vast grasslands. There was no official finish line, but the real prize was conquering the challenge and seeing how many beers you could down back at the brewery.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and FoCo Fondo has grown right alongside the booming gravel scene, but with its own unique flavor. It's still kicking off from the iconic New Belgium Brewing, still in the heat of the Colorado summer, and still quintessential gravel.

Checking in with co-founder Zack Allison on what’s changed over the years and what participants can expect at this year’s event, he shares, “The goals have expanded to create an welcome environment for the people, the bike riding people. With a $9k prize purse and bolo ties up for grabs on the grueling ‘Quadruple Dog Dare You Route’, there's no shortage of fierce competitors. But the majority of riders are here to have the best day ever, whatever that means to them. The event weekend is a vibrant mix of community gatherings, a sprawling one-day expo, shakeout rides, exclusive brewery tours, live local music, and, of course, the main ride itself.”

FoCo Fondo is far from "just" a weekend event. It's a year-round celebration of cycling, kicking off with free monthly training rides from January to June and offering budget-friendly skills clinics to hone your craft. Their leadership program and other initiatives aim to break down barriers and ensure everyone can join in on the fun. Plus, FoCo Fondo goes the extra mile by securing affordable housing and camping options for riders and partnering with local businesses to provide childcare for families. It’s all about making the joy of gravel riding accessible to all.

Each of the five FoCo Fondo routes has its own unique flair. The main race route is a grueling 118 miles, where riders compete for cash, a handcrafted bolo tie for hitting a certain finishing time, and other prizes. This long course features nearly 8,000 feet of climbing, peaking at 8,000 feet with stunning sub-alpine views. If that's a bit too daunting, there's a 100-mile route that’s the fastest gravel century around, skirting close to Wyoming with its rugged B roads. The 60-mile route is the most popular, offering a mix of fast gravel and intense B road segments. The 30-mile route is perfect for those who are gravel-curious but still want a challenge. And for families and kids, the 12-mile route winds through mixed terrain, trails, and paths. No matter which route you choose, the motto is “do it, you won't”—a playful dare to push your limits, your pace, and most importantly, your fun!