For the second year in a row, Endras BMW and La Bicicletta teamed up again to organize the 5th annual Gran Fondo at Endras BMW. The event was held this past Sunday, September 30th and included a group of over 150 of the GTA’s most elite cyclists. Riders varied in experience, age, skill, and gender but all came out to enjoy the challenging ride and beautiful day. The group was offered a choice between a 80km Medio Fondo tour and a 120km Gran Fondo tour. Each group had a motorcade of both lead and follow MINI Countryman’s, X1s, X3’s, X5’s and BMW motorcycles to assist with traffic, repairs, refreshments, and directions.

George Hincapie, the recently retired American professional road bicycle racer that rode for UCI ProTeam BMC Racing came out to participate in the event and join the riders on the tour. Hincapie is one of the most respected cyclists in the world and is one of only two riders in Tour de France history to have raced on nine Tour-winning teams. This past year, Hincapie completed his final and record-setting 17th Tour de France.

The early morning started with breakfast, registration, and a presentation at Endras BMW followed by a BBQ lunch at the finish line. The post-ride reception featured a presentation to celebrate Hincapie’s recent retirement from pro cycling, some great prize giveaways and a live auction of Hincapie’s BMC jersey and the BMC Impec Team Edition Dura Ace bicycle he rode for the day’s event. Guests also had the chance to get Hincapie’s autograph and have a professional photo taken with Hincapie.

All money raised from the event was donated to the family of a fellow rider from the tight knit GTA cycling community who experienced a devastating accident while training last year. In total, over $20,000 was raised including one generous participant that not only bid $9,500 through the purchase of Hincapie’s bicycle at the auction, but immediately donated the bike back into the auction where it drew in an additional $9,000. The end result was yet again a huge success and the tradition now looks forward to the 3rd La Bicicletta and Endras BMW partnership next year at the 6th annual event.