CHAUTAUQUA GRAN FONDO REGISTRATION NOW BEING ACCEPTED

(JAMESTOWN, NY)— Registration is now being accepted for the second annual Chautauqua Gran Fondo, which will be Saturday, Aug. 27.

The cycling event kicks off at 9 a.m. at Lakeside Park in Mayville. An after-party featuring live music, lunch and refreshments at Webb’s Captain’s Table will follow the cycling event. The community event is designed to promote health and well-being for cyclists of all skill levels, while raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. The cycling ride, a picnic and live music all are included in the cost of registration.

All participants will have a choice of four cycling routes. The scenic 20-mile social tour is the shortest of the rides looping around the northern end of Chautauqua Lake, and includes a trip across the nostalgic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry. The 40-mile fitness tour loops around Chautauqua Lake with plenty of sights to see and refreshment stops along the way. The 37.3-mile challenge lets riders experience the Chautauqua Ridge with an elevation change in excess of 737 feet with grades of 6 percent. Riders then get to relax on the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry before the ride back to Webb’s Captain’s Table. Lastly, the 58-mile challenge is for the most experienced cyclists: looping up into Westfield and onto Lake Erie’s Barcelona Lighthouse before returning to circle Chautauqua Lake.

A picnic lunch and afternoon of live music at Webb’s Captain’s Table in Mayville will follow the cycling portion of the event. Deb & the Dynamics will take the stage followed by the return of country recording artists The Stickers to provide a family-friendly afternoon of live music.

A group of cyclists enjoy a ride across the lake on the historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry during the 2015 Chautauqua Gran Fondo.

Vendors are welcome to showcase their products and services outside the main gate of the after-party at Webb’s Captain’s Table.

Proceeds will benefit the SWCS Education Foundation, the Mental Health Association, and the Chautauqua County Veteran’s Endowment Fund. The cost to participate is $30, which includes sag wagon, refreshment stops, safety services, as well as admission to the after-party at Webb’s Captain’s Table following the tour.

For more information, or to register, contact Venn Blakely at 716-753-6290, or visitwww.ChautauquaGranFondo.com to register online.