GRAN FONDO ADDS CORPORATE CHALLENGE PROMOTION
(JAMESTOWN, NY) — The second annual Chautauqua Gran Fondo event has a new dimension to it this year with the addition of a corporate challenge promotion.
Area businesses are encouraged to form a team to promote employee wellness, team spirit and community pride. The team that raises the most dollars with receive recognition on stage at the after party at Webb’s Captain’s Table, a photo opportunity with one of the bands, as well as the opportunity to select one of the charities for next year’s event. All riders who participated in the Corporate Challenge will receive a 50 percent discount off the 2017 Chautauqua Gran Fondo registration fee.
Donna Breen, executive administrator at Century 21 Turner Brokers, has organized a team for the Corporate Challenge and said she is hoping that this is the beginning of a yearly tradition for her co-workers.
“I went last year and was impressed. This year we wanted to participate to help bring more bodies to the event,” Breen said. “It’s a team building experience: office camaraderie. Out of the office, out of the grind, and just having fun with each other.”
Teams can also participate in the Muskie Madness competition, which is designed to promote the pride of Chautauqua Lake and its heritage. Costumes should reflect the area in some fun and creative way. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative costumes, unique uniforms, or the most entertaining bike style. For more details, visit the website at ChautauquaGranFondo.com/MuskieMadness.
A participant of the 2015 Chautauqua Gran Fondo sports a fun helmet decoration.
Each team should consist of five or more riders, each of whom will receive a $5 discount on their registration fee. All fitness levels and abilities are welcome. Teams are welcome to share their experience along the bicycle routes through their Instagram feeds. Whether it’s a silly selfie or a shot of someone’s favorite scene, the winners of the social media contest will receive a special gift after the event.
“I am thrilled with the registration numbers that we are already realizing with still four weeks to go,” said Michelle Turner, vice-president of sales and marketing at the Chautauqua Region Development Corporation. “We have attracted interest not only from within Chautauqua County, but from tourists attending from distances as far as Ontario, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and even beyond.”
The second annual Chautauqua Gran Fondo is set for Saturday, Aug. 27. The cycling tour 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. For more information, or to register, contact Venn Blakely at 753-6290 or visitwww.ChautauquaGranFondo.com to register online.
