Gran Fondo: GPRR
My Gran Fondo experiences.
The comparison of 3 distances:
32mi. vs 48mi. vs 63mi = 100km = metric century!!
We love the event in Brookville, IN called “Great Pumpkin Roll Ride” (GPRR) since my husband found out about it in 2023.
My husband taught me about a cycling term “Gran Fondo” back then. I learned a bit by bit about it through internet and did some training to just follow him to finish. That was the start.
One of good parts of this event is “you can pick your comfortable distance from 3 choices”.
32mi
48mi
63mi (100km)
I remember when my husband told me his plans at the first time. I felt “Even 32mi is awfully long to me. No way about 48mi or 63mi, no way”. That was 2023.
Now it’s fun to re-read my old writings. You can try. Click these.
(Didn’t I write about the details of 2025 event?? Did I just miss it? Forgot to write it? Hmm.)
We now experienced all 3 courses since we made it to finish a Metric Century yesterday.
Here was a lineup.
2023: 32mi.
2024: (We registered for 48. Unfortunately we had to cancel because of rain.)
2025: 48mi.
2026: 63mi.
First of all, I do admire my husband’s determination and strength (mind power/ will power). He pulls me and pushes me (literally both) always on any occasions (of cycling or non-cycling).
You need to know some facts about handcycling besides cycling (for able bodied people). Any uphills (any degrees) make handcyclists pedal harder and tougher. It’s not easy at all. You cannot imagine how hard it is unless you try pedaling handcycle for real, on uphill. You cannot stop and get out of a saddle(seat) on middle of an uphill, like we cyclists can do. (Did you think about that?)
For a long distance ride, “using a restroom/ portapotty” is not a choice for handcyclists because they don’t carry their wheelchairs with handcycles. See? My husband doesn’t use any Porta potty even it is a big wide accessible one. So, they need to catheterization on a road outside anyway. (Did you think about that?)
Plus he reminds himself about pressure relief = positioning his weight even during a long distance ride.
All these things considered, he accomplished something remarkable each time, each year. Don’t you think so?
Additionally, this year was a little bit tougher than pasts because of his physical conditions. = neck pain issues. catching a cold. other muscle aches and so on. Because of these, obviously our training plans didn’t work as intended. It was sad. But that happens.
I have to mention about myself as well. I always follow my husband to pedal anywhere. I do cycling almost the same distances as my husband does (except for real races). It turns out great cycling training for myself. I am proud of myself about it, you know? It makes me feel good and happy.
I read back my old writings and thought back how I felt about Gran Fondo.
You need to laugh (yes, again) because I often get mad (and uncontrollable!) once I completely run out of physical energy. That’s me. According to my husband’s observation (!), I was totally mess last year at the end of 48mi ride. (Funny though, I totally forgot about it.)
How about this year? I need to make a separate section about it.
Anyway I want to put photos here to compare each distance Gran Fondo, GPRR.
At starting point. At the beginning.
2023: 32mi
He had a wind-jacket on, then decided taking off it right before starting. As you can see, it's foggy and it looks a bit magical at the beginning.
2025: 48mi
This year, we met several familiar faces at starting point. They made us excited more. We aimed to 48mi, so he carried a bigger bag for a long distance ride. (Different than year 2023.)
2026: 63mi
I can say the weather and temperature were just perfect for a ride. He had a wind-jacket on at the beginning. In the middle of the course, he took it off after his body got warmed up enough. Aiming for the longest course, he carried more water which means heavier weight on his body.
In the middle of courses. Including the very 1st rest-stop area.
2023: 32mi
2025: 48mi
2026: 63mi
This covered bridge was a bit special because only 63mi riders can see and ride though. Only on the longerst course. So it was our first encounter.
As I said before, he tried to change his body position to make his blood flow going to prevent pressure sore. It was his first try because of 63mi riding.
Ar the last rest-area point.
2023: 32mi
This comparison is very interesting. In 2023, this area was not paved. My husband avoided to go into the area to be just cautious for his Handcycle tires. Only I walked into a tent area to get some foods.
2025: 48mi
Then, see? In 2025, this area was paved! We were pleased, you know? What a difference (especially for a handcyclist).
2026: 63mi
Now I'm getting very familiar with this last rest-area stop. After this spot, there is about 13mi to go to finish.
At finish line. At the end.
2023: 32mi
See now differences of my outfits and bikes. In 2023, no bike shorts. Look at my red bike. Also a bag attached to my bike.
This young man who was our son's classmate in high school made our last push joyful. It was a great coincidence to see each other at the very last rest-stop.
2025: 48mi
According to my husband's statement, I was mess at this point. No wonder there were not much photos at this point. Even 48mi ride was not easy at all to myself obviously. But I am pleased now that my husband made me a pose with my bike for a finish line photo. I'm glad he did it.
This was a wonderful coincidence as well. These two brought up joy very much. Even we were able to have after-ride-meals together.
2026: 63mi
Okay, this fact is very interesting. After we made it to finish 63mi (100km) all together, 4 of us, I was really expecting to see a "FINISH" banner. When we turned a last corner, there was no Finish banner at all. Sad. It was already taken down. (Nooooo.)
I really need to write an extra page about "What happened to my thighs (legs) for the last 10mi??" Obviously I made my ride crews' pace down at the end.
Well, we made it anyway! We celebrated big! It was such a great experience indeed. I was about to cry, see the last photo?
The day after our 100Km ride, I couldn’t get up and walk around at all…. poor my legs and whole body, it was not functional at all. I amaze my cyclist friends who are just fine right after 100Km riding. Now I set my goal of cycling from now on. I need muscle endurance and I need to train for that really. Well, my husband agrees with me, we will pedal harder together. This goal would be good for both of us.
I borrowed several photos from our wonderful cyclist ladies. Thank you!!
Extra stories on September page. (Entry#638.)
Extra 2 & 3 are on October page. Find Entry#639 and 640.
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