With USA COVID-19 virus spreading like wildfire in California, cyclists have lost almost all hope of restarting the gran fondo season as two giant-sized gran fondos are throwing in the towel and cancelling their events.

Tour de Big Bear in California’s San Bernardino National Forest announced cancellation of the 20 September gran fondo race due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

“The Big Bear Cycling Association has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Tour de Big Bear. This was not the outcome that we had hoped for, but we felt that we could not safely provide the level of service and amenities that our riders have come to expect over the past years.”

The very popular 109 mile event, including 10,0000 feet of climbing at an elevation above 7000 feet, is one of the most demanding and difficult amateur rides in the western United States.

Registered Tour de Big Bear riders may receive a refund or roll their entry over to 2021.

Also cancelling due to COVID-19 concerns is the 12 September Mammoth Gran Fondo on the peaceful and gorgeous eastern slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

“Given the direction of the State of California and the current restrictions on permits, we unfortunately have to cancel the traditional 2020 Mammoth Gran Fondo ride. Like so many of you, our team and volunteers are disappointed with this outcome, although we know it is the correct decision for the health and safety of everyone involved.”

The 1500+ participants may defer entry to 2021, receive a refund or participate in a Virtual Mammoth Gran Fondo with all proceeds donated to charity.

The virtual event is a month long challenge in September to ride as much as possible, discover new routes and, if able, visit Mammoth Lakes to riding three different gran fondo routes in a self-supported mode – including the classic 102 mile Mammoth Gran Fondo route.

Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar  – updated daily