Gran Fondo Italia Expected to Bring Nearly 1,000 Cyclists To Roswell

One of the most prestigious international amateur recreational bicycle rides, the Gran Fondo Italia Atlanta-Roswell, will be held in Roswell this weekend.

The city is anticipating up to 1,000 cyclists for this recreational bicycle ride on Sunday, Oct. 19, according to its press release.

Rolling road closures can be expected for the first seven miles of the ride in Roswell starting at 7 a.m.. That means roads will close temporarily and then open back up after all cyclists have exited the roadway. Residents should expect traffic delays.

Participants will start at 7 a.m. from Roswell City Hall at 38 Hill Street and travel north on Alpharetta Highway/S.R. 9 for 5 miles behind a rolling motorcycle blockade before exiting onto Roswell Street in Alpharetta, then turning left on Mayfield Road.

The bicyclists will continue north, riding one of three courses — 34, 64 or 106 miles. The three courses use essentially the same route; the shorter courses just turn around and return to Roswell sooner.

All cyclists will return to the Roswell area via Providence Road, Arnold Mill Road, Cagle Road, Etris Road and then Crabapple Road. Riders will follow the rules of the road, which means they will share the road with motorists and adhere to all traffic laws.

The following are the estimated times cyclists should be at certain mile points in Roswell, which assumes bicycles traveling fastest will average of 22 mph and slowest will average 12 mph:

• Starting from Roswell City Hall and traveling north on Atlanta Street/Alpharetta Highway (S.R.9/S.R. 120): 7-7:25 a.m.
• Cyclists Coming Back Into Roswell via Arnold Mill Road/S.R. 140 and onto Cagle Road.: Anytime between 8:18 a.m. (for 34-miler) to 3:25 p.m. (for 106-miler)
• Intersection of Etris Road & Crabapple Road.: Anytime between 8:24 a.m. (for 34-miler) to 3:35 p.m. (for 106-miler).
• Finish at City Hall: Anytime from 8:30 a.m. (for 34-miler) to 4:00 p.m. (for 106-miler)

Cyclists will come from all across the country and the world to enjoy Roswell’s southern hospitality and charm.

“We urge all motorists to use utmost caution so that we can host a safe and pleasant event,” the city stated.

Please remember that by law:

• Like cars and trucks, bicycles are deemed vehicles — only somewhat slower at times.
• When passing a cyclist, a motorist must allow a minimum of 3 feet between the car’s right side mirror and the bicycle. If on single lane roads, this means that, when passing, the driver needs to be sure there is no on-coming traffic, then safely pass so that the driver’s seat is directly over the center line.
• For more bicycle safety and event information, please go to BikeRoswell.com

For more information about the Gran Fondo, visit http://thegranfondoitalia.com.