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2025 Fulton Gran Fondo
The third Fake Spring of Minnesota’s 12 seasons has come and gone, which means it’s perfect bike weather until the next snowstorm arrives. We have an important announcement to share as we gear up for the 11th Annual Fulton Gran Fondo. With thoughtful consideration, we are postponing the 2025 date from Saturday, May 3, to Saturday, September 27. The change serves three key purposes in continuing to facilitate this iconic event:
1. A New Partner for an Even Greater Cause
We’re excited to introduce a new event producer, Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K), an incredible nonprofit that refurbishes used bikes, pairs them with a brand-new helmet, and connects them with a kid in need. Effective immediately, FB4K will take over ownership and operations for the ride portion of the day, while Fulton will continue to host the ride send-off and post-ride party. Most importantly, 100% of all 2025 rider registration fees will benefit FB4K, ensuring that every mile ridden contributes to getting more kids on bikes.
2. A Bigger & Better Celebration
The new date strategically falls on the second weekend of Fulton’s 2025 Oktoberfest celebration at the Northeast Minneapolis production brewery. That means a bigger, better, and even more festive post-ride celebration under the big tent.
3. A Greater Opportunity to Make an Impact
The new date also aligns with the week before FB4K’s local chapter kicks off its season with a one-day bike collection effort. This timing provides an even greater opportunity for riders and the community to support the mission—not just by helping develop new chapters through participation in the ride, but also by donating gently used bikes or volunteering the following week to help their local community.
What’s Changing?
Most immediately the date, but more impactfully, 100% of all 2025 rider registration fees will benefit FB4K. In their new role as ride producers, we’re eager to let the bike people do what they do best (logistics, communication, safety, cycling expertise) while the brewery folks can focus on what we do best (brewing beer, making food, and hosting parties). Together, we feel confident we’ll deliver the same great Fondo experience across all the pivotal moments from registration day to ride day.
What’s Not Changing?
• The Rider Experience. Riders will still have three distance options—Gran (100 miles), Medio (50 miles), and Piccolo (around 20 miles)—with staggered start times at 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM, respectively. A police escort will guide riders through the first few miles.
• The Route (Mostly). The 2025 route will still head west, with some updates to navigate around construction and rough pavement. Our goal remains the same: to get riders on roads with wider shoulders, fewer cars, and fewer tricky left turns into traffic.
• Our Leadership & Execution. Andrew Barlage, who has successfully coordinated the Fulton Gran Fondo for its entire 10-year history (yes, even the Mendota Bridge year— sorry about that), will support the transition of the ride to FB4K’s national organization. As he takes on his new role as local Executive Director of FB4K Minnesota, Andrew will ensure a seamless handoff and maintain the high standards riders expect—now with an even bigger and better post-ride celebration under the big tent.
Why We’re Excited
Innovation and evolution are key to success in the craft beer industry—and they’re just as important in creating meaningful community events. Supporting charitable organizations and celebrating Minnesota’s cycling culture have been core to Fulton for over a decade. With FB4K as a partner, we have the opportunity to do both at an even greater scale—a win for everyone involved.
Register for the new date HERE!
Where
When
2025 Fulton Gran Fondo
The third Fake Spring of Minnesota’s 12 seasons has come and gone, which means it’s perfect bike weather until the next snowstorm arrives. We have an important announcement to share as we gear up for the 11th Annual Fulton Gran Fondo. With thoughtful consideration, we are postponing the 2025 date from Saturday, May 3, to Saturday, September 27. The change serves three key purposes in continuing to facilitate this iconic event:
1. A New Partner for an Even Greater Cause
We’re excited to introduce a new event producer, Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K), an incredible nonprofit that refurbishes used bikes, pairs them with a brand-new helmet, and connects them with a kid in need. Effective immediately, FB4K will take over ownership and operations for the ride portion of the day, while Fulton will continue to host the ride send-off and post-ride party. Most importantly, 100% of all 2025 rider registration fees will benefit FB4K, ensuring that every mile ridden contributes to getting more kids on bikes.
2. A Bigger & Better Celebration
The new date strategically falls on the second weekend of Fulton’s 2025 Oktoberfest celebration at the Northeast Minneapolis production brewery. That means a bigger, better, and even more festive post-ride celebration under the big tent.
3. A Greater Opportunity to Make an Impact
The new date also aligns with the week before FB4K’s local chapter kicks off its season with a one-day bike collection effort. This timing provides an even greater opportunity for riders and the community to support the mission—not just by helping develop new chapters through participation in the ride, but also by donating gently used bikes or volunteering the following week to help their local community.
What’s Changing?
Most immediately the date, but more impactfully, 100% of all 2025 rider registration fees will benefit FB4K. In their new role as ride producers, we’re eager to let the bike people do what they do best (logistics, communication, safety, cycling expertise) while the brewery folks can focus on what we do best (brewing beer, making food, and hosting parties). Together, we feel confident we’ll deliver the same great Fondo experience across all the pivotal moments from registration day to ride day.
What’s Not Changing?
• The Rider Experience. Riders will still have three distance options—Gran (100 miles), Medio (50 miles), and Piccolo (around 20 miles)—with staggered start times at 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM, respectively. A police escort will guide riders through the first few miles.
• The Route (Mostly). The 2025 route will still head west, with some updates to navigate around construction and rough pavement. Our goal remains the same: to get riders on roads with wider shoulders, fewer cars, and fewer tricky left turns into traffic.
• Our Leadership & Execution. Andrew Barlage, who has successfully coordinated the Fulton Gran Fondo for its entire 10-year history (yes, even the Mendota Bridge year— sorry about that), will support the transition of the ride to FB4K’s national organization. As he takes on his new role as local Executive Director of FB4K Minnesota, Andrew will ensure a seamless handoff and maintain the high standards riders expect—now with an even bigger and better post-ride celebration under the big tent.
Why We’re Excited
Innovation and evolution are key to success in the craft beer industry—and they’re just as important in creating meaningful community events. Supporting charitable organizations and celebrating Minnesota’s cycling culture have been core to Fulton for over a decade. With FB4K as a partner, we have the opportunity to do both at an even greater scale—a win for everyone involved.