FoCo Fondo

FoCo Fondo – Fort Collins, United States

• Date: July 16–19, 2026
• Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
• Distances: Five routes from 12 to 118 miles
• Event Type: Gravel Race, Gravel Ride

FoCo Fondo is a premier gravel race in Colorado that has carved out a unique space in a region locals have dubbed "Gravel Graceland." This is an event rooted in the challenge of a fondo but delivered with the distinct levity and spirit of the Fort Collins community. It's a gathering that understands how the same journey can feel both beautifully absurd and profoundly thrilling, celebrating the personal adventure found within the shared experience of a long day on the bike.

The weekend's activities are anchored at the iconic New Belgium Brewing, which hosts both the start and finish lines. This partnership with Fat Tire infuses the event with a celebratory atmosphere, blending the rhythm of cycling with the relaxed culture of craft beer. The brewery grounds become a festival of gravel, where the pre-race anticipation and post-ride stories are shared against a backdrop of one of Fort Collins' most beloved institutions, creating a true sense of place.

The routes guide riders out into the vast open range of Northern Colorado, offering five distinct distances that range from a gentle 12 miles to the demanding 118-mile challenge. The terrain is a classic mix of dirt, gravel, and pavement, promising a ride that is as varied as it is scenic. Participants can expect well-stocked aid stations along the way, a thoughtful touch that allows riders to focus less on logistics and more on the rhythm of the pedals and the expansive landscape of this Colorado gravel race.

What truly sets FoCo Fondo apart is its deep commitment to building a more inclusive and welcoming cycling community. The event features a significant prize purse split equally between men's, women's, and non-binary fields. Initiatives like BIPOC scholarships and free childcare demonstrate a dedication that goes far beyond the finish line. This forward-thinking approach makes it a standout among other gravel events in United States.

The organizers are clear in their mission to redefine the traditional fondo. This is not a stuffy, old-world road event. Instead, it’s a celebration of gravel culture in all its forms—a "foot out, flat out" affair where the goal is to embrace the challenge and make it to the finish. Whether you choose to race it for a place on the podium or ride it as an all-day party, the welcoming vibe persists. The ultimate prize for winners, a custom bolo tie, perfectly captures the event's singular character.

The experience is a story of contrasts: the quiet solitude of the open range and the lively energy at the brewery; the personal effort on the bike and the collective camaraderie of the field. This gravel race in Colorado is an invitation to push your limits on the course and then connect with fellow riders afterward. It's a weekend built around the simple, potent combination of bikes, open roads, and beer, a formula that has resonated with cyclists for over a decade.

FoCo Fondo is a testament to the idea that a race can be both seriously competitive and seriously fun. It’s an event that honors the grit of gravel cycling while wrapping it in the warmth of community. For full details on the routes, registration, and the weekend schedule, you can visit the official event website. It’s an adventure that is whatever you choose to make it.