Santa Catalina Island, with its rugged terrain, spectacular vistas and unique flora and fauna, is an ideal destination for adventure sports. Hiking, zip-lining and biking are just some of the many Catalina adventures waiting to become memories. The island is also a magnet for endurance sports, with marathons, 50-milers and triathlons dotting the Catalina Island calendar of events. At the end of April, the Catalina Gran Fondo will bring together adventure sports and endurance runs, pitting some of the top mountain bikers against each other, where they’ll challenge each other and themselves from one end of the island to the other.
Scheduled for April 30, the Gran Fondo begins at 10 a.m. and includes three different courses. The Two Harbors course includes two options, one at 40 miles and the other at 55 miles. The Little Harbor route takes riders over 35 miles. And the Ridgeline route traverses 12 miles. All of the routes will culminate with an after-race party at Descanso Beach, where cocktail service on the sand and views of the Pacific provide the perfect place for relaxation. This year’s race is partnered with Bike for Bender to support the SoCal High School Cycling League.