The 11th annual Cache Valley Gran Fondo made its annual halfway stop in Malad once again on Saturday, July 9.  Due to the intense heat predicted by weather services for the weekend, the race began slightly earlier than usual as the sun began to rise in Logan.  The earliest riders, who had started at between 6:00 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. averaging 19-25 miles per hour, made their way into Malad around 8:00 a.m., where they were greeted by the volunteers from Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital.  The hospital is going on its ninth year of involvement with the race, which sees well over a thousand participants each year in four divisions, including the signature 100 mile round trip from the Cache Valley, up through Weston canyon, and back down to Logan.  

Although no exact count of the racers who stopped off in Malad was kept, roughly three hundred or so riders were anticipated.  Along the course of the race, support services such as hydration stations, medical assistance, and road safety updates are critical to the successful functioning of the event, which is nationally recognized on the Gran Fondo circuit.

This year’s race brought over 1,300 racers out, with several hundred of them participating in the longest circuit, the grueling 104 mile loop.  Malad sits almost exactly halfway through the race, making it the most important stop along the arduous path.  While the most elite athletes typically spend little time off the road itself, by the time most riders make their way into town, they are more than ready for a brief rest, some hydration, a quick bathroom break, and a bit of refueling.  The spread of available refreshments featured tables full of carbohydrates in the form of bagels, cream cheese, and granola bars, protein in the form of deli meats and cheeses, and a wide range of fruits, melons, and vegetables.  As has been the case over the past few years, another table was entirely devoted to the racer’s best friend…pickles.

“It was kind of an accident,” Alicia Bell explained.  “A couple years ago we were dumping out the juice to set pickles out and one of the riders said ‘Oh! Pickle juice!’”  It turns out that pickle brine is an excellent source of electrolytes, which is extremely useful for preventing cramps over long bike rides.  Ever since that time, the hospital has come prepared with dozens of jars of pickles, complete with cups of the ever important juice.  While some riders still prefer formulated sports drinks to manage cramps and hydration, the popularity of the pickle table can’t be ignored.  “I swear by it now,” one hurried racer said while quickly draining a glass.  “It seems nuts, but it works.”

“You can only get pickle juice like this in Malad,” Kathy Hubbard said.  “You definitely don’t get it in Utah,” one rider laughed.

During the event, it’s also helpful to have hospital staff on hand to deal with any potential medical and first aid issues that arise.  Typically, the race sees a small number of cuts and scrapes from falls, as well as dehydration and minor intervention cases.  This year, at least one rider was provided with treatment for a migraine, and provided with a ride back to the race start by race officials. 

Volunteer Sue Evans greeted those who made their way to the tables during the morning with a welcoming smile and encouragement.  “It’s a great thing to be involved with, and I’m happy to serve here.  I’ve found that the more service you put out there, the more good things come back to you,” she smiled.  The smiles were mutual, as the most commonly heard comments from the racers were along the lines of “Thank you, Malad!  This is amazing!”  

As the morning wore on, the number of riders making their way into town became a trickle, down from the earlier flood.  Regardless of when the racers appeared during the morning, they were all thrilled to find a cool spot and a friendly face.  The last riders of the morning lingered a bit to enjoy the hospitality before heading out to temperatures that had entered the 80s by 10:30.  “We can’t thank you enough,” a late morning rider waved as she headed back out onto the blacktop.  “This is just awesome!”

“It’s funny to see the people that are coming to Malad for their first time, and seeing all the stuff we have for them,” Sue Evans stated, as a new batch of riders approached the tables.  As if on cue, one woman remarked “Oh wow!  Where do I even start?”

The race itself uses the entrance fees and donations from a large number of sponsors to contribute to many charitable causes.  The race raises thousands of dollars for the Logan Regional Hospital Cancer Center, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and a number of other organizations that provide support and assistance to individuals and families in the area.  The race is also a qualifying race for the World and National Gran Fondo racing events.   

As a reflection of the mixed nature of the event, many of the racers are simply out for exercise and a great ride to support charity.  On the other end of the spectrum, many of the elite athletes compete around the world, and on bikes that cost more than many people’s first cars.  

“Some of them are up to nine thousand dollars,” hospital director John Williams said, refilling the water bucket.  “And if you get a chance, you should lift one up.  They hardly weigh anything.”  While weights are generally within a set range, the top line rides routinely weigh a bit under 15 pounds, the average weigh of a small Jack Russell Terrier.  Performance racing gear and aerodynamic clothing are also central components of elite competition, and result in an average winning finish of a bit over four hours and twenty minutes, which works out to a pace of 23.6 miles an hour.  

Regardless of whether the racers were working at breaking records or just beating their own personal best, all racers recognize the importance of at least a quick stop in what the race organizers on site contended is the best stop on the route. 

The local ham radio club, RACCOON, provided communication and logistical support, along with volunteer radio clubs from surrounding counties.  This allows the race organizers to be made aware of where the racers are within the course at any given time, to update road, traffic and weather conditions during the race, and to provide emergency support services whenever they are needed.  

After the final racers are verified by the radio team and race organizers to have passed through Malad, many of the refreshment provisions are packed up and moved on to the next station in Riverside, while others are taken to be used at the longterm care facility and other locations in town.

This year’s event was once again a massive success.  According to Gran Fondo Race Director Troy Oldham, “This year we hosted riders from 8 different countries, 28 states, and have riders representing most of the race clubs in Southern Idaho and Northern Utah. Of the 1400 riders, about 1/3 come to ride the 104-mile course.”  For racers, the event is one of the highpoints of the circuit during the summer racing season.  Oldham further expressed his appreciation for local support.

“With the support of The Neil J Redfield Hospital and Thomas Markets, our riders rave about how friendly, helpful and supportive the Malad support staff are to the riders.  Without the support from our friends in Malad, and our ability to purchase all our supplies from Thomas Markets, we would not be able to offer this beautiful and challenging ride to our cyclists.”

“We also support and raise donations for local charities like The Family Place, Common Ground, Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Cache Valley High School Mountain Bike team. Each year donating thousands of dollars to these worthy charities that support healthy lifestyles in our community.” 

Given the event’s continued popularity and Malad’s important role as a support station, organizers foresee a long and successful future for the event, which shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.  

“Two shouts for Malad!” one racer yelled, pumping her fist as she headed back down the road.