Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia Miami-Coral Gables

The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Miami-Coral Gables starts in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile. The ride begins at 7:00 am, with a police escorted rollout on Miracle Mile, Ponce de Leon Ave, and beyond. The course loops around a traffic circle, so you will ride past the thousands of other participants as you head back up Ponce towards Miracle Mile. You’ll pass Coral Gables City Hall, a beautiful Mediterranean Style building, constructed in 1927, built mostly from Coral rock, past the Historic Biltmore Hotel heading south along lush avenues flanked by wonderful gardens and magnificent homes. At mile 11 the riders will have the option of turning on the Short (25 mile) course, and heading toward the finish line in Miami. For those riders that continue, the route moves south into the communities of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and eventually to Black Point. At mile 25 the riders have the option of choosing the Medium distance route (55 miles) and returning to Miami. The Long distance route (101 miles) will continue South and West into the vast agricultural areas of South Florida. Riders will pass fields of Palms and tropical flowers and will see wonderful fruit stands that sell local produce and fruit milkshakes. Cyclists will test their endurance, battling against wind, heat, and humidity. Rest stops, especially on the long course, are situated at some of South Florida's best known tourist locations: a beautiful historic estate, a beloved fruit stand, and a unique Nature preserve. All routes end in Miami by going through Coconut Grove, a pedestrian and bike friendly community known for its lush trees, Biscayne Bay Water Front parks, shops and outdoor cafes. At the northern most point the course turns East and riders will catch a glimpse of Biscayne Bay as they round Brickell before heading south again and reaching the Finish Line at Dinner Key in front of Miami’s Iconic City Hall, formerly the Pan American World Airlines Terminal, long known as the “Gateway to the Americas.�