Another Benefit of Riding a Gran Fondo: Great Kits

Another benefit of riding a gran fondo is receiving a nice kit. Depending upon the event these may include a full kit, or just the jersey. In any case, you can usually buy what was not included in the participant's package. Here is the kit for the 2011 Gran Fondo Internazionale Giordana which features graphics for the Passo Gavia and Passo del Mortirolo.

All of which means you can expect to face these famous climbs on both the medio and the gran fondo routes, gran fondo shown here:

What I like best about these kits are the memories that come flooding back when you wear them. The exhilaration, the hurt, and the fun.
The 2011 Gran Fondo Internazionale Giordana (formerly the Gran Fondo Pantani until 2010) will be held June, 26, 2011. The event website is www.gsalpi.com.

A few of the previous stories that have appeared here about the Gavia:

Near Frozen Giro d'Italia riders in 1988 on the Passo Gavia
Andy Hampsten and the Gavia
Pietro on the Gavia

Share your story. Write a story about your cycling trip, or an aspect of your trip, in Italy. Or, it can be about a granfondo experience, a special encounter, your favorite ride, etc. The period for story submissions for prizes will be January 1-February 15, 2011. Prizes will be awarded on a random basis, stories will not be judged on which is the "best" one. Nevertheless, it should be a good story for the enjoyment of all readers. Photos accompanying the story are most welcome. If you have any questions email me at veronaman@gmail.com. See photos of prizes here. Prize donated by:
CycleItalia, specializing in cycling tours in Italy
BicycleGifts.com, the premiere site for gifts and merchandise for cyclists
Enzo’s ButtonHole Chamois Cream,chamois cream for the ultimate protection
FreeBirdVelo, Italian themed T-shirts
Strada Hand Built Wheels, custom wheel building
Velo-Retro, all things retro for cycling
La Gazzetta della Bici, massage oils for cyclists