The 10th anniversary ride will have to wait.
Again.
For the second straight year, COVID-19 has given the Garden State Fondo a giant flat tire.
“UPDATE: 2021 FONDO POSTPONED TO 2022 DUE TO COVID-19,” reads the Fondo website, promising more details.
Started as the Gran Fondo NJ by the late Marty Epstein of Marty’s Reliable Cycle, this annual extravaganza offers cyclists scenic rides ranging from 18- to 100-plus miles, starting and ending in Morristown.
Thousands have participated over the years, helping raise more than $1 million for area charities. Activities include a Kids Fondo and timed hill climbs.
This year’s Fondo had been scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 12.
I filed a complaint with the BBB and the status is “the business did not respond to the complaint”. No surprises there. So, I have filed a complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Feel free to do so yourselves:
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Pages/Consumer-Complaints.aspx
Useful Info:
GRAN FONDO NJ LLC
Business ID Number: 0400467088
If enough people complain, maybe we will get some traction.
I paid $150 in September 2019 for the 2020 event and a jersey and it’s now 2022 and they’ve gone completely radio silent. Their site is also set to private. We deserve answers or at least a refund. This is called fraud otherwise.
I just opened up a case with the BBB. I also did a business entity search on Gran Fondo NJ which is the organizer. They did file their annual report in January 2022 and are still listed as being active. I do find it rather odd that here’s an organization that’s been around for 10 years. They ran an incredibly successful and popular fondo that was even named as one of the best in the country. Then they say that they are postponing the 2021 event and go radio silent. Makes no sense to me. That’s not the behavior of an organization trying to foster loyalty. Even if they come back saying that it’s on for 2023, I’m still going to ask for my money back.
Marty’s is now denying having anything to do with the Fondo and now we’re not able to get our money back. Suddenly no one is responsible for the Fondo when it’s looking sketchy.
Facebook page can no longer be accessed either. I tried to get my money back from EventBrite, but they keep on saying that the event hasn’t been officially cancelled.
Same concerns here Mtwsp resident. Time to call the DA?
I paid money in 2019 for the 2020 ride. 2020 and 2021 ride cancelled due to Covid, which I understand. Now the website has gone dark. Who has run off with the money?
D’oh!
@Jeff – read the actual article. This is from 2021.
It’s hard to imagine a sillier story. They are STILL worried about Covid, and at an outdoor event??? Just dumb…
What about FONDO2022?! Can we expect to lose our $$$ or ride our bikes?!?!