The first annual Martin’s Tour of Richmond cycling event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6. This Gran Fondo will feature a full 102-mile loop around Richmond as well as a 59-mile option and a 29-mile option.

Gran Fondos, or “big ride” in Italian, are long distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists. The full 102-mile course starts at Richmond International Raceway at 7 a.m. The 59-mile course starts at the J. Sargeant Reynolds Goochland Campus at 10 a.m. and the 29-mile course starts at Patrick Henry High School in Hanover at 12:30 p.m. All riders finish at the Richmond Raceway Complex where a post-ride celebration will feature live entertainment, beer and barbecue.

The race will briefly interfere with road traffic in Henrico at the following areas:

E. Laburnum from Walnut Ave. to Richmond-Henrico Tnpk. – 7 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. (closed road)

Richmond-Henrico Tnpk. from Laburnum through Brookland Park Blvd. – 7 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. (closed road)

Richmond-Henrico Tnpk. and Azalea Rd. – 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. (officer to control traffic)

Walk-up registration Oct. 5-6 is $50 to $115. The event charity is Bike/Walk RVA, an advocacy program committed to making the Richmond area more bike and pedestrian friendly. For more information, visit http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/tour-richmond