Jelly Belly rider Jeremy Powers headlines an event in Southampton, Mass., on Saturday benefitting his organization to help young cyclists.

Fellow Jelly Belly rider Brad Huff will also be on hand for the inaugural ‘Grand Fundo.’

In the cycling world, a gran fondo is a massive group ride/race, which can attract thousands of riders of all ability levels. It is not surprising to see tourist riders alongside local and international professionals at the world’s various gran fondo events.

The name Grand Fundo was chosen because it will be grand and more fun than any gran fondo, Powers said.

The Fundo is 64 miles, including about 20 miles of dirt roads. No rider will be left behind. An ice cream truck will await the riders at a rest stop at mile 32, and SRAM neutral support will provide a follow car with wheels.

After the Fundo, riders will relax for music, a bonfire and a pig roast. 

 The 2010 Grand Fundo will be the first of many events to support J.A.M — a fund created by cycling friends Jeremy Powers, Alec Donahue and Mukunda Feldman whose mission is to help young cyclists get a start in the expensive and competitive world of cycling.  

To register, visit: www.tinyurl.com/grandfundo2010. Thursday is the last day to pre-register.