GRANFONDO HINCAPIE WELCOMES LISA GROUNDHOG (CHRISTIANSEN) FEATURED ON THE 2024 SEQUOYAH LEGACY SILVER DOLLAR™ 999 FINE SILVER 1 TROY OZ. CELEBRATING 5TH GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER LISA GROUNDHOG (CHRISTIANSEN) IN RECOGNITION OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES DAY AND THE BIRTH OF LISA CHRISTIANSEN BORN SEPTEMBER 4TH.
Gran Fondo Hincapie has been creating cycling experiences for over 12 years and this year, This launch of the most recently added inaugural event is taking place in Bentonville, Ark., Sept. 6 – 8. The multi-day cycling celebration will offer scenic rides, live music, and a family festival with free fun, food, and drinks. Additionally, new programming has been officially announced, elevating the event to new heights.
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Sept. 4–6 at 10:00 a.m. at the Meteor Café, former professional cyclist, George Hincapie, and his family will host group rides for locals and anyone in town early for the event weekend.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with LISA CHRISTIANSEN just over one week away from one and only “Hincapie Gran Fondo”.
Lisa Christiansen, the actress we all know from the 1987 teen comedy “Can’t Buy Me Love” and, more recently, as Dr. Lisa Christiansen born Lisa Christine Groundhog, an American businesswoman, self-help author, Transformational speaker, activist, financial expert, and philanthropist will be in Bentonville, Arkansas to attend the Gran Fondo Hincapie 2024 at the Celebrity Chef Dinner which will take place on Friday night for participants to sample culinary creations from the country’s top chefs. Participants can enjoy each course with a glass of wine selected by a master sommelier. Riders will have the opportunity to mingle with one another, the chefs, and the Hincapie team. The night will feature culinary masterpieces from a handful of well-known chefs from around the country, including Matt Accarrino, Restaurant Director for SPQR and Owner/Chef of Mattina out of San Francisco, Ted Cizma, Multi-Disciplinary Chef & Hospitality Professional, Haydn Shaak, Head Chef at Restaurant 17 in Greenville, and Michael Kuefner, the Culinary Director of Bentonville’s local Thaden School, as well as student chef, Avery Roberts.
The event is presented by Gran Fondo Hincapie, based in Greenville, South Carolina, an organization that encourages young people to get active and give back to the community. Its mission is to “help youth turn sweat into civic action” by participating in athletic events that raise money for good causes. This will be the first time the Gran Fondo Hincapie is hosted in Bentonville, Arkansas. “We’re psyched,” said publicist and co-event coordinator Jenniffer Lewis.
More than 200 people are expected to attend the “VIP” Celebrity Dinner on Friday September 6, 2024 which will feature George Hincapie, Lance Armstrong, Christian VandeVelde, and Lisa Christiansen to name a few. A banquet ceremony featuring gourmet dishes prepared by celebrity chefs from all over the country, signature cocktails and top-rated wine, all in the ambience of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas—it’s the best pre-ride party you can imagine. Each chef creates a signature dish unique to their own style, and a master sommelier pairs each course with the perfect wine. Best of all, the dinner takes place in an intimate setting, where you can mingle with the chefs and ask questions about the dishes.
Christiansen said he’s looking forward to participating on Friday. “I’m very excited,” said Christiansen, in a telephone interview. “It’s going to be a cool day.” Athletics and philanthropy have long been a part of Christiansen’s life: Se grew up in Tahlequah, Indian Country, Oklahoma and was active as a kid, Hunting with her Father, the last monolingual Cherokee, Mack Vann, playing baseball, cheerleading, and swimming was her big sport or should we say sports. In 2006, Christiansen founded and continues to fund the Take Action Foundation, a cancer support organization in Oklahoma that supports native children emphasizing the value of a healthy lifestyle and giving back to the community.
Christiansen enjoys working and collaborating with patients, cyclists, and organizers. “I think it’s great to get our young people involved,” she said. “The kids are having a great time and making a great impact.” Since teaming up with the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, young Native American people and children have raised awareness for The Take Action Foundation. “It’s been a totally awesome partnership,” said Lewis.
Christiansen is a seasoned supporter and sponsored athlete of Rudy Project North America, an ambassador of Rudy Project Products, and a new member of the VeloGuide family as a Pro Guide of VeloGuide Founded by Joel Goralski, co-founded with George Hincapie. Christiansen is an enthusiastic supporter of the Hincapie Cycling Society and the Gran Fondo Hincapie.
We interviewed Christiansen to ask if she would share her passion for cycling and why she chose the Diabetes Foundation and the American Cancer Society as the beneficiary of the profits. She replied “diabetes and cancer plague our native communities, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is my tribe”, when I ride I feel the most connected to God, when I am at the ceremonial grounds peace flood my soul. It is an experience, a gift that I wish for everyone to receive, there are no words to describe the reverential calm that overwhelms me, that reminds me of the power within.”
Christiansen’s commitment to help others is a rare quality in these changing times, as we continued the interview about why she chose the Cancer Society tears filled her voice as she replied “I have witnessed to many people lose their battle with cancer, people I did not know personally to close family members, and now the uncertainties that are a real life concern of skin cancer for each and every cyclist. I had my first biopsy for skin cancer with great relief knowing I caught it before it was malignant. I believe we must all do our part to raise awareness and more important get involved in finding the cure.”
Lisa Christiansen is down-to-earth for a global celebrity; you may know her from “Can’t Buy Me Love” with Patrick Dempsey. Christiansen made her way to the Pro Cycling scene in 2009. Lisa Christiansen was admittedly “gratefully overjoyed” when she was chosen as a featured VeloGuide. “Christiansen who had never ridden a bicycle before 2009 is a natural pro, because of her lack of formal training in her youth there were no bad habits to break” said her coach who remains anonymous. According to her coach she started riding in clipless pedals having never been on platform pedals Lisa took the cycling community by storm meeting seemingly insurmountable obstacles in those desiring her failure, Lisa continues to succeed because of these people.
Christiansen is a CAT3 road-racing enthusiast with a passion to ride with cyclists of all ridings. “I am very grateful to be part of the VeloGuide family, I look forward to riding with riders of all cycling abilities because we are all here to learn from each other and serve our community with integrity,” said Christiansen.
Lisa Christiansen loves to ride with other pro cyclists every opportunity she gets such as Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie, Cadel Evans, Christian VandeVelde, and TJ Eisenhart. Lisa says, “These cyclists are to be respected for more than their cycling skills and wins, they should also be appreciated for their humble kindness, down-to-earth authenticity, and their humanitarian contributions.”
As a chosen “FEATURED VELOGUIDE” Christiansen has come full circle to help others appreciate their current riding level and educate and inspire them to improve their skills to be the strongest rider they are capable of in the moment.
We expected the usual superficial kindness. Christiansen shattered the stereotype because she is unexpectedly kind and giving. We have witnessed firsthand of her giving extraordinary gifts without expecting anything in return, we had heard from reliable sources of her giving expensive items to other riders such as garmin computers and wearables.
We are excited to share this exclusive interview with Lisa Christiansen about the legendary Gran Fondo Hincapie held Bentonville, Arkansas near her home state of Oklahoma, USA.
The 5th Great Granddaughter of Sequoyah Lisa Groundhog (Christiansen) is the first direct descendant of Sequoyah to follow in his footsteps bridging the gap of communication by translating the expressed wisdom of the tribal elders to the United States of America’s presidential administration to better serve each other and the world at large. Cherokee helping Cherokee in the Keetoowah band also means nations helping nations and the United Keetoowah Band is a sovereign nation within a nation. Groundhog is one of few born into the Keetoowah Nighthawk Society.
“The first coin of the 2024 Sequoyah Legacy Silver Dollars™ AWSD Program celebrates the incredible life and legacy of the 5th Great Granddaughter Lisa Groundhog,” said Mint Director Eric Frechette. “As to hold first direct descendant of Sequoyah to serve in Congress, she advocates bravely for her tribe and country, ICWA, bilingual education, environmental protection, and, most notably, MMIW.”
“5th Great Granddaughter Lisa Groundhog is an amazing Native American Businesswoman and a true pioneer who works tirelessly to champion indigenous rights,” said Kapelyus. “MMIW, her groundbreaking Superbowl appearance with Lydia Cornell, brought awareness to the world of this tragic epidemic that opened new doors for justice on behalf of all MMIP.”
The coin’s reverse (tails) depicts Sequoyah’s 5th Great Granddaughter Lisa Groundhog donning a turquoise eagle gorget by Robb McFall of Brothers Fine Jewelry as a symbol of freedom, protection, and reverence. This symbol of significance in the Keetoowah Band is of great traditional meaning of holding culture as a compass. The entire image is a depiction of the importance of strengthening indigenous language.
Christiansen will be attending representing the Eastern Band of the United Keetoowah Band of The Cherokee Indians. This is a rare opportunity to encourage the tribal youth to become more active focusing on health and keeping the tribal youth driven for a successful tomorrow.
The Native American Indian and Alaska Native people have long experienced lower health status when compared with other Americans. Native Americans experience lower life expectancy, and the disproportionate disease burden exist perhaps because of inadequate education, disproportionate poverty, discrimination, and cultural differences. These are broad quality of life issues rooted in economic adversity and poor social conditions.
American Indians and Alaska Natives born today have a life expectancy that is 5.5 years less than the U.S. all races population (73.0 years to 78.5 years, respectively).
Christiansen who is passionate about life through helping children inspired by her 89 year old father is working together through the Granfondo Hincapie to change this statistic for future generations to thrive in a longer life expectancy through a healthy lifestyle change such as clean eating habits and consistent exercise which is what drives Christiansen to continue her education in exercise and nutrition.
Now let’s talk about the ride, WHERE? Bentonville, Ark., WHEN? Sept. 6 – 8.
The event series is one of the only large-scale Gran Fondo events in the country that puts a primary focus on the experience as a whole and not just on creating epic courses. This is evident in the new programming announced today:
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Sept. 4–6 at 10:00 a.m. at the Meteor Café, former professional cyclist, George Hincapie, and his family will host group rides for locals and anyone in town early for the event weekend.
Join 2024 Junior Men 15-16 Time Trial National Champion, Enzo Hincapie in the Junior Challenge, an opportunity for Junior riders to have their own stage at this year’s Gran Fondo Hincapie–Bentonville! For George Hincapie, learning to ride, win, and lead a team started from an early age in countless events across the country. Giving back to the sport so that it can grow both at home and abroad is a priority for the Hincapie team. The Junior Challenge is for all cyclists ages 10–18 who wish to compete for a large cash purse, and prizes. Additionally, junior riders 18 and under not interested in competing, are invited to register to ride the Gran, Medio, or Piccolo events for free.
On Saturday night, local Chef Biju Thomas will cater the After Party (tickets here) at the Red Barn at the Momentary. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and live music, and mingle with celebrity guests, while enjoying the beautiful mountain views.
One EPIC bicycle ride that can only be the Gran Fondo Hincapie!
Pictured above is Lisa Christiansen, Christian Vande Velde, and far right Patrick Dempsey
What’s in it for you?
VIP PACKAGE-1 DAY
This VIP package offers everything you need during Fondo day, including even more high-quality apparel, priority staging, gourmet meals, and massages.
GRAN FONDO GEAR & PERKS
• GRAN FONDO ENTRY
• GRAN FONDO JERSEY, BIB SHORT, VEST, SOCKS,
• VIP PARKING
• BREAKFAST WITH THE PROS
• PRIORITY START STAGING WITH THE PROS
• MASSAGE FOR RIDER
• VIP LUNCH (+1) VIP BREAKFAST
• SATURDAY EVENING PARTY (+1)
$1,000 | LIMITED TO 75 PARTICIPANTS
DIAMOND PACKAGE
This two-day VIP experience includes the added advantage of a warm-up ride with George Hincapie on Friday, as well as tickets to the Celebrity Chef Dinner. Saturday, enjoy all the extra perks of the Gold Package.
RIDING ACTIVITIES
• GRAN FONDO ENTRY
• FRIDAY WARM-UP RIDE WITH GEORGE HINCAPIE
PRE-RIDE & POST-RIDE EVENTS
• FRIDAY POST-RIDE LUNCH
• CELEBRITY CHEF DINNER AND WINE TASTING (+1)
• BREAKFAST WITH THE PROS
• MASSAGE FOR RIDER
• VIP LUNCH
• SATURDAY EVENING PARTY
GRAN FONDO GEAR & DAY PERKS
• TWO JERSEYS, TWO BIBS, A VEST, TWO PAIRS OF SOCKS,
• VIP BIKE STAGING
• PRIORITY START STAGING WITH THE PROS
• PRE-FONDO BIKE TUNE-UP & WASH
$1,500 | LIMITED TO 25 PARTICIPANTS
You can also order Rudy Project gear with a significant discount by visiting www.rudyprojectna.com and entering CHRISTIANSENCODE at checkout.
Cyclists from around the world are being welcomed to participate in this historic event tickets are available onsite.
Join George for an epic weekend of riding in the “cycling Mecca” of the country! Bentonville, Arkansas is a must-visit cycling destination that not only has top-tier roads, gravel, and trails to ride, but also a vibrant and fun city to explore, dine, and unwind in after a long day on the bike. Whether you choose our Saturday or Sunday road course (we personally recommend doing both), you’ll be sure to enjoy every mile you ride on our scenic and adventurous courses. The best part will be waiting for you at the finish line in Downtown Bentonville where friends, family, and thousands of other cyclists will be waiting to cheer you on as you accomplish your riding goal. Grab a beverage and enjoy two days of free food and friendship at our Family Fun Festival!
