I participated in the Collnago Gran Fondo in Philadelphia last year & would not recommend this event. I will be happy to provide a list of my complaints to anyone who is interested off-list, but suffice it to say that this was an extremely poorly organized event.
It should be noted that the while Colnago (of who's bikes I'm a huge fan) is title sponsor of the event, the event's are run by an independent organization.
The representative from Colnago with whom I rode the event shared my dissatisfaction and in fact expressed same to the organizers.
Perhaps the issues were first year growing pains, but until I hear of marked improvement, I will not be spending my time and cash at these events.
Be guided accordingly...
Jeff Holt
West Deptford, NJ