Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo

The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo will be part of the Gran Fondo National Series.

Gran Fondo is an Italian term meaning “big ride”.  Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is a fully supported event featuring three different routes – 33 mile Valley Ride, 45 mile River Ride, and a 75 mile Mountain Ride. Each route has been carefully created to showcase Botetourt’s County’s rich scenic beauty and it’s warm & welcoming communities. Riders will enjoy the area’s natural beauty including the rolling terrain, open farmland, forested mountains, and the James River. Each route will also feature memorable aid stations and charming small towns.  The Virginia Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is a non-competitive event, although each rider’s finishing time will be recorded.

Registration includes post ride beverage and meal.

Routes

The Valley Ride (33 miles – Ride with GPS), 10 am start

After leaving Fincastle, you’ll roll down scenic back roads toward the James River and Buchanan.  After an aid station in Buchanan, you’ll ride toward Troutville on the gorgeous Bike 76 route, before heading back to Fincastle.

The River Ride (45 miles – Ride with GPS), 9 am start

This route has it all, including some climbing in the first half of the route! After leaving Fincastle, you’ll head north toward Eagle Rock, before looping back over the Timber Ridge climb.  A few “bumps” remain before you cross the James River and head to Buchanan.  After an aid station in Buchanan, you’ll ride toward Troutville on the gorgeous Bike 76 route, before heading back to Fincastle.

The Mountain Ride (75 miles – Ride with GPS), 8 am start

For those who want more of a challenge in elevation and distance, this route is for you! You’ll wind you way from Fincastle on back roads before turning toward the climb of Caldwell Mountain. After several miles of gradual climbing, the road kicks up for 1.5 miles to the summit. The fast, twisting descent will take you into Craig County and your first aid station. You’ll ride along beautiful Craig Creek on your way through Oriskany and Eagle Rock, where you will find the next aid station. You’ll parallel the James River on your way to the next aid station in Buchanan. From Buchanan, it’s a beautiful ride on the Bike 76 route toward Fincastle and the finish.