Gran Fondo Hincapie is an extremely popular and well-run event that travels through South Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on routes George Hincapie trained on for the Tour de France. Strambecco rates the event as one of the best road cycling events in the Southeast. With awe-inspiring views, celebrity cyclists, and careful attention to safety, the original Gran Fondo Hincapie in Greenville, South Carolina, has received stellar reviews and topped numerous charts. The ride base is Hotel Domestique which is 20 miles north of Greenville at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Gran route is just over 83 miles with 8,000 feet of elevation gain. The Medio route is 49 miles/4,200 feet of elevation gain, and the Piccolo route is 15 miles/1300 feet.
Suppose you aren’t familiar with George Hincapie, a former American road bicycle racer who competed as a professional between 1994 and 2012. He is best known for completing the Tour de France 16 times, most often in a support role for Lance Armstrong. Since retiring, Hincapie has parlayed his cycling fame into a multi-faceted business career that includes: Hincapie Sports, a line of high-performance cycling ware; Hotel Domestique (Greenville County, SC), which caters to cyclists; and a growing national series of popular Gran Fondo events in Bangor ME, Chattanooga TN, Lehigh Valley PA, and the 2023 inaugural California, Merced gravel event, in addition to his signature event in Greenville, all produced by Hincapie Events.
The Gran Fondo Hincapie experience is not just a “big ride”–they are designed to be multi-day cycling celebrations, including scenic and challenging routes, live music, and a family festival with free fun, food, and brew. It’s a chance to join thousands of cycling pros, celebrities, weekend warriors, and first-time riders in the excitement of the Gran Fondo Hincapie hosted by George and the family. Typical routes included distance options of 15, 50, and 80-mile rides on the most bike-friendly routes mapped and tested by George himself. The events are chances to connect with other cycling enthusiasts and show off your passion, no matter your skill level.
