Highlands Gran Fondo is a Gran Fondo National Series event, a producer of some of the best US cycling events. Just 35 Miles from New York City, this ride from Butler, New Jersey, is a great way to experience the landscape outside the New York City metro area. With remarkably quiet country roads, shady tree canopies, and a downtown start/finish/party at High Point Brewery, this beautiful and challenging ride, which we have chosen as one of our Best Mid-Atlantic Cycling Events, is well worth the trip. With proximity to huge cycling communities in New York and New Jersey, the Highlands Gran Fondo attracts a large and diverse peloton of competitive, supportive, and fun-loving cyclists of all ability levels. This a great opportunity to make a family visit to NYC and get in some great riding!
Gran Fondo National Series
Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo is the second leg in the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series, established in 2012 and comprising 10+ European-style rides/races staged in the United States. Every GFNS event offers courses covering 30, 60, and 100-mile journeys through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in endurance sports. Timed sections allow riders to compete in specific course segments, while casual cyclists can ride at their own pace. Participants can ride as individuals or on teams. GFNS awards special prizes to the top riders in every age and gender category. Each rider is assigned an electronic timing chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for the best time through highlighted sections.
For the most competitive cyclists, the series partnered with USA Cycling to bring the one-day Gran Fondo National Championship into the portfolio of official USA Cycling National Championship events. The event is held annually, and a national championship jersey and medal are awarded to the overall winner in each Gran Route age group category. The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event will be held at Gran Fondo Maryland, in Frederick, Maryland, on September 15, 2024.
To compete in the National Championship category, riders must qualify by meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in Qualification Events. However, all riders are welcome to participate in Gran Fondo Maryland and ride any of the normal Maryland Gran Fondo routes (Gran, Medio, and Piccolo), regardless of qualification status.
GFNS-owned events include Gran Fondo Florida (Dade City FL – March 17), Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo (Helen GA, April 21), Highlands Gran Fondo (Butler NJ – June 2), Gran Fondo Asheville (Asheville NC – July 14), Boone Gran Fondo (Boone NC – Aug 4), and Gran Fondo Maryland (Frederick MD, Sept 15). Gran Fondo Maryland doubles as the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship. Partner events include Cheaha Challenge (Jacksonville AL – May 18-19), Vermont Gran Fondo (Bristol VT – June 29), Cache Gran Fondo (Logan UT – July 13), Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb – Gran Fondo (Idaho Springs, CO – July 20), 719 Ride (Colorado Springs – July 20), and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo (Fincastle, VA – Oct 13). All GFNS races consistently rate among the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast, New England, Rockies / Colorado, and Southwest / California.
Race GFNS E-Fondo’s On Zwift
If you are looking for virtual races/events to kick off your 2024 season indoors, GFNS has produced the first eSports cycling competition to feature timed segments; the series leverages Zwift’s proven e-sports platform to recreate SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series’ timed-segment competition format in a virtual environment. There are eight events running on consecutive weekends in January and February. The events are free to participate and offer the chance to qualify for the Gran Fondo National Championship. You can see the full line-up and get all the relevant details here.
Event & Course Info
The hilly Highlands region outside of Butler features great climbs and ascends to the highest point in New Jersey. A great event for all-around cyclists who can power up short climbs and still have the energy to push the pace in a group. The Gran route, 101 Miles and +7400 elevation gain cross the Appalachian trail eight times and showcases some spectacular terrain. There is also a Medio route (60 Miles and +4300 elevation gain) and a Piccolo route (34 Miles and +2450 elevation gain). This event allows you to ride these marked confidently and marshaled courses, supported by law enforcement, safety motos, mechanic and sag vehicles, and staffed feed stations.
Don’t want to bring your bike? GFNS has partnered with Unlimited Biking, offering Cannondale rentals with Pickup and dropoff at the starting location. For more info, click here.
Timed sections allow riders to compete in specific course segments, while casual cyclists can ride at their own pace. Participants can ride as individuals or on teams. Highlands Gran Fondo awards special prizes to the top riders in every age and gender category. Each rider is assigned an electronic timing chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for the best time through highlighted sections.
The event features timed-segment racing, where only specific segments of the race are timed, and your placement depends on your performance in these segments. The top 3 finishers in various categories will be celebrated and awarded, with Gran Route age group winners receiving custom kits from Suarez. New for 2024, you’ll receive an event-specific custom jersey from SUAREZ Cycling Apparel when you register at least 26 days before a Gran Fondo National Series-owned event! There will be event-specific jerseys for Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, and Gran Fondo Maryland. After the ride, participants can enjoy food and local libations and hang out for the GFNS prize raffle, offering over $5000 in prizes from series sponsors. Any rider who completes a GFNS event and is present at the event will be eligible for a raffle with great prizes from the sponsors:
- Stay at Garda Bike Hotel in Italy
- Wahoo ELEMNT GPS Computer
- Wahoo KICKR smart trainer (model TBD)
- Lazer helmet
- Industry Nine hubset
- Cane Creek components
- Swiftwick socks
- Bike Flights travel voucher
- Shimano products
- CTS Trainright Membership
- Jittery Joe’s Coffee
- UNDRBUDR anti-chafe cream
- Ride with GPS Premium Membership
Area Accommodations & Things To Do
Butler, New Jersey, nestled in the heart of Morris County, offers outdoor athletes and cycling enthusiasts a picturesque and exhilarating destination for their next adventure. Positioned within the Highlands region, Butler features elevated terrain, contributing to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The town’s hilly topography adds an extra layer of challenge for cyclists and hikers seeking a more dynamic outdoor experience. With its scenic landscapes, challenging terrains, and welcoming community, Butler promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping cycling event. Butler boasts an extensive network of cycling trails catering to riders of all skill levels. The scenic countryside roads provide a perfect backdrop for long rides, while more adventurous cyclists can explore the challenging mountain biking trails in the nearby Norvin Green State Forest. The elevation changes and diverse terrains make Butler a haven for cyclists seeking variety and excitement.
Accommodation Options: For those planning an extended stay, Butler offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Cozy bed and breakfasts, quaint inns, and modern hotels can be found in and around the area, providing a comfortable and convenient base for your cycling adventures. Some popular choices include [insert names of well-rated accommodations].
