Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo 2027

Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo 2027

Presented by Gran Fondo National Series · Updated June 2026
Road Cycling
Helen, GA
Apr 18, 2027
Solo + Team
Timed Ride

Gran

Distance
90 miles
Elevation Gain
9,000 ft
Terrain
paved
Difficulty Index
51Demanding

Medio

Distance
66 miles
Elevation Gain
6,900 ft
Terrain
paved
Difficulty Index
40Demanding

Piccolo

Distance
25 miles
Elevation Gain
1,700 ft
Terrain
paved
Difficulty Index
20Moderate
Approachable Extreme
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About This Event

Last updated June 7, 2026

Event for 2027 has not been confirmed yet… Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo 2027 is a Gran Fondo National Series event that produces some of the best US cycling events. Picked as one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast, the Georgia course offers one of the most challenging courses in the series, crisscrossing the Appalachian Trail over big mountain gaps and secluded mountain roads around Helen, Georgia. Helen is a unique mountain town styled in a Bavarian theme. About two hours from major airports in Atlanta, GA, and Greenville, SC, Helen is adjacent to the beautiful Unicoi State Park, packed with family fun. Experience Southern hospitality with a Bavarian twist! Compared to other GFNS events, a smaller peloton helps create a tight-knit family atmosphere on the road and at the post-ride party with North Georgia BBQ. The routes wind through National Forest lands, and crest big mountain gaps with spectacular views of the vast National Forest lands.

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.

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. Riders must qualify to compete in the National Championship category by meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in Qualification Events. The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event will be held at Gran Fondo Maryland in Frederick, Maryland.

The Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo routes are difficult to ride unsupported because the roads are remote and stores are few and far between. 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. As is customary GFNS events, there are three events to choose from: Gran, 90 miles and 9,000 ft elevation gain; Medio, 66 miles and 6900 ft elevation gain; Piccolo, 25 miles and 1700 ft of elevation gain.

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. Tour of Georgia 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.

New for 2024, you’ll receive an event-specific custom jersey from SUAREZ Cycling Apparel when registering at least 26 days before a Gran Fondo National Series-owned event! 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.

Gran Fondo National Series

Event Organizer
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The Gran Fondo National Series: A Fusion of Cycling Excellence and Community Celebration

Cycling is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a vibrant community-driven experience. The Gran Fondo National Series was conceived with this philosophy in mind, aiming to seamlessly blend the competitive spirit of bike racing with the camaraderie of group rides. Established in 2012, the Gran Fondo National Series has evolved into the largest and most competitive collection of Gran Fondo cycling events in the United States.

Unique Format and Recognition:

One of the defining features of the Series is its unique timed-segment format. This innovation allows cyclists of varying skill levels to ride together, engage in friendly competition during timed segments, regroup to share stories, and relish the breathtaking scenery of some of the nation’s premier cycling destinations.

The series has successfully managed and produced over 60 gran fondos, including the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. Recognized by the governing body of Olympic cycling in the Americas, these championships employ the timed-segment format and officially stand as the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships.

Quality Events, Diverse Routes:

The series has a stellar reputation for meticulously selecting venues supporting local cycling communities. Every event is marked by a commitment to excellent route marking, ensuring participants stay on track and enjoy a seamless cycling experience. The routes themselves are carefully curated, taking into consideration factors such as road surface, traffic conditions, and scenic beauty.  Each event venue is held in noteworthy cycling destinations and offers a great opportunity to plan a long weekend or vacation around.

Each Series event offers three distinct routes to cater to cyclists of all abilities. The challenging 100-mile Gran Route, the moderately difficult 60-mile Medio Route, and the approachable 30-mile Piccolo Route provide options for riders seeking different levels of difficulty.

National Championship Excellence:

In 2020, the series joined forces with USA Cycling, integrating the Gran Fondo National Series and the one-day Gran Fondo National Championship into the prestigious portfolio of official USA Cycling National Championship events. The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship, held annually, crowns overall winners in each Gran Route age group category with a coveted national championship jersey and medal.  The 2024 National Championship will be held at Gran Fondo, Maryland, on September 15.

Qualification for the National Championship category involves meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in designated Qualification Events. However, regardless of qualification status, all riders are invited to participate in Gran Fondo National Series events and enjoy the thrill of riding in some of the country’s most scenic and challenging courses.

GFNS-owned events include Gran Fondo Florida;  Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo;  Highlands Gran Fondo;  Gran Fondo Asheville;  Boone Gran Fondo;  Golden Gran Fondo;  Gran Fondo Maryland.  Partner events include Cheaha Challenge;  Vermont Gran Fondo; Utah-Cache Gran Fondo; Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo; 719 Ride; Mt Evans Hill Climb Gran Fondo.  

Inclusive and Celebratory Atmosphere:

The GFNS goes beyond the competitive aspect, emphasizing the celebration of cycling. Finish-line festivities include live music, delicious local food, and refreshing drinks. This creates an environment where participants can share their cycling stories and revel in a sense of accomplishment together.  Cycling enthusiasts looking for a blend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration need look no further than the Gran Fondo National Series – a testament to the thriving culture of cycling in the United States.

 

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