If you are looking for a cycling challenge that will test your endurance, strength, and skills, consider the Vermont Gran Fondo, a premier cycling event that takes place annually in/around Bristol, Vermont, in late June. The Vermont Gran Fondo showcases the Green Mountain’s quiet, challenging climbs and breath-taking views, hailed as one of the Best Road Cycling Events in New England by Strambecco, it has earned the status of the state with the most climbing on Strava, and is arguably one of the toughest Gran Fondos in North America. If you are so inclined, the event doubles as a race and is part of the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series (see below).
The Vermont Gran Fondo was born from a famous bucket-list epic 4-gap ride known by the locals as the LAMB ride. LAMB comes from the names of 4 gaps (Lincoln Gap, Appalachian Gap, Middlebury Gap, and Brandon Gap), which can easily top 100 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing1 when combined into a single ride. In 2013, a band of local cyclists looking to create a new event for Vermont wanted something more challenging to complement the numerous valley ride events already taking place, and the LAMB was a perfect fit. Hence, the Vermont Gran Fondo was born.
The Vermont Gran Fondo offers an opportunity to come and enjoy a challenging ride in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont with guidance, support, and an after-party. The Vermont Gran Fondo is produced by Ride It If You Can LLC, and the organizing committee is made up of cycling enthusiasts and athletically-inclined tourism and business development representatives. Event proceeds are distributed via grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations with the purpose of enhancing bicycling in Addison County through programs, education, infrastructure, and/or equipment2.
The Routes
The Vermont Gran Fondo features four routes, each with its own difficulty level and elevation profile. The routes are:
- Gran Fondo: The ultimate challenge, this route covers 109 miles and 10,350 feet of climbing. It follows the same course as the LAMB ride, climbing over the Lincoln Gap, the Appalachian Gap, the Middlebury Gap, and the Brandon Gap. This route is for experienced riders who are ready to push their limits and conquer the toughest terrain in Vermont.
- Medio Fondo: This route covers 80 miles and 6,000 feet of climbing. It follows the same course as the Gran Fondo but skips the Lincoln and Appalachian Gap. This route is ideal for riders who want to experience the beauty and challenge of the Vermont Gran Fondo but without the extreme distance and elevation.
- Piccolo Fondo: This route covers 40 miles and 2,700 feet of climbing. It follows the same course as the Medio Fondo but turns around in the town of Hancock. This route is suitable for riders who are looking for a moderate challenge and a shorter ride.
- Gran-X Fondo: This route is a new addition to the 10th-anniversary event and is the most challenging option. This route covers 145 miles and 13,700 feet of climbing. It follows the same course as the Gran Fondo but adds two more gaps: the Roxbury and Rochester Gap. This route is for elite riders who want to take on the ultimate cycling challenge in Vermont.
All the routes are fully supported, with rest stops, sag vehicles, medical assistance, and mechanical support. Riders will also receive a finisher medal, a t-shirt, a goodie bag, and a post-ride meal.
The Time Trial
In addition to the Vermont Gran Fondo, the event also features a time trial on Friday, June 24, 2022. The time trial is a 6.2-mile race against the clock on a rolling course with a few turns. The time trial starts and finishes at the Bristol Recreation Club, in the same spot as the Gran Fondo. The time trial is open to all riders, regardless of their participation in the Gran Fondo.
The Green Mountain Gap Challenge
The Vermont Gran Fondo also features a special challenge for the King and Queen of the Mountain. The Green Mountain Gap Challenge is a timed segment on the Lincoln Gap, the event’s steepest and most notorious climb. The Lincoln Gap has a 24% maximum grade and a 15% average grade and is reported to be the steepest paved mile in the U.S., according to Bicycling Magazine, and one of the world’s steepest climbs by Global Cycling Network. The top three male and female riders with the fastest times on the Lincoln Gap will receive swag bags of local goodies.
Part of the Gran Fondo National Series
Vermont Gran Fondo is part of the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series, established in 2012 and comprising 12+ 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.
The Party and More
The après ride party will get underway at the start-finish under the big tent at the Bristol Recreation Club in Bristol, Vermont. Enjoy live music, a variety of food choices, locally produced beverages, and farm-to-spoon ice cream. There will also be non-alcoholic beverages, massages, and awards. The party is a great opportunity to celebrate your achievement, mingle with fellow cyclists, and enjoy Vermont’s hospitality.
The Surrounding Region
The Vermont Gran Fondo is more than just a cycling event; it is also an opportunity to explore the region’s rich and diverse natural and cultural attractions. The event is in the Green Mountains and includes scenic views, historic towns, and rural charm. The region offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Some of the highlights include:
- Bristol: The host town of the event, Bristol, is a quaint and vibrant village that offers a range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. Bristol is also home to the Bristol Falls, a popular swimming hole and picnic spot.
- Middlebury: The largest town in Addison County, Middlebury is a cultural and educational center that features the Middlebury College, the Henry Sheldon Museum, the Town Hall Theater, and the Vermont Folklife Center. Middlebury is also known for its craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries, such as Otter Creek Brewing, Woodchuck Cider, and Appalachian Gap Distillery.
- Brandon: A historic town that boasts a lively arts and music scene, Brandon is a destination for creativity and inspiration. Brandon features the Brandon Music, a venue for concerts and events, the Brandon Artists Guild, a cooperative gallery for local artists, and the Compass Music and Arts Center, a cultural hub that hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances.
- Green Mountain National Forest: A vast and diverse forest that covers 399,151 acres of land, the Green Mountain National Forest offers scenic drives, hiking trails, camping sites, picnic areas, hunting opportunities, and historical landmarks. The forest is divided into three districts: Manchester, Rochester, and Middlebury.
The region also boasts a rich history and culture, with museums, monuments, festivals, and events that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the area. Some of the highlights include:
- Lake Champlain Maritime Museum: A museum that showcases the maritime history and ecology of Lake Champlain, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum features exhibits, artifacts, boats, and a replica of a Revolutionary War gunboat. The museum also offers boat tours, sailing lessons, and educational programs.
- Shelburne Museum: A museum that displays the eclectic collection of Electra Havemeyer Webb, who amassed a variety of art, antiques, and Americana, the Shelburne Museum features 39 buildings, including a lighthouse, a covered bridge, a steamboat, and a carousel. The museum also has a sculpture garden, a cafe, and a gift shop.
- Fort Ticonderoga: A historic fort that played a key role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, Fort Ticonderoga is a living history museum that offers tours, exhibits, reenactments, and demonstrations. The fort also has a corn maze, a garden, and a museum store.
- Vermont Festival of the Arts: An annual festival that takes place in the Mad River Valley, featuring over 100 events and activities that showcase the arts and culture of Vermont. The festival includes music, theater, dance, film, literature, visual arts, crafts, and culinary arts.
The Vermont Gran Fondo Experience
The Vermont Gran Fondo is more than just a cycling event; it is an experience that will challenge you, inspire you, and reward you. Whether you choose to ride the Gran Fondo, the Medio Fondo, the Piccolo Fondo, or the Gran-X Fondo, you will enjoy a well-organized, fully-supported, and fun-filled ride that will take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Vermont. You will also have the chance to meet and mingle with fellow cyclists, volunteers, and locals, who will welcome you with warmth and hospitality. You will have the opportunity to explore and discover the region’s rich and diverse natural and cultural attractions, which will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the area.
