Last Updated April 4, 2024
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is a signature cycling event in the Mid-Atlantic region and is a partner event of the Gran Fondo National Series. Chosen as one of our Best Road Cycling Events in the Mid-Atlantic, the event is produced by Muddy Squirrel, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families break free from their “technology-driven” lives and connect with the outdoors with meaningful and challenging events.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) Gran Fondo takes the allure of the Gran Fondo National Series and amplifies it with the breathtaking backdrop of Virginia’s scenic roads, complete with challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. What makes the VBR Gran Fondo truly unique is the opportunity for participants in the Mountain Ride to gain points toward becoming the national series winner in their age group. But regardless of the route chosen, every rider will experience the thrill of chip-timed segments and a chance to compete for age group awards.
Event & Course Info
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo will feature three routes — 33, 45, and 75 miles. Each route has been carefully crafted to showcase Botetourt County’s rich scenic beauty and its 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 also features memorable aid stations and charming small towns.
The Mountain Ride 75 Miles / 6,400+ elevation gain: Designed for those who embrace elevation, this ride features three timed segments. One of the highlights is the “Caldwell Mountain” climb. After setting off from Fincastle, cyclists will weave through tranquil back roads leading to this much-anticipated climb. The fast descent will then steer riders into Craig County and to their first aid station. Picturesque views of Craig Creek accompany riders through Oriskany and Eagle Rock. Subsequent segments await just before the Buchanan aid station, after which riders get to enjoy the stunning Bike 76 route leading back to Fincastle.
The River Ride 43 miles / 2,900+ft elevation gain: Featuring three timed segments, including the climb of Timber Ridge, this route promises an engaging experience for riders. The course meanders north towards Eagle Rock, then loops back over Timber Ridge. After another timed segment on a smooth yet rolling road, the Buchanan aid station provides a momentary respite. The journey then continues towards Troutville on the idyllic Bike 76 route, wrapping up in Fincastle.
The Valley Ride 33 miles / 1,800+ ft elevation gain: An ideal introduction to Botetourt County roads, this route offers two timed segments. Cyclists will traverse scenic roads toward the James River and experience their first timed segment on a smooth and rolling road. An aid station in Buchanan breaks the journey, after which the beautiful Bike 76 route leads riders back to Fincastle for their second timed segment.
In addition to the ride, registration gifts participants with exclusive Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo cycling socks, a hearty post-ride meal, well-equipped aid stations, chip-timed sections for each route, and a memorable finisher’s award.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Fincastle, VA, is not just a starting point for Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo but a destination in its own right. For those looking to make it a weekend affair, Botetourt’s premier disc golf course lies just minutes from the event’s start and finish. Friends or family not participating in the ride can engage in this fun activity. For nature enthusiasts, the proximity to renowned hiking trails like the Appalachian Trail, Apple Orchard Falls Trail, and Roaring Run offers a great way to explore Virginia’s natural beauty.
While there is no official host hotel for the VBR Gran Fondo, some nearby hotel options include the Holiday Inn Express and the Comfort Inn & Suites or the charming 25 East Main B&B located right in downtown Fincastle. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are many vacation rentals from cottages to a schoolhouse guesthouse that suit a variety of needs – or choose to camp at one of the unique one of a kind camping locations in the area.
Fincastle, VA, and its surrounding areas boast a culinary scene that reflects its rich Southern heritage, offering an array of cozy eateries, farm-to-table restaurants, and traditional diners serving classic Virginian and Appalachian delicacies. The local dining landscape is characterized by hearty comfort foods, fresh produce, and a welcoming, small-town charm. Local favorites include 1772 Rooftop, Bella Pizza, and the Pie Shoppe.
Nestled within the heart of Virginia, this charming town offers a myriad of activities that are not just restricted to its rich history and culture. Hiking the iconic Appalachian Trail is an exciting option; stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, it weaves its magic through the outskirts of Fincastle. Early October is especially a treat, with the fall foliage painting the landscapes in orange, red, and gold hues. For a manageable day hike, start at the trail section near Fincastle, heading towards the Tinker Cliffs or McAfee Knob. Both routes offer panoramic views, with the latter often dubbed as the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. Make sure to pack a picnic, as the autumn views, especially during sunrise or sunset, are mesmerizing.
If pedaling through scenic byways and trails get your adrenaline pumping, the Bike 76 route, which passes near Fincastle, is your calling (if you didn’t get enough of it in the VBR Gran Fondo). It’s part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System and offers a mix of terrains suitable for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers. Begin your journey in Fincastle and head towards Troutville, following the designated Bike 76 signs. This stretch, approximately 10-12 miles long, winds through undulating terrains, past farms, and across streams, offering a delightful blend of challenge and natural beauty.
Finally, just a short drive from Fincastle is the Greenfield Disc Golf Course in Botetourt County. Renowned for its world-class layout and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, this course is a must-visit for both seasoned disc golfers and newbies. The course comprises 18 holes, each with its own set of challenges, from navigating around water hazards to mastering the art of the throw amidst dense woods.
Part of the Gran Fondo National Series
Virginia’s Blue Ridge 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.
Related Events
Another great road cycling event in Virginia aside from the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is the Storming of Thunder Ridge, while multi-disciplinary cyclists will appreciate these best in class gravel events that take place in-state: Appalachian Mountaineer and Appalachian Journey from Journey Productions, as well as Dirty Kitten from Dirty Kitten Productions. The Shenandoah Mountain 100 from Shenandoah Mountain Touring which is part of the National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Race Series, is one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the MidAtlantic and also takes place in Virginia. For our trail runners, be sure to check out Old Dominion 100 which is part of the Grand Slam of Ultra Running and takes place in Virigina, it’s also considered by our team to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Mid Atlantic.
