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We invite you to ride in the Virginia's Blue Ridge Gran Fondo on Sunday, October 13 in Botetourt County!
Gran Fondo is an Italian term meaning "big ride." The Virginia's Blue Ridge Gran Fondo will feature three different routes -- 30, 50, and 80 miles. Each route has been carefully created to showcase Botetourt's County's rich scenic beauty and its warm & welcoming communities.
Details on the Route Options:
Riders will enjoy the area's natural beauty including the rolling terrain, open farmland, forested mountains, and the James River. Each route will also feature aid stations and charming small towns.
The start/finish will be at Greenfield Education & Training Center in Daleville, which will host a post-ride meal and beer.
The VBR Gran Fondo is a non-competitive event, although each rider's finishing time will be recorded.
New for this year - riders are also encouraged to join in raising money for the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. Sarcoidosis is a debilitating, hard-to-diagnose inflammatory disease that has no cure. Make a donation >
Gran Fondo Routes
After leaving the starting point, you will experience Botetourt's rolling hills and open countryside on your way to Fincastle and the first aid station at Mile 16. From Fincastle, you'll roll over scenic back roads toward the Blue Ridge before turning toward Troutville on the Bike 76 route. Another aid station awaits you on your way back to Greenfield.
Register for The Valley Ride >
The Bank of Botetourt River Ride (48 miles)
This route has it all! You will follow the Valley route to Fincastle, then proceed on (mostly) downhill roads to the James River. You will ride alongside the river to the next aid station at Buchanan Town Park (Mile 28). From Buchanan, it's a beautiful ride on the Bike 76 route to Troutville. You'll have one more aid station on the way. From Troutville, the finish at Greenfield is just a few miles away.
For those who want more of a challenge in elevation and distance, this route is for you! You will wind your way toward Fincastle on fun, twisty back roads, then head toward the climb of Caldwell Mountain. After several miles of gradual climbing, the road kicks up for 1.5 miles to the summit. The fast, twisting descent will take you into Craig County for a few miles.You will then ride along beautiful Craig Creek on your way through Oriskany and Eagle Rock, where you will find the next aid station (Mile 46). You'll parallel the James River on your way to the next aid station in Buchanan (Mile 62). From Buchanan, it's a beautiful ride on the Bike 76 route toward Troutville and the finish.
Register for the Mountain Ride >
Gran Fondo Registration & Prices
The Valley Ride (30 Miles): Before October 1: $60 | After October 1: $70
The Bank of Botetourt River Ride (50 Miles): Before October 1: $70 | After October 1: $80
The Mountain Ride (80 Miles) : Before October 1: $90 | After October 1: $100
Registration for all three routes includes VBR Gran Fondo cycling socks (guaranteed if registered by 9/14), a post-ride meal and beverage, and fully-stocked aid stations, and a sweet finisher's award.
The Virginia's Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is presented by Muddy Squirrel and sponsored by VBR Sports, Bank of Botetourt, Downshift Hand Crafted Bikes & Brews, and Virginia Mountain Mortgage.
