Make Your Plans for the TT1 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo

Mark your calendar for April 28, 2019 in Helen, Georgia for the Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo p/b Team Type 1 Foundation

Helen, Georgia brings the charm of a Bavarian village to the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1969, local business owners collaborated to create what is now called “Bavaria in the Appalachians.” Just outside of Helen on the route is the Nacoochee Indian Mound, the center of the ancient Cherokee town of Gauxule, visited by Desoto in his search for gold.

Photo: Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia brings the charm of a Bavarian village to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

From 2003–2008, the Tour de Georgia attracted the world’s top professional cycling teams to Georgia for a premier 7-day stage race. The TT1 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo retraces portions of stages from the race, through Helen, into the Unicoi State Park, and the nearby iconic climbs, made famous by the Tour de Georgia.

Photo: Unicoi State Park

Photo: Unicoi State Park

There are four routes on offer for all abilities; the 25 mile Piccolo Fondo with one timed section, the 64 mile Medio Fondo with 3 timed sections, the 86 miles Gran Fondo with four timed sections and the 103 mile HC Fondo, again with four timed sections.

There are up to four well placed aid stations out on the course for riders to rehydrate and take on additional nutrition to keep them fuelled up throughout the challenge.

T-1: Unicoi Gap

In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Brasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer went on to win the Tour of Georgia.

After 19 miles, riders tackle this timed section over 6.6 miles and climb 1,378ft to the top of Unicoi Gap. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent. Enjoy the vistas of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

T-2: Hogpen Gap

After 41 miles, the 2nd timed section is the ascent of Hogpen Gap, a 7.0 mile climb with 1,730 feet of climbing, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3,470ft with ramps of 14%. The views at the top of the surrounding peaks are breath-taking. Check your speed and be careful on the descent as there are many sharp turns. Enjoy the ride through the forest knowing that the hardest riding is behind you.

T-3: Snake Branch

After tackling the two biggest climbs of the day riders will head east from Helen to hits the 3rd timed section after 64 miles, comprised of rolling terrain for a 4 mile section. The section rises 369 feet over 3 miles with gradient of no more than 6.7%. The section includes the 1.5 mile descent so riders looking for the fastest time need to be able to descend as well as climb.

T-4: Oakey Mountain

Be sure to save a bit of energy for the final timed section, it only last just over 2.5 miles but at over 84 miles into the day you'll need to find some power.

The section climbs for 1.7 miles with around 250 feet of elevation gain, it descends for half a mile and then climbs 100 feet for around 300 yards.

Premium Route Navigation on your device

Get the RideWithGPS App and load the route to your smart phone or GPS

  103 mile HC Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26088555
  86 Mile Gran Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26087594
  64 Mile Medio Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18154052
  25 Mile Piccolo Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18154018

The Prizes

  For the Gran Fondo Route there is the team prize. *Four or more riders to qualify.
  Team riders are still eligible for individual awards.
  Best Combined Time Wins on each route for age groups
  Custom “Race Winner” jersey from DNA Cycling Apparel for HC & Gran Route (combined) age group winners
  Awards and Prizes for Gran, Medio, and Piccolo age-group podiums

Fully Supported

There are full stocked feed stations on all routes to keep you fed and hydrated, complimentary event T-shirt, Goody Bag with various swag items, a finishers Medal for completing the Gran Fondo route, awards for age placement, a raffle and of course the chance to win prizes for placement in the overall timed climbs,

Yes the raffle, directly following 103 mile awards, there will be a raffle from our sponsors including prizes such as: Haute Route 3-day entry, a holiday at Garda Bike Hotel in Italy, Industry Nine hubset, Cane Creek brakes and seatpost, BikeFlights travel voucher, Swiftwick socks, Shimano shoes, Jittery Joe's Coffee, Crotch Guard, as well as other prizes). Yes, it’s worth sticking around for!

Post Ride Party

There will be great food and cold beer waiting for you at the finish line party!

Benefitting Team Type 1 Foundation

TT1 fights for the right to live through a global mission of education, empowerment and equal access to medicine for everyone affected by diabetes. The Global Ambassador Scholarship Program makes heroes out of today’s college students with diabetes. This scholarship-based program recognizes athletes with type 1 diabetes who are using sport as a platform to educate, empower, and inspire those around them with diabetes via community outreach.

Their awarded funds offset the financial burden diabetes care places on families. Their Sustainable Diabetes Program saves lives in third-world countries by providing glucose meters, test strips and diabetes management education to thousands who would otherwise suffer debilitating complications and early death.

For more information, please visit: http://teamtype1.org