Vermont Gran Fondo joins the Gran Fondo World Tour ® Series in 2020

The 7th annual Vermont Gran Fondo will again traverse four gaps with over 11,700 feet of climbing back and forth across the spine of the iconic Green Mountains over 130 miles

Taking place on June 27, 2020, the Vermont Gran Fondo (VTGF) is arguably one of the toughest Gran Fondo in North America. Such is its reputation, it attracts hundreds of cyclists from all over the USA, Canada and internationally, especially those who love a real challenge.

This year the Vermont Gran Fondo joins forces with the Gran Fondo World Tour as part of their selection of premier fondo events around the world. This partnership will expose riders around the world to the beauty and the challenge of riding the Green Mountains of Vermont.

The VTGF routes include stretches of iconic Vermont mixed-surface roads, amazing mountain top views, and picturesque undulating valley roads.

Vermont Gran Fondo Joins Grand Fondo World Tour in 2020

This year the Appalachian Gap is being re-surfaced so won’t be on the menu, however, the Gran Fondo course will surely not disappoint those looking for a challenge with a planned route to likely cover 130 miles of mixed surface climbing over 11,700 feet. The provisional Gran Fondo course will ascend Brandon Gap once and Middlebury Gap twice, once from each side, and the infamous Lincoln Gap. With its status reported to be the steepest paved mile in the U.S., according to Bicycling Magazine and one of the world’s steepest climbs by the Global Cycling Network, this is where the real challenge begins, with a 24% maximum grade and an average grade of 16%, the east side of Lincoln Gap is no walk-in-the-park.

The infamous Lincoln Gap - reported to be the steepest paved mile in the U.S.!

The two Medio courses and the Piccolo course will also suit a range of abilities of cyclists who want to enjoy a challenging day out in the Green Mountains.

For those looking for something a bit less and still, a respectable challenge, the two Medio courses, the Difficile (difficult) and the Facile (easier) share a similar distance of 85 miles over 2 gaps but, not the same vertical nor the same gaps. For those wishing to take on Lincoln Gap, the Medio Difficile climbs the Middlebury Gap (west) and Lincoln Gap for 7700’ of climbing while the Medio Facile will summit the Brandon Gap and Middlebury Gap (east) for 6,400 feet of climbing.

The 40 mile Piccolo Fondo remains the same as previous years with no gaps to climb and 9 miles of sublime hard packed gravel. The Piccolo will be a great ride for those who want an easier ride and soak up the atmosphere and still includes a healthy 2,700 feet of climbing.

In its seven years, the Vermont Gran Fondo has always had a special emphasis on rider experience. There are fully stocked rest stops and toilets, approximately every 25 miles which includes unlimited water, Hammer Nutrition, yummy fresh food, and first aid supplies to keep everyone hydrated and fuelled up for the challenge.

Participants also benefit from Full Moto support, Mechanical and “SAG” support vans should they experience any difficulties out on course. All courses are fully marked, with route signage at every turn!

After this challenging ride, you can fully recover, and relax at the after-party. The Vermont Gran Fondo Après Ride Party will take place at the start and finish area at the Bristol Rec Club, Bristol in Vermont.

Enjoy live music, a variety of food choices including tacos, tamales, wood-fired pizza, salads and locally-produced beverages (beer of course!), all in the massive party tent. Entry into the party and four food tokens are included in your registration fee as well as cool SWAG bag!

This year’s event will again feature the KOM & QOM challenge.

Enjoy live music, a variety of food choices afterwards at the Après Ride Party

Riders seeking a bit of additional motivation can empty the tank by attempting to set personal bests and compare themselves to others on each gap. This year a timed Gap Hill Climb Challenge with KOM & QOM trophies will be awarded to the top three men and women. The most challenging gap of the course will be designated as the challenge.

There are also special rates on a vast array of local lodging in and around Addison County.

Every cyclist should add the Vermont Gran Fondo ride to their Bucket List at least once; if the stunning views of the Green Mountains don’t take your breath away, the climbs will!

Benefitting the Flyin Ryan Foundation

The Flyin Ryan Foundation continues to successfully penetrate the Vermont education community with the Flyin Ryan DECISIONS program, adopted by the sixth graders from the Brown River School in Underhill. The program stimulates students to establish self determined identity which is crafted by core principles with are composed and which reflect a linkage between each students unique CoreEnergy, Heart, and mind. The program is about to be installed at about Abe.

They have had the privilege of making about 120 adventure scholarship awards, which are based on three criteria: professed passion for some adventurous activity, financial need, and an expression of Core values.

They are thrilled to be the prime beneficiary of the Vermont Gran Fondo again this year!