Gran Fondo National Championship Series announces new venue Georgia event
Nestled in Mountains of White County, the 2017 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo will see a fresh and exciting change of venue! The 2017 edition starts and finishes in downtown Helen under the shadow of the mountains made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia
2017 Course Description
Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. After rolling out of Helen the route hits the first timed segment at mile 2.5, where any riders with intentions of an overall podium finish and cash payout will need to put their cards on the table from the start. The first time section immediately enters the mountainous area made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia.
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 to win the event. As riders tackle this timed section they cover over 7 miles and climb 1500ft 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 on the descent before turning left and climbing up and over Jack’s Gap.
A left turn on Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 2nd timed section, Hogpen gap. Within 6.5 miles and another 1500ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3469ft with ramps of 12%. The views at the top of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. 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.
After tackling the two biggest climbs of the day riders will head east from Helen through Unicoi State Park. The route then hits the 3rd timed section at mile 46, comprised of rolling terrain for a 4 mile section. Riders then get to enjoy a non-timed section of the route for the next 30 miles as the route explore the area round Lake Burton and Seed Lake. Be sure to save a bit of energy for the final time section, it only last just over 2 miles but at over 80 miles in to the day you'll need to find some go go power.
The route finishes back into the landmark town of Helen where, 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. Be sure to plan to stick around for beers, food and music served up at the finish line.
The 2017 route will still include the two decisive timed segments of Unicoi Gap and Hogpen Gap. These segments will also be included on this year’s Medio route
Unicoi Gap
Directly following the start, riders enter the mountainous area that was made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. 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 to win the event! It’s a 7 mile climb to the top of Unicoi Gap at an average of 4.8% with a maximum grade of 9.6% with 1,500ft of climbing. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent. Enjoy the vistas of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the descent before turning and climbing up and over Jack’s Gap.
Nicolae Tanovichii - Set during the 2016 edition, Pro Cyclist from the Lupus Racing Team holds the current KOM in a time of 24m 28s.
Pro cyclist Nina Laughlin again holds the current QOM in a time of 29m 50s.
Hogpan Gap
The Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 2nd timed section of Hogpen Gap after 52 miles. Within 6.9 miles and another 1,700ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3,469ft with ramps of 12%. 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 climbing is behind you!
Nicolae Tanovichii - also set during the 2016 edition holds the current KOM in a time of 25m 54s.
Pro cyclist Nina Laughlin again holds the current QOM in a time of 35m 18s.
Will these records still stand? Who knows!
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 cash and prizes for placement in the overall timed climbs,
Registration is open - but with only a month to go you'll need to hurry to secure a place on this epic challenge across north Georgia's Applachian Mountains - www.gfncs.com
White County Chamber of Commerce and the Alpine / Helen Visitors Centre can provide more details on the area as well as great accommodations and things to do.
The 2017 GFNCS event Schedule
Sunday March 26th 2017 - Gran Fondo Florida, San Antonio, FL
Sunday May 7th 2017 - Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Clayton, GA
Sunday June 4th 2017 - Highlands Gran Fondo, Newfoundland, NJ
Sunday July 23rd 2017 - Gran Fondo Asheville, Asheville NC
Sunday August 6th 2017 - Boone Gran Fondo, Boone NC
Sunday August 6th 2017 - Bluewater International Gran Fondo, ON
Sunday August 27th 2017 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, CO
The Golden Gran Fondo, is one of the toughest one day Gran Fondo's in U.S. with around 10,000 feet of climbing through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Sunday September 17th - Gran Fondo Maryland, National Championship, Frederick, MD
The Gran Fondo National Championship in historic Frederick, Maryland is your opportunity to earn the title of fastest rider. The rider with the fastest combined time through each designated sections will have truly earned the 2017 National Championship Jersey.
All GFNCS events riders benefit from fully stocked aid stations and SAG support to keep them going and a Post-Race Food & Beverage Festival for a fun recovery.
Come experience some of the best Gran Fondo’s the U.S has to offer: timed sections, individual and team prizes for all abilities, come race - #GFNCS #BelieveInTheBike
2017 Registration is Open for all GFNCS events
The first 100 riders to register for events can save 20%. Just use coupon code earlybird when registering.
To register, please go to gfncs.com/registration
GFNCS 3-race option
Want to save dollars? When you register with the GFNCS 3-race option you'll save even more on your entry fees! Registering for three events also bypasses price increases.
To use the 3-race registration, please go to - gfncs.com/3-race-registration-discount
