Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo

A partner event in the Gran Fondo National Series, the Blue Ridge Gran Fondo will feature three different routes — 33, 43, and 75 miles. Each route has been carefully crafted to showcase Botetourt County’s rich scenic beauty and it’s 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 will also feature memorable aid stations and charming small towns. This ride will NOT be timed from start to finish.  Each route will have 2-3 sections that will be chip timed. See the Ride With GPS routes below or click here for a list of timed segments. (updated 8/21/2024) Ride these sections hard if you want to, then regroup after. You’ll still be able to stop and relax at all the aid stations. ***New for 2025: Non-competitive e-bike categories are available for all rides.

​The Mountain Ride — Gran Fondo (75 miles), 7:30 am start

For those who want a challenge in elevation and distance, this route is for you! This route has three timed segments, including the “Caldwell Mountain” climb. After the start, you’ll wind your way from Fincastle on back roads before turning 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 and your first aid station. You’ll ride along beautiful Craig Creek on your way through Oriskany and Eagle Rock, where you will find the next aid station. You’ll parallel the James River on your way to the next timed segment, just before the aid station in Buchanan. From Buchanan, it’s a beautiful ride on the Bike 76 route toward Fincastle and your final timed segm