The Roanoke Valley is well known for its cycling opportunities, both on-road and off, but the scenic back roads of neighboring Botetourt County have been a well-kept secret…until now.
Everything changes on October 14, with the inaugural Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo. Cyclists have route options of 30, 50, and 80 miles, so there’s something for everyone. Each route is carefully crafted to showcase Botetourt’s rich, scenic beauty and warm, welcoming communities. Riders will enjoy the area’s lovely rolling terrain, open farmland, forested mountains, and James River. Each route will also feature memorable aid stations and charming small towns. The start/finish will be at Ballast Point Brewing Company in Daleville, so you’ll definitely want to hang around for the post-ride party, which will be catered by Ballast Point and is included with registration.
Need a few more reasons to sign up? We’ve got ‘em.
Leave the killer climbs for another day
Only the 80-mile “Mountain Ride” has a serious mountain in it, and you’ll be richly rewarded with a thrilling, fast, twisty descent and instant street cred (the climb was used by the pros in an early version of the Tour DuPont). The other two rides have plenty of hills, but Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is more about gorgeous fall scenery, amazing aid stations, and smooth back roads than huge elevation gains. The surrounding mountains are almost always visible, though!
Be our guest
Warm, welcoming communities are Botetourt County’s greatest asset. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo prides itself on being a community event and happily offers you a glimpse into small-town life in rural Botetourt. The aid stations in Fincastle, Eagle Rock, and Buchanan will be hosted by enthusiastic volunteers from these vibrant, historic communities. Stop at each unique aid station and visit awhile!
Go Outside, then go for a ride
With the Roanoke Go Outside Festival the same weekend, you can easily make this the perfect fall get-away. Hang out at Go Fest in downtown Roanoke Friday evening and Saturday, then stretch your legs at the VBR Gran Fondo on Sunday. Bring the family – the world class Greenfield Disc Golf course is just minutes from Ballast Point.
Sound good?
You don’t want to miss out on this unique new event and listen to your friends remind you of how much fun it was all year long. Registration ranges from $60-$90 and includes a VBR Gran Fondo t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by 9/14), a post-ride meal and beverage catered by Ballast Point, and fully-stocked aid stations. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is an awe-inspiring new fall ride you’ll want to treat yourself to year after year.
