Vermont Gran Fondo

The Vermont Gran Fondo was inspired by the mystic of the LAMB, a local term for the bucket list 4 gap ride to conquer Lincoln Gap (Rated the steepest paved mile in the US), Appalachian Gap, Middlebury Gap and the Brandon Gap: not necessarily in that order. 

Our inaugural event set the standard at 100+ miles climbing 10,000+ ft over predominately paved roads but, always some level of dirt roads: it is Vermont after all. The VTGF is truly a challenge.

Ride it if you can.

This ride will test your fitness with its challenging climbs. There are amazing views at the top each gap—savor them for a moment before you speed downhill.

Four ride options:

The Gran, Medio Difficile, Medio Facile & Piccolo routes will cover stretches of iconic Vermont dirt roads (approximately 10%), which are hard-packed and easily navigable. The Medio Facile covers only 1 mile of dirt, all at the start.

Gran Fondo: 108 miles, 11k+ feet of climbing - App Gap (west to east), Lincoln Gap (east to west), Brandon Gap (west to east), Middlebury (east to west). Pending approvals..

Medio Difficile: 68 miles, 7.1k feet of climbing - App Gap (west to east), Lincoln Gap (east to west). Pending approval.

Medio Facile: 78 miles, 6.3k feet of climbing - Brandon Gap (west to east), Middlebury Gap (east to west). Pending approvals.

Piccolo Fondo: 39 miles, 2,846 feet of climbing - No gaps, one Category 2 climb. 2,846 ft (867.5 m) of climbing. Pending approvals.

Start & Finish: Cider anyone? Woodchuck Hard Cider, located just outside of downtown Middlebury, is the headquarters for our start and finish. You’ll be able to sample some of their ciders both pre- and post-ride.

Perks:

• Amazingly scenic, challenging and well-marked routes
• Professional ride day photography—unlimited downloads post-event—no additional fees. Provided by Pat Hendrick Photograpy.
• Custom-designed Klean Kanteen stainless Pint Cup for every rider who pre-registers.
• Apes party with savory options from quality food trucks and ice cream from Lu Lu Ice Cream, family & friends welcome
• Discounts at local hotels for the weekend
• Route signage marking every turn, cue sheets, route maps at each rest stop, and course marshals to guide you
• Rest stops atop every gap with the foods you expect at endurance cycling events (PBJ, Hammer Fuels and Fluids, an assortment of fresh fruits), plus a variety of specialty treats
• SAG support and mechanical support along the course
• Insurance coverage included in registration
• Knowing that event proceeds will benefit bicycling initiatives in Addison County

Riders seeking a bit of competition can empty the tank through our Gran Fondo Strava Challenge. Upload your climb times (for any or all of the four gaps) via Garmin or iPhone to Strava and the fastest male and female riders each gap will earn recognition as “King of the Mountain.” They’ll each win a unique KOM trophy, a custom printed 32oz Klean Kanteen growler . GRAN DISTANCE ONLY PLEASE!