Many have fallen in love with cycling after riding in Vermont due to the gorgeous, iconic New England scenery, winding roads, open lush grazing valleys, and gap climbs that keep any rider challenged. We have many guests who love to cycle right around Middlebury, near our inn, as a fun way to spend the day. If you are at a competitive level though and are looking for a trophy-worthy challenge, you need to keep reading to find out more on the Vermont Gran Fondo.
This is the third Vermont Gran Fondo, which has actually been named one of the U.S.’s Top 10 Gran Fondos. If the name is unfamiliar to you, Gran Fondo is an Italian term for long distance or great endurance. It is a mass-participation long distance race and while many are open to professional and amateur athletes alike, the one here in Vermont is certainly not for the faint of heart. This year, the date has been set for June 4th, 2016 and there are a few new twists that have kicked things up a notch.
This year cyclists will scale two new Green Mountain summits as Routes 125 and 73, which were part of last year’s race, are being repaved. Since these roads have turned to gravel, a not-so-welcome sight for cyclists, organizers have paired Roxbury Gap and Moretown Mountain with the Appalachian and Lincoln gaps. For riders, this means you are in for 105 miles and more than 10,000 feet of climbing. Wow! We encourage you to be ready for some serious hill climbing as the course’s final ascent, which will take riders up the eastern slope of Lincoln Gap, has a 24% grade – claimed to be the steepest paved mile in the U.S.
Another change is this year the event will begin and end at the Woodchuck Cider House in Middlebury, VT. The post-ride festival will then take place on the Green in downtown Middlebury where cyclists can listen to live bands and enjoy food trucks, drinks and more fun.
Whether you are an athlete coming in for the race, or friends and family cheering someone on, we’d love to host you at our charming inn. Book a suite online today or contact us for further information on how to plan an amazing summer getaway!
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