Muddy Squirrel, Ballast Point Brewery and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports (VBRS) have teamed up for what is expected to be an exciting bicycling and tourism event.
The first VBR Gran Fondo was announced last Thursday morning in front of Ballast Point at Botetourt Center at Greenfield where the Sunday, Oct. 14 event will start and finish.
The Gran Fondo will offer three bike rides through the Botetourt countryside on the same weekend as the popular and growing Roanoke Go Outside Festival and the Salem Half-Marathon that’s on October 13.
Gran Fondo is Italian meaning “big ride,” and Tim Miller of Muddy Squirrel said the Gran Fondo through Botetourt will provide a lot of fall scenery on the county’s backroads and at the same time showcase the communities of Fincastle, Buchanan, Troutville and Eagle Rock.
The Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo will enable cyclists to choose from three routes— one 30 miles, one 50 miles and one 80 miles.
Miller called the rides “recreational,” and entry will include a meal at the end at Ballast Point.
According to VBRS, each route has been carefully created “to showcase Botetourt County’s rich scenic beauty and its warm and 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.”
The VBR Gran Fondo is a non-competitive event, although each rider’s finishing time will be recorded.
Portions of the routes will include the U.S. Bicycle Route 76.
Miller designed the routes and said, “This Gran Fondo kicks off what we hope will be the first of many events in an untapped area of organized riding events. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo is a nice combination of scenery and rolling hills through inviting and welcoming small towns.”
VBRS
Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership, pointed out that Virginia— including the Roanoke Valley and Botetourt County— is becoming a nationally and internationally known cycling destination.
He said the Blue Ridge Marathon has become a signature event for runners and the Gran Fondo could be the same for cyclists.
He noted Botetourt has some of the best small cycling areas in the U.S,
Miller said he expects the event will attract about 200 cyclists the first year.
Botetourt Board of Supervisors member Steve Clinton said there’s no better way to showcase Botetourt’s history and beauty than with the Gran Fondo.
Stephanie Frost, president of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, noted in comments about the event, “The business community is thrilled to co-host this inaugural event that will allow cyclists to discover the hidden treasures of Botetourt and visit one of the region’s newest, energetic breweries.”
Registration for the Gran Fondo is already open on the Muddy Squirrel website.
The 30-mile Valley Ride goes through Fincastle and Troutville. The fee is $50 before June 15, $60 after that and $70 he day of the vent
The 50-mile Bank of Botetourt River Ride also goes to Fincastle then heads to Springwood and the James River, goes through Buchanan and then to Troutville along the Bike 76 Route and back to Ballast Point. Registration for this ride is $60 before June 15, $70 after that date and $80 the day of the ride.
For those who want more of a challenge in elevation and distance, the 80-mile Mountain Ride leaves Ballast Point and goes over Caldwell Mountain to Craig Creek Road, through Oriskany, Eagle Rock and on Rt. 43 to Buchanan, then on the Bike 76 Route to Troutville and back to Ballast Point.
Registration for the Mountain Ride us $80 before June 15, $90 after that and $100 the day of the event.
Registration for all three routes includes a VBR Gran Fondo T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by September 14), a post-ride meal and beverage catered by Ballast Point, and fully stocked aid stations along the routes.
To register or for more information, go to www.muddysquirrel.com.
