Test your Mettle at the Vermont Gran Fondo
So, do you think you can climb? Think again! The Gran-X course is hands down one of the most challenging bike rides in North America. Don’t worry; 3 shorter route options are available.
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The Vermont Gran Fondo is an iconic bike ride that will take place next June 28, 2025, in Bristol, Vermont. This bucket-list beauty will take you through Vermont's beautiful Green Mountains, featuring challenging climbs and breathtaking views atop each of the gap climbs.
The mix of road services, from smooth pavement to gravel roads, are quiet and virtually traffic-free, providing a cyclist’s playground right here in the heart of New England. Temperatures are typically anywhere from the mid-60s up to the 80s in June.
The area is known for its challenging climbs, known locally as Gaps: the Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury, and Brandon Gaps (LAMB), which, when combined, are a severe day in the saddle. Depending on your fitness level, you should expect to be in the saddle for 5 to 10 hours. The Vermont Gran Fondo is arguably one of the most challenging Gran Fondo’s in North America. Such is its reputation; it attracts hundreds of cyclists from all over the USA, Canada, and internationally, especially those who love a REAL challenge.
2025 Edition offers 4 Routes
Gran-X Route: A more challenging version of the Gran Route, 150 miles, 6 gaps, and over 15,000 feet of climbing
Gran Route: Approximately 109 miles, 4 gaps with 9,700 feet of climbing.
Piccolo Route: A 40-mile route for those looking for a shorter challenge with no gaps but still 2,600 feet of climbing.
The east side of Lincoln Gap is reported to be the steepest paved mile in the U.S., with a maximum grade of 24% and an average grade of 15%. Walking is always an option!
Regarding climbing, Vermont takes the top spot on Strava for the hilliest rides, beating places like Colorado and California. To say it’s hilly is an understatement …
Fear not. Despite its formidable reputation, there is a route for everyone, including the Gran, Medio, and Piccolo offering the opportunity to enjoy more of the lush Green Mountains, breath-taking views, and beautifully maintained roads that are repaired every springtime.
The routes include stretches of iconic Vermont dirt roads, which are hard-packed and easily ridden on road bikes.
Photo: The Lincoln Gap is the steepest paved mile in the U.S. with a stretch at 24%!
From its inception, the ride has always placed a special emphasis on the experience. The ride is fully supported by signage, rest stops with food and drink, mechanical support, and moto support.
Afterward, enjoy the after-party at the Bristol Recreation grounds with music, fresh local food, and locally produced beverages. Your registration fee includes entry into the party and food tokens.
For those wanting to test their mettle, the routes include timed sections on select Gaps. Riders can compete for the fastest overall time and take home one of the coveted KOM and QOM trophies again this year.
This iconic ride is one every self-respecting cyclist should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Vermont’s Premier Cycling Event regularly features in our Top 10 Gran Fondos in North America awards and is recognized internationally.
Camper Vans Welcome
For one flat fee, park your camper or Van on-site for one or two nights. No plugins or showers, just a parking space that you can legally sleep in your vehicle or near it. Did someone say road trip? #vanlife
There’s also a tent camp in the grounds available for 1 or 2 nights. These can be purchased during registration.
Qualify for 2025 USA Cycling National Championships
You can gain points that count towards the 2025 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. Times are captured on timed segments on each gap, 4 in total. The cumulative time will determine your series points and qualification for the championships in Frederick, Maryland on September 14th.
The Vermont Gran Fondo is also part of the Gran Fondo World Tour as part of their selection of premier cycling events around the world. This partnership will expose riders around the world to the beauty and the challenge of riding the Green Mountains of Vermont.
The Vermont Gran Fondo is a “must do bucket list ride”, it’s just one of those rides that any self-respecting cyclist should tick off their list. If the stunning views of the Green Mountains don’t take your breath away, the climbs will!
2025 VTGF Apparel!
2025 VTGF apparel made by SUAREZ (performance line) including, jerseys, arm warmers, bib shorts, wind vest are available during registration or any other time including a unique custom VTGF custom Green Mountain t-shirt too.
Registration NOW and SAVE!
Register now and take advantage of early bird pricing, for full details visit: http://vermontgranfondo.com or click the register now below.
Places are limited, especially for Gran-X route, and the ride typically sells out in advance. Please note: Proof of training is required to be accepted into the Gran-X, it ain’t no walk in the park!
Sign up now and start training.
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Vermont Gran Fondo Photo Gallery
