Buffalo River Gravel Gran Fondo
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Event Details
Buffalo River Gran Fondo is the perfect cycling event for those seeking a mix of gravel and pavement, stunning scenic views, camaraderie, and an outstanding post-race celebration. Our fully supported ride offers two options: a 67.5-mile route and a 36.5-mile route, both featuring primo gravel.
NEW FOR 2024: The Buffalo River Gran Fondo is delighted to announce that this year's event will start and finish at Buffalo Lake, nestled in the breathtaking countryside of Amherst County, VA. This scenic location offers abundant space, picturesque views, and excellent facilities to accommodate the weekend's festivities.
Key Features:
Not Your Typical Race: Diverging from traditional start-to-finish races, Buffalo River Gran Fondo prioritizes camaraderie and spirited competition among friends.
Route Markings: Clearly marked signs will be posted to guide you from the start to finish of each route, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable ride. However, we encourage riders to upload routes to their GPS for navigation.
Strava KOM/QOM Segment Challenge: Stand out as the male or female rider with the lowest combined time across all four segments and claim the coveted Buffalo Skull. To be eligible for the prestigious Buffalo Skull, riders must join our event's Strava club. *Only riders who appear in each segment for the day will be eligible. We suggest double-recording activities on Strava to ensure visibility on all segments. (if you are into that type of thing)
Weekend Festivities:
Friday Check-In: Launch the weekend with Friday afternoon check-in at Buffalo Lake. Revel in live music, dinner options (available for purchase), and engaging lawn games.
Saturday Ride: Begin your Saturday with a pre-ride briefing, light breakfast, and coffee at 8:00 am, followed by the Full Monty commencing at 9:30 am and the Lil' Shorty kicking off at 10:30 am.
Supported Rest Stops: Three strategically placed rest stops along the course provide support and refreshments.
Sag Vehicle: A sag vehicle is on standby to assist any rider in need.
Post-Ride Celebration: After conquering the course, relish a post-ride celebration with a meal, a beer ticket, and commemorative swag.
Camping: Embrace the sense of community by enjoying complimentary camping, extending a warm welcome to both families and riders. Excitingly, starting in 2024, campsites will now offer water and electricity, along with access to full-service bathrooms.
Food and Drinks: Additional food and drink options will be available for friends and family to purchase.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or someone who enjoys a leisurely ride, Buffalo River Gran Fondo guarantees a memorable and fulfilling experience!
Check out this video from the 2021 Buffalo River Gran Fondo (Courtesy Alan Cross)
The Route
Full Monty
67.5 miles of 7,000' gain
Embark on our 68-mile journey, where the terrain unfolds with a captivating mix of 65% gravel and 35% paved roads, featuring the renowned Alhambra Road climb. This route isn't tailored for your featherweight race-ready road bike; opt for 32c or wider tires for a smoother ride.
For your convenience, three staffed rest stations are strategically placed along the 68-mile course, adorned with ample course markings and signage. A sag vehicle will be at your service for any mechanical assistance you may need. While both courses remain open to traffic, riders are expected to adhere to all Virginia traffic laws.
Embrace the ride's camaraderie, as it's not a race, yet those seeking a touch of friendly competition will find joy in our four King/Queen of Mountains segments scattered throughout. The coveted Buffalo skull awaits the riders with the lowest cumulative times across these four segments. To partake in the excitement, ensure you're on Strava (it's free) and join our ride's Strava club. Membership is the key to eligibility for these prestigious awards. Let the adventure begin!
Strava File - 67.5-mile course map
Ride With GPS File - 67.5-mile course map
Garmin Connect - 67.5-mile course map
KOM/QOM Segment #1 KOM/QOM Segment#2 KOM/QOM Segment #3 KOM/QOM Segment #4
Lil’ Shorty
36.5 miles with 3,500’ of gain
The 36.5-mile ride comprises an equal distribution of 50% gravel and 50% pavement. It's not recommended for lightweight, race-ready road bikes; we advise using 32c or wider tires. The route includes two rest stations, well-marked signage, and a sag vehicle for mechanical assistance. Both routes are open to traffic, and riders must adhere to Virginia traffic laws.
While not a formal race, there's a chance for friendly competition with 2 - King/Queen of Mountain segments along the route. Participants interested in potential awards should join the free Strava club associated with the ride. Membership is required for eligibility.
Ride With GPS - 36.5 mile course
Your Stay
The journey commences and concludes at Buffalo Lake. We recommend all participants to make use of the free camping offered on both Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday, enjoy live music, dinner choices (available for purchase), and participate in entertaining lawn games. Take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic surroundings and create lasting memories under the starry skies of Buffalo Lake.
Camping
The excursion kicks off and concludes at Buffalo Lake, where a limited number of complimentary tenting spots will be provided on both Friday and Saturday nights. To secure your spot, make sure to RSVP during the ride registration process.
Lodging
Recognizing that camping may not suit everyone, alternative lodging options are readily available. The Camp Trapezium Farmhouse Airbnb offers a limited number of rooms, providing a comfortable and unique accommodation experience. Additionally, the The Florence Elston Inn, located on the Sweet Briar College campus, has rooms available for those seeking a cozy stay.
For more traditional lodging choices, the town of Amherst, VA, boasts several options to suit various preferences. If you prefer a wider selection, Lynchburg, VA, offers even more lodging alternatives to cater to your needs.
Sponsors
“You Got This!” These three words fuel our company. Ever since we started handwriting names on our bags, we’ve built our company around making a personal connection with you, our customers. Think of us as your support crew cheering you on as you blow past your goals. You inspire us!
Bikes Unlimited
Lynchburg, VA's privately owned and operated Premier bicycle Shop. Dedicated to providing the area with top-quality cycling products, personalized service, and rental needs since 1967.