COVID-19 and 2020 Event Insight
Update in regard to COVID-19 pandemic: The State of Virginia is currently operating in a State of Emergency and has implemented stay-at-home measures and other restrictions limiting gatherings. Non-essential businesses are closed. USA Cycling has suspended all event permits through May 31, at the earliest.
We are monitoring these restrictions and their projected timelines of relaxation which will be dependent upon state-wide health measures, and learning more about future requirements for events to operate. Limits on participant numbers, the feasibility and affordability of implementing new safety measures, constraints on health systems, local regulations, lodging options, travel restrictions, projected participant numbers, and most importantly the health and safety of everyone involved will factor into the decision about how and if the 2020 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo will take place as planned.
No matter the in-person constraints that could face us this September, the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo community will come together. Virtual or decentralized real-world challenges could be offered for 2020 registrants, and the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project is dedicated to awarding winners jerseys in those circumstances.
To answer the question “should I register for the event right now?” following is some insight: As always, the event operates with a no-refunds policy in place for event entry fees. (There will be dates before which merchandise items can be refunded, that information will be communicated in advance, as applicable.) The most responsible advice that we can give to anyone considering registering for the 2020 during this time when non-essential businesses are closed and events are prohibited is to simply wait. We anticipate that by early summer, it will be made clear if and how we can reasonably proceed. At that time we will reach out to 2020 registrants and the greater community.
We continue to be inspired by the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo community. We enjoy the new ways we are sharing our adventures; exercising and training together virtually, sharing recounts of our solo outdoor cycling experiences, and talking through the challenges to find new training strategies, goals, and mental health resources.
The ongoing fundraising support for the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project has been remarkable.
We continue to plan for 2020. Our goals are unchanged: to bring together an inspiring group of cyclists and supporting your fitness along the way – no matter how twisting and uncharted the road ahead appears to be this year.
In the meantime, as always, we invite you to join Jeremiah Bishop, Cancer Journeys Foundation and The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project, and other members of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo community in ongoing engagements, challenges, virtual group rides, and conversations on our social channels.
2020 Event Jersey Unveiled
We are proud to unveil the 2020 Celebration Edition Alpine Loop Gran Fondo cycling jersey, custom designed in collaboration with Cutaway USA for the 2020 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo.
The 2020 design evokes a celebratory confetti burst over a cubic interpretation of the event’s Allegheny Mountains.
Available in Men’s and Women’s cuts. Jerseys feature three elastic rear pockets, mesh side panels, full zip. Club Cut. See sizing guides prior to purchase.
2020 event jerseys are available for purchase with event registration or as a unique transaction, both at BikeReg.com/GranFondo. Order by July 22 to guarantee your jersey.
UPDATE: Jerseys will be mailed with 2020 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo #MyGranFondo packets.
Alpine Loop Gran Fondo Video as Experienced by The Vegan Cyclist
For a first-person perspective of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo as experienced by The Vegan Cyclist, check out Chasing Young Bucks Around at Jeremiah Bishop’s Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. You’ll have a peak at the mountain climbs, hear a lot of “vegan excuses,” get the VC breakdown of the best bike for the course, see the big reveal of a special summit, and watch as the experience comes full circle. It’s likely to leave you inspired to take on your own Alpine Loop Gran Fondo adventure.
The Vegan Cyclist is a self-described cat 2 road cyclist living in California. His videos consist of well-produced cycling tips, amateur race breakdowns with power overlays, and vlogs of his days at the races. His content and opinions are his own.
2020 Registration is LIVE
The 10th edition of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo will take place September 27, 2020.
Registration for the 2020 event is now LIVE at www.BikeReg.com/GranFondo.
The event is capped, and will fill in advance. Hopeful participants are encouraged to register early.
The Alpine Loop route will feature unpaved dirt and gravel roads, and the event offers many of the classic paved routes as well.
2020 fundraising will support the Cancer Journeys Foundation Prostate Cancer Awareness Project.
The Challenge of the Alpine Loop
Mountains Worthy of a Grand Tour, the Grit and Character of a Classic
Jeremiah Bishop’s favorite training route earned its nickname with glorious mountain top meadows, winding climbs and hillside farms reminiscent of the Austrian, German and Swiss settings where he has competed.
Now this magnificent scenery is the backdrop for the most challenging and adventurous Gran Fondo in the United States. The route begins in Harrisonburg, Virginia and covers 110 miles featuring over 11,000 feet of climbing dirt road mountain climbs.
If you want to take on the Alpine Loop, you must be aware of the unique challenges presented by the road surfaces and terrain, and follow equipment requirements.
We welcome you to join in the adventure.
