For 2015, the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo is introducing two new routes. Now there are five ways to enjoy the ‘Fondo on September 20, 2015:
Valley View Challenge – 36 miles, 2200 ft elevation
Mt Solon Metric Century – 100 kilometers (62 miles), 3700 ft elevation
Shenandoah Mountain Adventure – 78 miles, 6400 ft elevation
Shenandoah Mountain Century – 100(+) miles, 7800 ft elevation
Alpine Loop – 108 miles, 11000 ft elevation
There are now two ways to experience the challenge of Shenandoah Mountain without having to take on the dirt road climbs of the Alpine Loop: the Shenandoah Mountain Adventure and the Shenandoah Mountain Century. The Shenandoah Mountain Adventure offers an amazing challenge of 77 miles with over 6,500 feet of climbing on some of the most ideal mountain roads around! Following the same mountain climbs with additional miles, the Shenandoah Mountain Century serves up 100+ miles with 7,800 feet of climbing. Both routes include one (optional) timed KOM section on Virginia Route 33 up the eastern side of Shenandoah Mountain. Riders love the wide-open winding road leading into West Virginia. Once there, you’ll enjoy a few miles meandering alongside the headwaters of the Potomac River. The routes’ hidden gem: a serpentine climb up the western side of Shenandoah Mountain on the newly-paved Moyers Gap Road; a treat you’ll only get to enjoy if you’re in for the Shenandoah Mountain Adventure or Shenandoah Mountain Century! Once you rise to the challenge of the final climb, hang on tight for your return to the Valley! Adventure riders will take the direct return to the Finish Line, while Century riders will continue on a scenic loop with rolling riverside miles along the base of the mountain.
For cyclists who prefer an all-Valley experience, there are now two ways to enjoy the renowned riding of the Shenandoah Valley: The Valley View Challenge and Mt Solon Metric Century! These routes offer an experience for cyclists of all abilities. The Valley View Challenge is a 36-mile route that showcases the idyllic scenery and country roads that make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Virginia famed riding destinations. The route is almost entirely paved; we’ve thrown in a few brief connectors on little dirt roads, over low-water bridges and up country lanes – and they make the experience one to remember! Don’t let the “Valley” fool you; this route offers a great challenge with over 2,600 feet of rolling climbs and a steep jaunt up Mole Hill. Introduced for the 2015 event, the Mt Solon Metric Century offers 100 kilometers (62.4 miles) of Shenandoah Valley riding, including beautiful country lanes and nearly-secret riverside roads beyond Mt Solon. This route rolls through 3,743 feet of climbing.
If the challenge and allure of the Alpine Loop is what is drawing you to the event, you are in for another kind of adventure. At 108 miles and featuring over 11,000 feet of climbing and two dirt road mountain climbs – the route is one of the toughest at a Gran Fondo in the ‘States! The scenery is magnificent and the challenge is daunting. The route earned its nickname with glorious mountain top meadows, winding climbs and hillside farms reminiscent of the Austrian, German and Swiss settings where Jeremiah Bishop has competed. 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.
At the 2015 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, there’s truly a route for everyone.