2018 Gran Fondo Training Weekend
NEW for 2018 – this road cycling weekend will help ready riders for the Alpine Loop, Shenandoah Mountain Adventure and Shenandoah Mountain Century routes of the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo.
Taking place over two days, the training weekend will include training-based strategies, onsite clinic-style instruction, and on-course training rides to help attain your best performance at the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. Topics will include performance, training, nutrition, course-specific instruction, equipment and setup.
On both days of the training weekend, Jeremiah Bishop will lead rides with assistance from other Harrisonburg-based professional cycling guides. The rides will be fully supported with cycling snacks, a variety of sports drinks and water, fruit, and sag vehicles.
This training weekend is a great opportunity for you to get a glimpse of some steeps climbs and/or dirt roads of the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, including two of the timed. KOM segments. It’s timed to provide a great training boost in preparation for the Gran Fondo. If you can’t participate in the Gran Fondo, this training weekend will be a great adventure in and of itself!
The Details
Participants should come prepared for the rides with their bicycle in great working order. Both days, all riders should bring at least two water bottles, and carry at least one spare tube, CO2 cartridge or preferably a pump, multi-tool and identification. Cycling equipment should be suitable for the conditions – On Sunday, Alpine Loop riders will encounter steep un-paved roads; Shenandoah Mountain Century and Shenandoah Mountain Adventure riders will stay on entirely paved surfaces. All riders should be prepared for changing weather conditions – spare clothing and rain gear can be stowed in the SAG vehicles.
On Saturday, all riders will complete a 36-mile route that includes the first 10 and final 18 miles of the Alpine Loop, Shenandoah Mountain Century and Shenandoah Mountain Adventure courses of the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, including the Mole Hill KOM segment where we are sure to have some fun. Alpine Loop riders will see a stretch of unpaved road where Jeremiah Bishop will give additional instruction on gravel riding. Following the training ride, Jeremiah will lead the entire group in a training-based discussion; covering fitness, performance, nutrition, equipment and setup, and allowing a good amount of time for individual and group-specific questions.
On Sunday, riders who are training for the Alpine Loop should be prepared to ride 81 miles with 7,000+ feet of climbing – including unpaved steep surfaces. Exact route will be e-mailed prior to the ride.
On Sunday, riders who are training for the Shenandoah Mountain Adventure and Shenandoah Mountain Century should be prepared for a 61-mile ride with 6,000-feet of climbing on paved mountain climbs. Route will include the climb up Shenandoah Mountain’s Moyers Gap Road from the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. Exact route will be e-mailed prior to the ride.
On Sunday, after a warmup through the Valley, the ride will make its way up some great mountain roads. The first climb will treat participants to spectacular scenery. We will divide into two groups which will be based on participants’ desired ride length; and ultimate training goals: the Alpine Loop, Shenandoah Mountain Century or Shenandoah Mountain Adventure. Throughout the ride, you’ll have access to full support from SAG vehicles and enjoy the guidance and expertise of local cycling pro’s and seasoned Alpine guides. At the ride’s completion, you’ll be treated to a late afternoon meal, relax, recover and enjoy discussing training tips and preparation for the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo with Jeremiah and other professional cyclists.
Full details of the training weekend, including start location, route maps with GPS files will be e-mailed to registrants in a follow-up message approximately one week before the ride, or by August 23 if you register within one week of the training weekend.
Ride snacks and hydration will be provided both days. Sunday’s post-ride entrée and other foods are also included with registration. A variety of fresh fruits, veggies, chips, hummus, desserts and drinks will be offered.
