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.
