Welcome Back, Porsche!

We are happy to extend a warm “Welcome back!” to Porsche, Flow Automotive, and Porsche of Charlottesville as a returning partner of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. You can expect many exciting opportunities at the 2018 Gran Fondo – thanks to Porsche, Flow Automotive, and Porsche of Charlottesville!

General Manager Porsche of Charlottesville, values the partnership. “Occasionally in the automotive industry, an opportunity arises to create a partnership in which all members share the same values, energy and excitement,” he says. “Porsche of Charlottesville and Flow Automotive are thrilled to have such a partnership opportunity and have committed to sponsoring Jeremiah Bishop’s Alpine Loop Gran Fondo.”

“We look forward to supporting this premier cycling event,” he says. “It is our hope that in addition to providing support, we will meet both cyclists and volunteers, encourage participation, and showcase some of our Porsche luxury automobiles while helping enhance both the event and fundraising.”

Porsche of Charlottesville will have an amazing presence at the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo and Cycling Capital Celebration, about which he says, “we look forward to meeting and celebrating with you all!”

Porsche is proud to support the Cancer Journeys Foundation King and Queen of the Mountains Competition, offering Porsche merchandise prizes for top-3 overall male and female winners among the mountain routes.

You can experience what Porsche has to offer when you attend registration and packet pick on Saturday, September 29, at Brothers Craft Brewing brewery and taproom, and the Cycling Celebration dinner at Hotel Madison; and on Sunday September 30, at the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo cycling event. See you there!

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Brothers Craft Brewing Joins 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo

Harrisonburg, Virginia-based craft brewery Brothers Craft Brewing is teaming up with the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo cycling event for an exciting partnership with a charitable mission.

On September 30, 2018, the cycling event will feature the Brothers Craft Brewing Beer Garden to benefit the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition.

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After completing 36, 62, 78, 100, or 108-mile bicycle rides, participants can enjoy a selection of the brewery’s craft beers including the expertly crafted BCB favorites Lil’ Hellion, Admiral, and Drift. The BCB Beer Garden will offer a selection of other seasonal and specialty brews, perfectly timed for the start of Oktoberfest!

Brothers Craft Brewing was founded by the three Shifflett siblings, who “used their collective experience to execute a singular vision: brew exciting, unique craft beers that emphasize and support their community.”

This community connection is at the heart of the partnership with the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. Every BCB beer sold at the event will directly support the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition in the group’s efforts to create and promote a center of safe, sustainable and enjoyable cycling in Harrisonburg and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley.

Brothers Craft Brewing beers will be featured throughout the season at the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, the Cycling Celebration dinner event, training rides, volunteer thank-you party and a special “Cask for a Cause” event to benefit the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition.

Next time you’re in Harrisonburg, visit the brewery and taproom. Be sure to tell ’em Jeremiah and Erin sent you!

We look forward to sharing a cycling adventure and raising a glass with you.

Cheers!

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For more information about the Brothers Craft Brewing Beer Garden at the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, see “The Finish Line Festival” guide.

 

Alpine Loop Route Announcement

The Alpine Loop – Going Back to its Roots

In 2018 and beyond, the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo will see its namesake route, the Alpine Loop, return to it’s original path up and over Shenandoah Mountain on Reddish Knob Road from Sugar Grove, West Virginia. The course adjustment will remove Forest Road 85, otherwise known as the Dark Side Climb, from the route after five years of use. Organizers cite degrading conditions on the Forest Road and a desire to respond to participant feedback as the primary motivator for the change. Anticipating higher interest in the changed route, the field limit of the event has been increased.

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In 2018, cyclists taking on the Alpine Loop will see the route return to Reddish Knob Road – an 8-mile serpentine climb that presents a spectacular challenge.

“When we first started the Gran Fondo in 2011, the Alpine Loop climbed back into Virginia on Reddish Knob Road – which at the time was an unpaved state-maintained road,” explains event director Erin Bishop. “Eventually that road was paved; and with the intention of preserving the allure of the experience of riding an unpaved mountain climb, we looked at the map and chose to reroute the Alpine Loop route to include Forest Road 85.”

Five years later, the forest road has experienced significant weathering and degradation. “It’s arrived at the point where the road’s condition is no longer a reasonable challenge to present to road cyclists while expecting them to have an outstandingly positive experience,” says Bishop.

For those cyclists who come for the challenge of steep unpaved mountain climbs, Bishop says not to worry. “We’ve always intended the event to be a challenging one, and that isn’t going to change with this revision. The climb up Fultz Gap is just as mean as ever.” There, cyclists will encounter 14-percent grades on a gritty dirt road, leading to the Alpine Loop’s iconic mountain top meadow.

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Cyclists attempting the Alpine Loop route will be tested by the classic challenge of Fultz Gap – an unpaved climb serving up the course’s steepest pitches at 14 percent grades.

Jeremiah Bishop says, “I personally am excited to get back to the classic route! It will mean less flats, and just as much dirt, with the same amount of climbing.”

The adjustment will see the introduction of a new timing segment added to all three of the event’s mountain routes.

Returning the Alpine Loop to its original route will bring the Gran Fondo back to its roots, says Bishop. “I really look forward to sharing this route, focusing on the camaraderie of the event, and seeing the excitement of a new challenge inspire our riders.” Based on her conversations with participants, Bishop says, “I’m confident that the time is right and that we’re going to have an amazing adventure.”

Registration Opens Feb. 1

Registration for the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo opens Thursday, February 1 at 10 a.m. at BikeReg.com/GranFondo.

This year, the event is offering 50 Early Bird Entries. When all of the Early Bird Entries have been claimed – and they will fly fast – the next 100 registrants can take advantage of other discounts before standard registration goes into effect.

The event is capped. Previous editions of the event have filled in advance. Hopeful participants are encouraged to register early.

Follow the Gran Fondo on Facebook

You can find all the important information, news and big announcements about the 2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, here at www.AlpineLoopGranFondo.com. But, if you like to stay “in the know” about other developments, details and more conversational aspects of the big event, you’ll enjoy the Gran Fondo Facebook Page.

Once you’ve “Liked” the Page, you’ll want to make sure you’ll see all the latest posts and news – and not just the ones Facebook curates for you to see. From the  Gran Fondo Page, click on the “Liked” button and then select “Get Notifications.” Then you’ll be all set!

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2018 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo Announced

Mark your calendar to share in this Virginia cycling tradition.

Organizers of Jeremiah Bishop’s Alpine Loop Gran Fondo have announced the 2018 edition of the event will take place September 30, in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Registration for the event will open on BikeReg.com on February 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. The previous editions of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo have sold out in advance. Participants are encouraged to register early.

Hosted by professional cyclist Jeremiah Bishop, the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo has become a Virginia cycling tradition, featuring five outstanding cycling routes and an unmatched after-party.

Bishop nicknamed his favorite training route after the glorious mountain top meadows, winding climbs and hillside farms reminiscent of the Austrian, German and Swiss settings where he has competed. This magnificent scenery is the backdrop for the most challenging and adventurous Gran Fondo in the United States – now in its seventh year. The namesake route begins in Harrisonburg, Virginia and covers 108 miles featuring 11,500 feet of climbing.
In addition to the 108-Mile Alpine Loop, there are options that encourage and challenge cyclists of all abilities to join in the Gran Fondo. At 103, 78, 62, and 36 miles, these courses showcase the idyllic scenery that make Harrisonburg “The Cycling Capital” and Rockingham County famed riding destinations.

The event serves a charitable mission to support the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project, Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, Build Our Park, and a variety of other local organizations and initiatives.

For more information, visit www.AlpineLoopGranFondo.com.

2017 Supporters List

Registrants for the 2017 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo are passionate in their support for the charitable mission of the event. The 2017 Supporter’s List is updated to include the following participants who have made additional contributions as individuals. Thanks to the following:

Champions of the Gran Fondo
Michael Bell
Jameson Cahill
Jorg Decressin
Andrew Huggins
GMike Rodgers
Michael L. Smith

Gran Fondo Supporters
Craig Beaumont
Steve Boward
Eddie Bumbaugh
Ed Edmundson
Adrian Halme
Christopher Peak
Grant Parker
Garrie Rouse
Michael L. Smith
Michael Zymowski

Friends of the Gran Fondo
Paul Allen
Steve Cook
Andrew Cowan
Wade Craig
Joseph Creed
Joseph Dugan
Jane Gray
Brian Howell
George Komatsoulis
John Lowell
Jeff Marco
Donna Markey
John McCann
Matt Parker
John Phifer
Luis Prudencio
Marc Quintyn
Allon Shiff
Cees van de Mortel

Outstanding Participants
Jose Cervera
James Chapman
Daniel Combs
Brandon Corbin
Giovanni Daniele
William Donahoe
Andrew Erwin
Norman Field
Timothy Fleming
Matthew Freund
Keith Hagg
Mary Haley
Lee Hemming
Dennis Houmard
David Ingels
Christopher Izenour
David Jiang
Drew Kolbeck
Eric Kreinar
Jerome Lard
Michael Lidik
Jeffrey Luker
John Maguire
Christopher McChesney
Sean McLaughlin
Paul McNutt
Catherine Mitchell
Clark Mitchell
Richard Morton
Skip Nelson
Major Nelson
Marc Quintyn
David Rattigan
James Roaf
Andrew Robson
Nikolas Rogers
Jacob Rykken
David Safford
Brian Sweeney
Cees van de Mortel
Dennis Wasitis
George Weightman
Tony Whetham
Roger Wilcoxen
Pete Wolfe
LC Yarnelle

Those who gave to the Gran Fondo Scholarship Fund
Steve Corbeille
Joseph Creed
Ed Edmundson
Alban Gaultier
John Maguire
Jon Markiewicz
John McCann
Joanne Neukirchen
Luis Prudencio
Allen St. Jean
Robert St. Jean
Michael L. Smith
Brian Sweeney
Marc Tremblay

and all who participated in the 2017 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo.

Special thanks to those donors who contributed to the fundraising efforts of participants via the PledgeReg fundraising channels in support of the charitable mission of the event. Click on the following links to view PledgeReg fundraising totals and contributors:

The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project,

Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, and

Build Our Park

Learn more about the charitable mission of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo.

2017 Photos

Photographs from the 2017 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo are now available.

The Bruce Buckley Photography team was onsite capturing images from the early morning hours, on course, at the Porsche Finish Line Photo Booth, the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project podium, and all around the finish line festivities.

Photos from the Photo Booth and Podium will be made available for free download in galleries that will be uploaded to Facebook.

A gallery has been published at BruceBuckleyPhotography.com – updates will continue to be added.

We are as excited as you are in anticipation of reliving the incredible experience of the 2017 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. If you have photos to share, please use the hashtags #AlpineLoopGranFondo on social media, tag Alpine Loop Gran Fondo on Facebook, and tag @JBsGranFondo on Twitter and Instagram.