The Alpine Loop - The Premiere Route for Jeremiah Bishop's Gran Fondo
"One wicked route!" - Jeremiah Bishop
Winding Climbs, Magnificent Scenery, Thrilling Descents:
The Most Challenging and Adventurous Gran Fondo in the United States!
The route begins in Harrisonburg, Virginia and covers approximately 104 miles, featuring 11,000 feet of climbing.
While the Alpine Loop is a challenge, it’s an adventure suitable for VERY fit cycling enthusiasts. You don’t need to be a racer to tackle these mountains! In fact, well prepared riders who set a brisk steady pace and take full advantage of the rest station amenities are sure to reach the Finish Line Festival with smiles! The Alpine Loop features two dirt/gravel climbs. For preparation and equipment tips, check out the information page.
TIME CUTS: Riders who are unable to average 10 mph by miles 32 (at 12:15 p.m.) and 55 (at 2:30 p.m) will be required to detour onto the Shenandoah Mountain Medio route. (To give you a better idea of what that means: at a pace of 11 mph, riders will complete the Alpine Loop route by 5 p.m. Riders detoured at mile-32 who continue to average 11 mph will complete the Medio course around 4 p.m. Riders detoured at mile-55 who continue to average 11 mph will complete the modified route around 5:30 p.m. Each of these scenarios is much preferred to riders struggling in past 7:30 p.m. If you are detoured, we appreciate your cooperation with event volunteers to ensure your safety and that the event will operate in accordance with permits and agreements with local and state agencies.)
Shenandoah Mountain Medio Route
The Shenandoah Mountain Medio Route is all-paved for 2012! The course is unchanged from 2011, with the exception of the newly paved surface snaking up Moyer's Gap Road on the back of Reddish Knob.
Valley View Piccolo Route
The Valley View Piccolo Route proved popular in it's inaugural year. Riders said it was the perfect challenge in a shorter distance; with a fun climb around Mole Hill to make for a great adventure!
