GRAN FONDO ASHEVILLE
&
GRAN FONDO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

GRAN FONDO ASHEVILLE APP, powered by Ride with GPS

All event information will be available on the free Gran Fondo Asheville App, powered by Ride with GPS. The app will be available for download the week of the event. From the Ride with GPS app on your phone, select "Open Shortcut" and scan the QR code or enter the code.

BIKEFLIGHTS

If flying into town for Gran Fondo Asheville, a little bit of the hassle around shipping your bike can be relieved through BikeFlights. Their event specific website is https://www.bikeflights.com/Gran-Fondo-Asheville

RECONAISSANCE RIDES, sponsored by Applewood Manor

Gather at Applewood Manor to explore the Gran Fondo Asheville course with local guides. There will be mechanical support available at start and finish, and because no ride is complete without coffee, enjoy a complimentary coffee from our friends at Applewood Manor.

Ride schedule:

• Sunday, June 12, 2022. Departs @ 9:00AM - View event on Strava
• Saturday, June 25, 2022. Departs @ 9:00AM - View event on Strava
• Saturday, July 16, 2022. Departs @ 8:00AM - View event on Strava

About the Rides
These rides are open to all riders. RSVP at links above is encouraged but no registration is required and there is no fee for participation. Riders should expect the average pace for reconnaissance rides to be 14-16 mph, and should carry tools and supplies to fix flat tires.

PACKET PICKUP

Saturday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Rabbit Rabbit - 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Sunday Pickup: 5:45 AM to 30 mins prior to your start time at - Rabbit Rabbit - 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 (at race Start Finish area)

Riders may collect packets for additional riders with your ID, a copy of each rider’s photo id and a statement of permission. A text/email with a photo of a rider’s ID and statement works. We recommend picking up your packet on Saturday to avoid the rush on race morning. If you plan to pick up on Sunday morning before the race, don’t be afraid to be early, you are better off having some extra time, you will need it.

Registration will also be available on Saturday and Sunday.

VIP PACKET PICKUP AND VIP RECEPTION AT APPLEWOOD MANOR

On Saturday, July 16, join Applewood Manor founder Stephen Collins, Gran Fondo National Series founder Reuben Kline, and special guests for a VIP Reception at Applewood Manor. Avoid the crowds at Asheville Bike Fest; we'll have your event packet for you at the Reception. Menu will be light and appropriate for the evening before a big ride. Optional beer and wine will be available. For riders who combine the Cookout with the Saturday Reconnaissance Ride, we'll have professional mechanics on site to provide assistance.

This exclusive VIP experience is limited to 60 guests and costs $125/person. Does not include Gran Fondo entry. Register Here

Event Details:

• 6pm - Arrival social drinks; 7pm - Food served; 9pm - Complete festivities and get some sleep
• VIP Packet Pick Up
• Professional bike mechanic on site
• Gift bag included
• Event overview, Q&A and strategy from Series Director Reuben Kline

Location: Applewood Manor - 2 Cumberland Circle, Asheville, NC 28801 .

TIMING CHIPS AND BIB NUMBERS

All Timing Chips must be picked up on race morning. This is a very quick process that will be completed as riders check in for their start waves. Race numbers must be mounted on your back right side and be easily readable.

You must return your timing chip or you will be charged 100 dollars. Please make sure you return it!

PREPARING TO RIDE

As you prepare for your ride after picking up your packet, please abide by the following rules and recommendations:

• Bib number is mandatory, should be pinned to the back center of your jersey, and cannot be cut or folded.
• Bike plate is mandatory, mounted to the handlebar or head tube so course marshals and law enforcement can distinguish participants and for accurate photo identification. Bike plate can be cut to accommodate computer mounts.
• Timing chip (provided Sunday morning at start area) is required to be included in official results. For best accuracy, please wear timing chip on your ankle.
• Elevation/race section and name decals are provided for your convenience by our sponsor, Hub Labels.

EVENT WEATHER by Epic Ride Weather

Get the most out of your Gran Fondo National Series ride with personalized weather forecasts from the Epic Ride Weather app. Forecasts include wind speed, temperature and precipitation for the duration of your ride along the route. Plan your hydration and nutrition, pick the right clothing and plan to maximize the tailwind. Gran Fondo National Series events show up under "Events" in the app and are free to use for anyone riding the course. Get the app from https://www.epicrideweather.com

PARKING

The garage at 52 Coxe Ave and the lot across from Rabbit Rabbit are convenient, but have fees. (Remember bikes on your roof!)

We are cyclists ourselves and a few of us have made the mistake of leaving our bike on the car and then driving into a garage... so, remember your bike!

On-street and metered parking is free in Asheville on Sundays. If you choose to go this route, please allocate the appropriate time to find a spot. Verify that the spot is free before leaving your car.

START TIME AND LOCATION

National Championship riders must be staged by age group by 7:45 am for the start at 8:00am. Non-championship (all age groups and courses) will stage at 8:15 and start at 8:30 am. Timing chips will be issued immediately before riders enter the start area. All riders must cross the start line by 8:30 am. National Championship vs. Gran Fondo participation will be verified by chip read at the start. Starting in the incorrect field will result in disqualification.

Though timing begins at the first timed segment, participation will be verified by chip read at the start. Starting without crossing the start line will result in disqualification. The start and finish lines of timed segments only cover the RIGHT SIDE of the road. If you are on the wrong side of the road when you pass the start or finish line of a timed segment, your time WILL NOT BE RECORDED.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS START PROCEDURE

Riders competing in the Gran Fondo National Championship will be staged by age group on the north side of Rabbit Rabbit. Enter Rabbit Rabbit through the main entrance, proceed to the back of the venue, pick up your timing chip and proceed into the start corral (see illustration below). There will be gaps in the barricades. Riders must be in the start corral by 7:45 am for the national anthem and briefing. Riders will depart at 8:00 am. National Championship vs. Gran Fondo participation will be verified by chip read at the start. Starting in the incorrect field will result in disqualification.

AID STATIONS

There will be 3 aid stations along the 100-mile route and 2 on the 60-mile route, and 1 on the 30-mile route. We will provide Water, Heed sports drink, Soda, Hammer Gel, Bonk Breaker bars, Bananas, Clementines, Cookies, Chips, and Fig Bars.

BATHROOMS

Aid-Stations will have bathrooms. Please use bathrooms. One of the biggest local complaints is cyclists peeing on the side of the road. Please help our reputation and use porta-johns.

CUTOFF TIMES

No exceptions for 100 & 60 mile riders! If you do not maintain an average progression speed greater than 10mph you will be directed to take a shorter route. These cut-off spots will happen at the pre-established splits and you will be directed to the shorter route. Please Note: This is a 10mph progression speed, not average speed. Progression speed includes all stopped time. No exceptions!

Lost items: We are not responsible for lost or damaged goods or anything left at aid stations or the start finish area. We will try to help but cannot be responsible for your personal items, including your bike.

FINISH AREA

Upon reaching the finish line, riders will be directed into a one-way finishers' chute to return Timing Chip. Your food and drink tickets are attached to your bib number! Tickets can be redeemed for a great meal. Riders with particular dietary needs should be prepared with own post-ride food options.

RESULTS AND AWARDS

Real-time results will be posted to the Gran Fondo Asheville App by Ride with GPS, and on the website results page. Riders who finish in the TOP 3 in a competition categor (overall male & female for Gran/Medio/Piccolo routes, age groups by course and sex) will be invited to the podium presentations. Gran Route age group winners will be awarded custom kits from SUAREZ Cycling.

Gran Fondo National Championships riders who finish TOP 5 in a competition category (male and female by age group) will be invited to the podium presentations. National Champions will be awarded USA Cycling National Champion jerseys.

• Awards presented three deep for each category for fastest section times.
• Custom produced Gran Fondo Asheville Winners kits will be awarded to the fastest riders in each age category of the Gran Route 90-mile event. These will be mailed to you post event in the size you order.
• Team competition: fastest three person team in the Gran Route details at: https://www.granfondonationalchampionshipseries.com/team-category/

Estimated times to start awards:

• Piccolo: 1:00pm
• Medio: 3:00pm
• National Championship: 4:00pm
• Gran Route: 4:30pm

We will try to do awards as early as possible. Please understand, it is not possible to tell who won until everyone is finished… this is the nature of timed segment competiitons, the first one back is not necessarily the winner. If you do place in the top three of your age group, and you cannot wait for the awards ceremony, you can send a self-addressed postage-paid mailing package to us and we will mail you your award.

PRIZE RAFFLE

Any rider who completes any 2022 Gran Fondo National Series event format on the scheduled weekend will be eligible for the raffle. Raffle winners must be present to win.

Any rider who participates in 2022 SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series events on the scheduled weekend will be eligible for the raffle. Raffle winners must be present to win.

Our raffle will feature great prizes from our sponsors such as:

• 4-night Stay at Garda Bike Hotel in Italy
• Stay & Ride with Movich Cycling in Colombia
• Wahoo ELEMNT Rival GPS Watch
• Wahoo KICKR smart trainer (model TBD)
• Lazer helmet
• Industry Nine hubset
• Cane Creek components
• Swiftwick socks
• Bike Flights travel voucher
• Shimano products
• CTS Trainright Membership
• Jittery Joe’s Coffee
• UNDRBUDR anti-chafe cream
• Ride with GPS Premium Membership(List subject to change) (List subject to change)

VIP DINNER AT APPLEWOOD MANOR

Wrap up a great weekend in Asheville, North Carolina with a special VIP Dinner experience at Applewood Manor. Enjoy local farm-to-table ingredients prepared by expert chefs in our Michelin Star chef-tested kitchen. Swap stories from the day's epic ride over a great meal and hand-picked selections from Applewood's extensive wine cellar. Join Applewood Manor founder Stephen Collins, Series Director Reuben Kline, and special guests.

This exclusive VIP Dinner begins at 6:30pm, is limited to 40 guests and costs $225/person. REGISTER HERE.

Tickets to the VIP Dinner will also be awarded to the overall male and female winners of the Gran Route (including National Championship riders).

RECOMMENDED LODGING AND ATTRACTIONS

Lodging see GF Asheville Lodging
A variety of nearby attractions can be found at: ExploreAsheville.com