TT1 Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo
Key Information
EVENT DATE/LOCATION
April 28, 2019 in Helen, GA
4 ROUTE OPTIONS
HC (103 mi), Gran Route (86 mi), Medio Route (64 mi), Piccolo Route (25 mi)
TIMED SEGMENT RACING
4 Timed Sections in the HC &Gran Routes – Best Combined Time Wins
No racing license required
SUPER PRIZES!
Custom “Race Winner” jersey for HC & Gran Route (combined) age group winners
Awards and Prizes for Gran, Medio, and Piccolo age-group podiums
GREAT FINISH-LINE PARTY & RAFFLES!
Hot food and cold beer waiting for you at the finish line, plus chances to win valuable prizes!
PRESENTED BY THE TEAM TYPE 1 FOUNDATION
Benefitting Team Type 1 Foundation
TT1 fights for the right to live through a global mission of education, empowerment and equal access to medicine for everyone affected by diabetes. The Global Ambassador Scholarship Program makes heroes out of today’s college students with diabetes. This scholarship-based program recognizes athletes with type 1 diabetes who are using sport as a platform to educate, empower, and inspire those around them with diabetes via community outreach. The awarded funds offset the financial burden diabetes care places on families. Our Sustainable Diabetes Program saves lives in third-world countries by providing glucose meters, test strips and diabetes management education to thousands who would otherwise suffer debilitating complications and early death.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Georgia’s Bavarian Alpine village is nestled in the heart of the north Georgia mountains. Helen was a highlight during the Tour of Georgia pro race and now GFNS is excited to partner with Helen to bring our riders to this premier mountain town! Helen is nestled in an amazing riding location, has great accommodations, and offers many family friendly experiences. Helen has more than 200 specialty shops.
More about the course
Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. After rolling out of Helen the route hits the first timed segment at mile 2.5, where any riders with intentions of an overall podium finish will need to put their cards on the table from the start. The first time section immediately enters the mountainous area made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Brasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer to win the event. As riders tackle this timed section they cover over 7 miles and climb 1500ft to the top of Unicoi Gap. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent. Enjoy the vistas of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the descent before turning left and climbing up and over Jack’s Gap.
A left turn on Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 2nd timed section, Hogpen gap. Within 6.5 miles and another 1500ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3469ft with ramps of 12%. The views at the top of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. Check your speed and be careful on the descent as there are many sharp turns. Enjoy the ride through the forest knowing that the hardest riding is behind you.
After tackling the two biggest climbs of the day riders will head east from Helen through Unicoi State Park. The route then hits the 3rd timed section at mile 46, comprised of rolling terrain for a 4-mile section. Riders then get to enjoy a non-timed section of the route for the next 17 miles as the route explore the area round Lake Burton and Seed Lake. Be sure to save a bit of energy for the final time section, it only lasts just over 2 miles but at over 80 miles into the day you’ll need to find some go power.
The route finishes back into the landmark town of Helen where, in 1969, local business owners collaborated to create what is now called “Bavaria in the Appalachians.” Just outside of Helen on the route is the Nacoochee Indian Mound, the center of the ancient Cherokee town of Gauxule, visited by Desoto in his search for gold. Be sure to plan to stick around for beers, food and music served up at the finish line.
GRAN FONDO PRICING
| PRICE PERIOD | HC | GRAN | MEDIO | PICCOLO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Until January 4, 2019 | $125 | $115 | $95 | $60 |
| Jan 5 - Apr 7, 2019 | $130 | $120 | $100 | $65 |
| Apr 8 - Apr 23, 2019 | $150 | $140 | $125 | $85 |
| Apr 24 through Event Day | $185 | $175 | $155 | $110 |
To order this commemorative kit, click here!
COURSE MAPS & TIMED SEGMENTS
DOWNLOADABLE COURSE MAPS
The routes will be very well marked, but we encourage you to get the RideWithGPS App and load the route to your smart phone or GPS. Use this RSVP LINK to access premium RideWithGPS features and get turn by turn navigation for free.
Course Preview Video - HC Route (103 Miles)
TIMED SEGMENT MAPS AND PROFILES
Time Sections: (THE COMPETITION) – This is not a start-to-finish race. Your overall time from start to finish does not matter for this competition. Only the timed segments count. Your overall, age group, and gender rankings are determined by your combined time for all timed segments on the route you choose. View Complete Rules and FAQ.
DAY OF GRAN FONDO SCHEDULE
Haute Route Special Offer
As part of the worldwide Haute Route family of cycling events, GFNS is proud to deliver world-class service, as well as valuable incentives to join us at Haute Route 3-day and 7-day cycling events in the US and around the world. If you can finish a GFNS event, you are ready for Haute Route!
To inspire you to do more, Haute Route will apply your full GFNS entry fee toward a 2019 Haute Route entry!
If you ride any GFNS event in 2018, you are entitled to credit the entire entry fee paid toward any 2019 Haute Route three-day or seven-day event. Already signed up for the Haute Route? Then take advantage of a free entry into one 2019 GFNS event of your choice to prepare for the Haute Route.
Learn more about all Haute Route events at www.hauteroute.org
Rules
You Must Obey Traffic Laws. This is not a closed course. That means stop at lights and stop signs. Think Safety First.
Do not cause an accident!!!
Be respectful of others on the road!
NEVER CROSS THE CENTER-LINE OF THE ROAD!!!
During all race sections you have the right of way. When you are outside of race sections you do not have the right of way. You will not be racing through any intersections; this means when you come to a sign or signal you should slow down, stop, and be safe.
As you approach the time sections you must travel through the designated area (in your lane of traffic!) so that your chip can be properly read and recorded. The times for your timed sections will be compiled for your review at the finish. 103 & 86 mile = 4 timed sections; 64 mile = 3 timed sections; 25 mile = 1 timed section. You can view all the details for timed section on the above map links, click the map icons for details.
Timed sections are open for specific durations. In order to be timed and eligible for awards you must maintain a progression speed between 23mph and 10mph. NOTE: this is progression speed not average speed, progression speed includes all stopped time. Below is a list stating the times sections are open
COME JOIN US AT the team type1 tour of georgia GRAN FONDO
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