About the Vermont Gran Fondo

The Vermont Gran Fondo (VTGF) was born from a famous bucket-list epic 4-gap ride known by the locals as the LAMB ride. LAMB comes from the names of 4 gaps (Lincoln Gap, Appalachian Gap, Middlebury Gap, and Brandon Gap) which, when combined into a single ride, can easily top 100 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing, not a bad effort for one day. In 2013, a band of local cyclists looking to create a new event for Vermont wanted something more challenging to complement the numerous valley ride events already taking place, and the LAMB was a perfect fit. Hence the Vermont Gran Fondo was born.

What the VTGF offers is an opportunity to come and enjoy a challenging ride in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont with guidance, support, and an after-party!

The Vermont Gran Fondo is produced by Ride It If You Can Llc. The organizing committee is made up of cycling enthusiasts and athletically-inclined tourism and business development representatives. Event proceeds will be distributed via grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations with the purpose of enhancing bicycling in Addison County through programs, education, infrastructure, and/or equipment.

What’s a Gran Fondo?

Gran Fondo is Italian for ‘big ride.’

Gran Fondo events are long-distance, mass-participation cycling events – not races – that have become immensely popular in Italy and the rest of Europe and are a fast-growing phenomenon in the United States. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists, and thousands of riders of all abilities participate. While Gran Fondo events are not races in the traditional sense, they go well beyond the scope of most recreational or charity bicycle rides.

Gran Fondo events are cycling’s equivalent of running’s marathon. As with the 26-mile running event, rather than racing other participants, most participants challenge themselves in a personal battle against the course, the distance, and, ultimately, the clock. While some faster riders will push the pace, most participants are happy to complete the challenge within the allotted time.

Sponsors

The Vermont Gran Fond wouldn’t take place without the generous support of our sponsors. More than 1000 riders participated during the event’s first four years. They bring their families and friends to cheer and watch the riders. Wouldn’t you like to get your organization’s name in front of this audience of affluent, athletic people?

In 2022-23 we recognize the support of the following businesses:

Summit Sponsors:

• bMighty2
• Flyin’ Ryan Foundation

Supporting Sponsors:

• Hammer Nutrition
• Hylands
• Addison County Chamber of Commerce
• Frog Hollow Bikes
• J.P. Carrara & Sons
• Vermont Tourism
• Cubbers Pizza

Media Sponsors:

• Addison Independent
• Vermont Sports Magazine
• Vermont Ski & Ride
• bMighty2

If you would like to generate more business and be recognized as a supporter of the Vermont Gran Fondo, please contact Todd Warnock about becoming a sponsor.