FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find the information you’re looking for here, please email or call 802-377-7871.
What kind of bike should I ride?
The first and most important answer is a well-maintained and safe bike. This is no ride-in-the-park event. You’ll be climbing and descending big mountains so, gears and brakes need to be in good working order! We’ve had just about every kind of bike in this event, some go fast, some go slow. Our recommendation is a road or gravel bike with 28c to 30c tires as a minimum. Disc brakes are recommended but not required.
Is the Vermont Gran Fondo a race?
As a whole, VTGF is not a race, yet you can race the gap climbs. 2022 is our first year as part of the Gran Fondo National Series, with points earned on four timed gap segments to earn points towards the Gran Fondo National Championships. There are no awards for finishing first across the finish line…this is about a challenge with a view. What we do for awards is on the Lincoln Gap for the top three KOM and QOM (no age groups). For fun, we also present trophies for the oldest rider and the ever-coveted DFL.
Are there dirt/gravel roads on the course?
Yes. This is Vermont! It’s hard to never ride on dirt roads in VT. The dirt roads are hardpack with the occasional rough surface. Heavy rains the week of the event can cause small channels to form, but as long as you keep your speed in control, you’ll be fine. We request that the town road crews do not grade the roads less than a week from the event.
Do I need a racing license to participate?
No racing license is needed or required. It is important to remember that the Vermont Gran Fondo is a ride, not a race. All cyclists are encouraged to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery each route has to offer. Every cyclist will be insured individually through our insurance carrier. The cost of the insurance is included in the entry fee.
Where can I see the course routes?
Maps for all four courses are posted on Strava. Click here for links to all four course maps.
What comes with my entry?
- A fully supported course with signage, fully stock rest-stops, moto support, tech support, and sag support.
- Timed gap segments (4) *Not all route gaps are timed, only the Gran and Medio routes. The Gran-X will only have the Middlebury and Brandon Gaps timed.
- Free entry into the apres ride party. Family and friends are welcome and can pay for their food and beverages with cash.
- Bragging rights for completing four Green Mountain gaps!
When does registration close?
Online registration closes Wednesday, June 25th, at midnight.
Can I register in person?
Yes, two options:
- Friday, June 27th from 3 to 6 pm at Frog Hollow Bikes, 74 Main Street, Middlebury
- Saturday, June 28th, from 5 to 7:30 am for all categories (Medio Facile and Piccolo available until 9:30), at 110 Airport Drive. Bristol, Vermont
If I ordered clothing (jersey, shorts, t-shirt), when will I receive them? What about sizing?
You can pick up your merchandise when you pick up your number and swag bag. Again, no pre-event purchased items not picked up will be up to the purchaser to request an item be shipped, and the purchaser is responsible for shipping costs. If clothing comes from Saurez in Colombia (2024 & 2025), the sizing is different from US, typically labeled one size up: a large will be labeled XL. Your orders are taken based on US sizing and then upsized to Colombian sizing when ordered. If you received clothing at another GFNS event and it was too small (labeled as if it is your normal size: Medium US, and you got a Medium COL), you will receive a size up at the VTGF.
Can someone else pick up the packet for me?
Yes. We’re all grown-ups. Neither an ID nor a permission slip is required.
Will I receive any confirmation once I register?
You will receive a confirmation email from our online registrar, BikeReg.com. If you believe you registered but didn’t receive a confirmation, email or call 802-377-7871 to confirm your registration status. You can also check the “Who’s Registered” list on Bikereg.com
Do you offer a pre-ride mechanical check?
We encourage you to have your bicycle thoroughly checked by your local mechanic a week or two before the ride. We will also offer a pre-ride mechanical check on Friday, June 29th at Frog Hollow Bikes, 74 Main Street, Middlebury.
Riders are expected to have front and rear flashing lights.
There will also be mechanical support available the morning before the ride from 6 to 9 am.
Where do I park?
There is parking for all participants at the venue.
How do riders line up at the start?
It is a mass start*—keep in mind this is not a timed event, so there is no glory in being the first to return. *This may change as the event grows in numbers.
Are the roads closed for traffic?
All roads are open to traffic. We have a police escort for the first mile until the turn to Lincoln. Many intersections will be controlled by law enforcement or flaggers—you are expected to obey their directions.
At all times, riders must obey all traffic laws and ride on the right-hand side of the street in a single file. Riders must follow the instructions of police officers, course marshals, and volunteers.
How fast do I have to ride?
You can ride at whatever speed you’re comfortable with—however, each of the gaps has steep downhills and you’re expected to remain in control and be considerate of other riders and vehicles along the route.
Will there be restrooms at the start/finish and on the course?
Yes, there will be porta-potties at the start/finish and at each rest stop. There are country stores along the routes, and many will have bathroom facilities.
What happens if for some reason I cannot ride that day?
Registration Refunds & Transfer Policy: There are no registration or merchandise purchase transfers to future events. There will be no refunds* after the dates indicated in the BikeReg event notes for each year (Event fees only). After this date, there will be no refunds. Any request for a refund or registration transfer will disqualify you from any special offers/prizes/sweepstakes. You can transfer your registration to another rider before the closure of online registration (generally the Wednesday before the event date). Any pre-purchased merchandise not collected at the event will be charged for any shipping fees. We recommend you buy BikeReg insurance.
*For international participants: If cross-boarder travel restrictions are imposed preventing event participation then, upon request, refunds (excluding BikeReg fees) will be as follows: more than 60 days** (4/26/22) prior a 50% registration refund; more than 45 days** (5/11/22) prior a 30% registration refund will be issued. No refunds on pre-purchased merchandise (shipping fees will apply). In the case that travel restrictions are imposed and then lifted prior to the event, international participants may sign up on the day of the event if capacity has not already reached.
Will the ride be canceled for any reason?
It will be run rain or shine unless there is an event such as an Act of God or the participating towns deem it unsafe. We have purchased event cancellation insurance through BikeReg, but it is limited and is based on government-issued warnings for events such as extreme storms with a threat to life. We highly recommend you purchase BikeReg insurance, too.
What if I wish to change between distances?
We can accept changes between any of the distances. You will be asked to pay a difference in the registration fee if you are upgrading your distance. If you are downgrading to a shorter distance, there are no refunds. These changes can be made any time until the gun goes off at 8 am on June 25th.
How many rest stops will there be?
Information on rest-stop locations is included in the pre-ride information emails.
What if I can’t finish the ride?
There will be support vehicles on the course for any medical emergencies and/or to provide transportation back to the start/finish area. There is a decision point after the ascent/descent into Ripton for Gran riders to turn off and shorten their ride.
What will the weather be like?
Temperatures range from the 60s to 80s in June. In past years, the mornings were damp, but cleared off to be lovely sunny days. However, New England weather is known for its unpredictability, so be prepared for anything!
Is there a minimum age for participants?
There is no minimum age for participants, but we caution that these courses are challenging and demanding. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on the route and must have their registration form and waiver signed by their legal parent or guardian.
