Boone Gran Fondo, a SENA Gran Fondo National Series event

DETAILS BELOW SUBJECT TO CHANGEFor most up to date details, visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-boone BOONE GRAN FONDOBoone, NCAugust 2, 2026Click here to add to calendarEvent Open to All from Beginner to Elite3 Loops to Choose From4 Timed Sections in the 80 mile loop – Best Combined Time WinsAge Group CategoriesAwards and Winners jerseys for Gran Route Awards for Medio and Piccolo Age WinnersRide with your friends, Race with your friendsFully Stocked Aid Stations to keep you goingCome Challenge Yourself Packet pick up:(Watch for updated Information on these dates and locations the below is from 2025 but will likely be the same) Saturday from 2:00PM to 6:00PM - 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM - 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607 (at location of race start)U23 Made Possible By ShimanoRiders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned SENA Gran Fondo National Series events including Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and entrants are verified by their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.What does the price of your entry include?Traffic controlFully stocked aid stations with energy product and foodFour Chip Timed SectionsPost-race food, beverage, and entertainmentGoody-bag with various swag itemsFinisher gift for all Gran Route FinishersAwards for age-group placementChance to win Prizes and Awards for placementChance to win raffle prizes at post event raffleThe enjoyment of riding an amazing cycling routeCourse Description In mid-summer, the High Country of North Carolina enjoys 80-degree temperatures while the surrounding East Coast temperatures hover in the high 90s. Early August is a prime time to be in Boone. After a short downhill and a climb up the gorgeous Shull's Mill road, the course passes the Blue Ridge Parkway and turns onto Hwy 221. This section of road was hand built in the 1890’s across Grandfather Mountain and served as the Blue Ridge Parkway until the 1980’s. This second timed section is like a paved roller coaster. After passing the Grandfather Park entrance, the downhill into Linville is a local favorite stretch of road. The route passes through the Avery County seat, the town of Newland. The back roads of Cow Camp and Squirrel Creek lead to the North Toe River Valley. Here, riders enjoy a few tranquil moments in the valley before the ascent, and third timed section, on the back of Beech Mountain. Another nice downhill waits on the other side. The beautiful Bethel Valley brings riders to a climb to the Tennessee State Line to end the forth timed section. From here, the route cruises on a very long gradual downhill grade through the valley and communities of Sugar Grove and Valle Crucis before it takes a climb up Laurel Fork and White Oak roads back to the town of Boone.Benefiting: Watauga Pioneers Mountain Bike TeamThe local NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) team