Virginia’s Blue Ridge Fondo, based in Botetourt County, Va. is coming up on October 14, 2018.  The event, which begins and ends at Ballast Point Brewing, offers rides of 30, 50 and 80 miles.  I joined a group of friends to take a look at the 50-miler.

We passed beautiful horse farms on the Blue Ridge Fondo pre-ride.

The ride takes you through scenic Botetourt County.  You ride over the James River, through the historic town of Fincastle and past beautiful horse farms with whiteboard fences.

It’s a ride of moderate difficulty, with 2800 feet of elevation gain but no major climbs.  Much of the terrain is rolling, though there is a fantastic downhill section from about mile 17 to mile 25.  If you choose to do the ride, this will undoubtedly be your favorite section.

You’ll cross the James River around mile 25 on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Fondo

Some background on the fondo

The ride is supported by title sponsor Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, which wants to continue to market the area as a bicycling destination.  The region recently received kudos from the International Mountain Bicycling Association, which granted Roanoke and the surrounding counties a silver level ride center status.  The fondo is designed to draw road cyclists from across the region and to help establish Roanoke and surrounding areas as a cycling destination for all types of pedal power.

The historic town of Fincastle, which dates to the mid-1700’s, was hosting an arts festival the day of our ride.

Visit VBR is working with Botetourt-based Muddy Squirrel which is already doing several outdoor events in the region.  Muddy Squirrel’s website has more information on the particulars of the ride as well as other options and details.  The fondo is also tied into the Go Outside Festival — one of Roanoke’s largest outdoor events, featuring live music, craft beer, running and bike events as well as watersports and many other vendors from the outdoor sector.

More about Virginia’s Blue Ridge Fondo

I don’t want to get into too much detail about the course itself, as I’m saving some ink for a post on the actual event.  As I said above, the ride is not too difficult, but it’s not a piece of cake, either.  Most of it is beautiful countryside.

Strava elevation for Virginia’s Blue Ridge Fondo.  Click here for John’s Strava data from the ride.

Then there’s the whole part about starting and stopping at Ballast Point.  There is ample parking, and plans are in process to provide lunch for participants from Ballast Point’s excellent kitchen.  Details TBA.

Then there’s the Ballast Point beer selection, which is as good as anywhere in the world.  Look for my review of the Spruce Tip Sculpin in a soon-to-come Beers I have Ridden post.  Great Ride, great venue, great beer.  Now, all we need is several hundred cyclists to call it a party.

Hope to see you there!

Ballast Point after riding the course of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Fondo. (50-miler)

Click here to sign up for one of the three route options.