Boone Gran Fondo, a SENA Gran Fondo National Series event

Boone Gran Fondo

Boone, NC
August 2, 2026

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Event Overview

• Event Open to: All from Beginner to Elite
• Loops: 3 Loops to Choose From
• Timed Sections: 4 Timed Sections in the 80 mile loop – Best Combined Time Wins
• Age Group: Categories available

Awards

• Awards: Winners jerseys for Gran Route
• Medio and Piccolo: Age group winners will receive awards
• Ride: with your friends, Race with your friends
• Fully Stocked Aid Stations: To keep you going

Packet Pick Up

Watch for updated information on these dates and locations. The below information is from 2025 but will likely be the same:

• Saturday: from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM - 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607
• Sunday: from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM - 164 S Depot St, Boone, NC 28607 (at location of race start)

U23 Participation

U23 Made Possible By Shimano

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible for U23byShimano coupon code for event registration. Juniors under age 18 can also use the same coupon code.

Entry Includes

• Traffic Control: Provided throughout the course
• Aid Stations: Fully stocked with energy products and food
• Chip Timed Sections: Four for competitive timing
• Post-Race: Food, beverages, and entertainment

Course 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 1890s across Grandfather Mountain and served as the Blue Ridge Parkway until the 1980s. 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.

Beneficiary

Benefiting: Watauga Pioneers Mountain Bike Team - The local NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) team