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Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo 2024

North Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Event

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North Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Event

Oxford, MS


The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo is a non-competitive bicycle ride, meaning there will be no awards for fastest times. The ride will take place on open roads, so rider discretion is advised.

As long as you want to pedal, all bikes are welcome: Big Box Bikes, Commuter bikes, E-bikes, Gravel bikes, Mountain bikes, Recumbent bikes, Road bikes, Tandem bikes, etc.

You will appreciate the police escorted Ride of Silence to start the ride…the challenging routes, the rest stops with goodies and Radlers. Then the Molly Barr climb to finish where you earn a special patch. After that, cruise in to finish and recover with great music, food, and drink at the Old Armory Pavillion. Routes are for all levels with SAG.


Sign up early! We limit 325 participants for this event for safety reasons.


Route & Distances


20-Mile Route
Clocking in at 22.4 miles, this route extends out to Smith’s Chapel, just outside the Holly Springs National Forest. This route involves approximately 1,150 feet of elevation gain.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39235767


45-Mile Route
This route measures up to around 46.75 miles and 2,300 feet of elevation gain. This route will continue beyond Smith’s Chapel, traversing up to Abbeville, over to Hurricane Landing, and then taking College Hill Road back into town.
https://www.strava.com/routes/2940640750006954182

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39235766


70-Mile Route
Around 71.5 miles, this longer ride will cover 3,425 feet of elevation adding turn-around extensions to Coon Town Landing and Clear Creek Landing.
https://www.strava.com/routes/2940637357850629854

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39235765


62-Mile Route aka Maddigan's Metric Century
This route is similar to the 70-mile route but turns around on CR 100 to the pavilion to make it 100 km. Total elevation gain is 2,458 feet. The route avoids the bumpy road entering Clear Creek Landing.
https://www.strava.com/activities/10372019947

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45151784


Earn the badge
For the 45, 62, and 75 milers, we will give out the Molly Barr Climb badge at the summit of Molly Barr road.

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2024 VDGF Merchandise

Both cycling jersey and cap are available to purchase during registration or at this direct store link: https://raceroster.com/store/83718/listing. This year's jersey will be made with higher quality material and longer sleeve design. To guarantee jersey size, please order by March 20th, 2024.

Jersey size chart: https://www.primalwear.com/pages/size-chart

Cap is one size.

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Fundraising

Proceeds of this ride will support the North Mississippi Gnarmadillos Composite MTB Team. This team is made up of middle and high school mountain bikers from the Oxford and North Mississippi area. More information about the team can be found on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NorthMSGnarmadillos/. You can support the team by making a donation at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/83718/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2024/fundraising-organization/52359


A check will also be donated toward the on-going maintenance of the Tanglefoot Trail during the Tour de Bodock Bicycle Rides.


Raffles for Bike Fit

If you experience any back, knee, neck, shoulder, wrist pain riding your bike, or just want to enjoy a longer ride, a professional bike fit is recommended. Buy a raffle ticket at the event store for a chance to win a $250 valued professional bike fit provided by Latting Speed Shop. Limit 5 raffles per registration.

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Lodging and Dining

Check out Visit Oxford’s website for lodging, dining, and other attractions around town: https://visitoxfordms.com


Bike Shops

Core Cycle + Outdoor


Safe Cycling

The event will begin with a short ride of silence to honor the Oxford cyclists who have died cycling on bike. You don't need to register to join the ride of silence at the beginning of the ride.

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Registration


Packet Pick-up

  • Location: The Old Armory Pavilion (1801 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655)
  • Friday, May 24th (5:00 - 7:00 PM)
  • Saturday, May 25th (6:30 - 8:00 AM)



Registration fees

20 Mile Ride Closed

Online registration closed

    1. $45.00
      Dec 11 – Feb 4
    2. $55.00
      Feb 5 – Apr 7
    3. $65.00
      Apr 8 – May 25

45 Mile Ride Closed

Online registration closed

    1. $45.00
      Dec 11 – Feb 4
    2. $55.00
      Feb 5 – Apr 7
    3. $65.00
      Apr 8 – May 25

70 Mile Ride Closed

Online registration closed

    1. $45.00
      Dec 11 – Feb 4
    2. $55.00
      Feb 5 – Apr 7
    3. $65.00
      Apr 8 – May 25

Maddigan's Metric Century (62 miles) Closed

Online registration closed

    1. $45.00
      Dec 11 – Feb 4
    2. $55.00
      Feb 5 – Apr 7
    3. $65.00
      Apr 8 – May 25

Course Map

20-mile route


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45-mile route

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70-mile route

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62-mile route (Maddigan's Metric Century)

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Video


Contact information

Event contact
Claude Gunter
Email
GunterClaude@gmail.com
Phone
+1-601-416-5244
Website
Visit website

VDGF Sponsors