Gran Fondo Hincapie has been creating cycling experiences for over 12 years and recently announced the launch of its latest event taking place in Bentonville, Ark. Join the Hincapie team Sept. 6 – 8 for a weekend of riding, good food, entertainment, and more. Cyclists can choose to ride the paved roads of Northwest Arkansas on Saturday, Sunday, or both days, with each day offering multiple distance options. Gran Fondo Hincapie and the City of Bentonville are working together to grow Bentonville into a road cycling destination to complement the region’s existing gravel and mountain biking palmares.
The Gran Fondo Hincapie is more than just a “big ride.” It’s a multi-day cycling celebration with scenic rides, live music, and a family festival with free fun, food, and drinks. Join thousands of cycling pros, celebrities, weekend warriors, and first-time riders in the excitement of the Gran Fondo Hincapie hosted by American professional road cyclist and Olympian, George and the family. Choose between a shorter Piccolo, a mid-length Medio, or a longer Gran ride on one of the scenic routes mapped and tested by George Hincapie himself.
“Bentonville is a must-visit cycling destination that not only has top-tier roads, gravel, and trails to ride, but also a vibrant and fun city to explore, dine, and unwind in after a long day on the bike,” says Rich Hincapie. “The best part will be waiting for you at the finish line in Downtown Bentonville where friends, family, and thousands of other cyclists will be waiting to cheer you on as you accomplish your riding goal. Grab a beverage and enjoy two days of food and friendship at our Family Fun Festival! Our events are designed for participants of all skill levels, giving everyone a chance to connect with other cycling enthusiasts and indulge their passion for cycling.”
Before the riding even kicks off, the Hincapie team is hosting participants for an evening under the stars sampling culinary creations from the country’s top chefs. Enjoy each course with a glass of wine selected by a master sommelier. Riders get a chance to mingle with one another as well as with the chefs and Hincapie team.
The Day One courses of the epic Gran Fondo Hincapie-Bentonville weekend have plenty of rollers with a course that runs west out of town and then heads north, just shy of the Missouri state line, with an overall elevation change of 6,000 feet for the 78-mile Gran course, 3,600 feet for the 53-mile Medio, and just 800 feet for the 14-mile Piccolo. All three routes feature beautiful scenery with a finish line right in the heart of downtown Bentonville.
On Day Two of the ultimate cycling experience, riders are treated to a different set of road courses. The course on Sunday starts with a gentle warm-up heading north out of town, and travels through the picturesque countryside into the rolling hills of Missouri before heading back down into Arkansas, approaching Bentonville from the east. With only 5,000 feet of elevation gain for the 86-mile Gran and 2,900 feet for the 45-mile Medio, these courses (along with the 18-mile Piccolo) are a gentler option than the aggressive hills on Saturday.
After both days of riding, athletes are encouraged to hang around after the finish at the free Family Fun Festival and enjoy an afternoon of music, food and beverages, and other fun activities with their friends, family, and thousands of other cyclists.
“We are excited to welcome the Gran Fondo participants to Bentonville in September,” says Jamie Cathey, Outdoor Recreation Events Manager with Visit Bentonville. “Our incredible cycling culture, combined with our vibrant downtown, amazing restaurants, and world-class museums, give our city a chance to offer a signature Bentonville experience to those joining us for the ride. We know they will find so many reasons to love our city while they are here.”
The Bentonville, Ark. event adds to Gran Fondo Hincapie’s world-class lineup of other upcoming events. Registration is now open for all 2024 events, including the Gran Fondo Bentonville. Link to register here.
To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
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