The Vermont Gran Fondo (VTGF) was born from a famous bucket-list epic 4-gap ride known by the locals as the LAMB ride. LAMB comes from the names of 4 gaps (Lincoln Gap, Appalachian Gap, Middlebury Gap, and Brandon Gap) which, when combined into a single ride, can easily top 100 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing, not a bad effort for one day. In 2013, a band of local cyclists looking to create a new event for Vermont wanted something more challenging to complement the numerous valley ride events already taking place, and the LAMB was a perfect fit. Hence the Vermont Gran Fondo was born.
Each year, the course’s four gaps are drawn from a selection of seven gaps: Appalachian Gap, Lincoln Gap, Roxbury Gap, Moretown Gap, Rochester Gap, Middlebury Gap, and Brandon Gap. The popular 6-gap ride includes all but Moretown Gap, which is now a fixture for 2025 with plans to keep this option into the future, called the Gran-X course. Depending on road construction projects, which have been many, the course will vary from year to year, creating a unique ride each time.
What the VTGF offers is an opportunity to come and enjoy a challenging ride in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont with guidance, support, and an after-party!
The Vermont Gran Fondo is produced by Ride It If You Can Llc. The organizing committee is made up of cycling enthusiasts and athletically-inclined tourism and business development representatives. Event proceeds will be distributed via grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations with the purpose of enhancing bicycling in Addison County through programs, education, infrastructure, and/or equipment.