Bicyclists and spectators are invited to enjoy this Saturday’s Hincapie Gran (plus Medio and Piccolo) Fondo rides this Saturday, as cyclists can ride scenic local roads with 17-time Tour De France competitor George Hincapie, and a sprinkling of other cycling professionals of past and present.

Saturday’s fastest riders are expected to turn from Lakeshore Drive, onto U.S. Rt. 176, Tryon, at about 9:55 a.m. arrive at Nature’s Storehouse (427 S. Trade St., Tryon) a few minutes later. At about 10:05, expect to see riders arrive at the U.S. 176/N.C. 108 split (Sunoco station, east end of Tryon). There, the Gran Fondo cyclists will bear right onto Rt. 108, heading for Skyuka Mountain Road, while the Medio riders will bear left, to climb the Saluda Grade, and ride into Saluda. Spectators are encourage to cheer riders on. First rest/refreshment stop for the  Gran (80-mile) and Medio (50-mile) rides will be Nature’s Storehouse, on South Trade Street, Tryon.

Online registration has closed, but those interested in riding can still register, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday at Hincapie Sportswear, 45 Pete Hollis Blvd., Greenville, or at ride headquarters early Saturday morning. The rides leave from, and returns to, Hotel Domestique, 10 Road of Vines, just off Chinquapin Road, which is just off Old U.S. Route 25, about 13 miles south of downtown Saluda, N.C.

Entry fees benefit Meals on Wheels in Greenville County, S.C. Spaces on the rides are expected to be available, though rider numbers will be capped at 1,600. Last year’s event included over 1,200 cyclists. All riders will be chip-timed. Riders will also compete for prizes on several timed climbs. Registration and ride information, plus much more, can be found at granfondohincapie.com. Call 864-400-3040 (in the U.S.) or toll-free, 866 359 4796.

Saturday’s schedule is:

6 a.m. Start area opens.
9 a.m. Start for all three loops.
10 a.m. Finish expo opens.
4:30 p.m. Award ceremonies.
3 p.m. Courses closed.
5 p.m. Finish expo closes.

Entry fee includes:

Piccolo (15) and Medio (50) mile options: Bottle of wine, musette bag, course marking, chip timing, catered rest stops, post-ride meal and drinks, competition prizes, bike valet services and much more.

Gran 80 mile option: everything listed above plus a Gran Fondo Hincapie full-zip jersey.