By Mark Schmerling

 

“Be seen” is always wise advice for bicyclists.

 

This Oct. 24, all cyclists riding in the annual Gran Fondo Hincapie will be seen on the first non-competitive cycling event to be broadcast with announcers, multiple motorcycle cameras and a full video production team.

 

Volunteers are also needed to serve as course marshals. See more below.

 

Organizers and sponsors encourage local residents to cheer riders along the routes, including parts of Tryon and Saluda.

 

The event will be televised live on GranFondoHincapie.com. Cameras will span the entire course from beginning to end, capturing participants of all speeds and ability levels as well as Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and volunteers that make it a unique event.

 

“We’ve created an overall experience that will be like riding in Grand Tour or one-day classic pro race for everyone,” said George Hincapie, the event’s co-founder and a 17-time Tour de France competitor. “Riding alongside pros, moto-mounted cameras capturing the action, Lexus support cars and police escorts, timed segments and a Lexus King of the Mountain competition — it’s as close as you can get to the real thing.”

 

Further, riders will share local roads with an array of cycling stars participating in the event.

 

In its fourth year, Gran Fondo Hincapie has grown steadily, and was recently chosen by Bicycling Magazine readers as a “Celebrity Ride Bucket List” event. The ride starts and ends at Hotel Domestique, north of Greenville, in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, traversing the roads George Hincapie trained on throughout his career.

 

 

The ride covers parts of Polk and Henderson counties in North Carolina, and parts of northern Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina.

 

“Gran Fondo Hincapie is one of the premier cycling events in the United States, and we’re looking forward to being a part of it for a second year,” said Brian Smith, Lexus Vice President of Marketing. “Lexus owners and cycling aficionados not only enjoy pursuing active lifestyles, they also share many of the same interests that are so wonderfully represented at this event — including a passion for unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, great food and, of course, a personal best cycling performance.”

 

Riders will be fully escorted by a contingent of 16 Lexus vehicles as well as the same Mavic support cars seen at the Tour de France.  Aid stations offering gourmet bites from Restaurant 17, Hotel Domestique’s acclaimed eatery, while free food, drinks including New Belgium Brewing’s “beer school,” live music and a day’s worth of fun for family members await at the finish line.

 

Fondo riders have three routes to choose from. The Gran is an 80-mile test of endurance and power with more than 7,000 feet of climbing. The Medio is 50 challenging miles, with somewhat less climbing. Piccolo is 15-miles, a more leisurely option through rolling foothills. Those seeking race-like competition can find it on three timed climbing segments of the Gran version, where the top male and female rider each will earn Lexus King and Queen of the Mountain honors.

 

Continuing the Hincapie’s dedication to aspiring young cyclists, registration is free for juniors 18 and under. There’s also a kids’ route, open to young cyclists wanting to take part in the excitement of the Gran Fondo.

 

A contingent of 100 riders from the American Diabetes Assn. plans to raise $1 million for the ADA’s programs, including diabetes research. They’ll be wearing special jerseys.

 

Local residents are sought to serve as course marshals. Event volunteer coordinator Kimberly Morgan is looking for individuals to serve mostly at or near intersections along the three routes (which have some overlap).

 

Each volunteer (Some are needed for other positions, but mostly as route marshals) will all receive free, a high-visibility T-shirts, bottle of wine and a bag containing snacks and accessories.

 

To volunteer, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d4ea5ac2aa64-4thannual.

For more information, and to register to ride, visit GranFondoHincapie.com. Proceeds will benefit Greeneville-area charities, including Meals on Wheels.

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Photos:

 

3793: The first wave of riders turns from Lakeshore Drive, onto U.S. 176 in Tryon, about 20  miles into the Gran Fondo Hincapie, which will be held Saturday, October 24, beginning and ending at Hotel Domestique, just off Old U.S. Rt. 25, north of Greenville and Travelers Rest.