Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo
North Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Event
Oxford, MS
Date: August 8th, 2026
Register at
https://raceroster.com/events/2026/122466/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2026
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.
Route Options (follow the registration website for the latest)
20 Miles
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 “Strava” elevation gain.
45 Miles
This route measures up to around 46.75 miles and 2,300 feet of “Strava” 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.
VDGF Metric Century
It is not a typical metric, it is a VDGF kind of metric. This has been the longest route of the event since 2025. It is an extension of the 45-mile route, head out and come back from the Clear Creek Landing area. This route has 2,542 ft “Strava“ elevation with total mileage at 67. Riders will turn around at the Clear Creek Recreation Area sign. This is also one of the SAG stops.
2025 Actions
Before the rain and thunderstorm
2024 Actions
All about Velvet Ditch
Remember Rich Raspet
2025 Pictures
2024 Pictures
2023 Pictures
