Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo
North Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Event
Oxford, MS
Save the date: May 18th 25th, 2024
Register at
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/83718/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2024
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.
You will appreciate the police escorted Ride of Silence to start the ride…the challenging routes, the rest stops with goodies and Radlers. Then the Molly Barr climb to finish where you earn a special patch. After that, cruise in to finish and recover with great music, food, and drink at the Old Armory Pavillion. Routes are for all levels with SAG.
This event will begin with a short ride of silence to honor the Oxford cyclists who have died cycling on bike.
Route Options
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 elevation gain.
45 Miles
This route measures up to around 46.75 miles and 2,300 feet of 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.
Maddigan’s Metric Century
This route is similar to the 70-mile route but turns around on CR 100 to the pavilion to make it 100 km. Total elevation gain is 2,458 feet. The route avoids the bumpy road entering Clear Creek Landing.
70 Miles
Around 71.5 miles, this longer ride will cover 3,425 feet of elevation adding turn-around extensions to Coontown Crossing and Clear Creek Landing.
Promotion Video: Get Ready!
2022 Actions: Rider packet, Sponsors, Remember Robby Tucker, Post ride party, Evening concert, Recovery ride
2023 Actions: Packet pickup at the pavilion, Ride to the Oxford Middle School (starting location), Ride of silence, Race for the donuts
2023 Pictures
Thank you for being part of this event. With all the weather worries, the 2023 Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo turned out wonderful for cycling in Oxford, MS! See you next year.
