Gran Fondo Hincapie

Name: Gran Fondo Hincapie
Start: 2025-05-02T12:00:00
End: 2025-05-03T16:00:00
Location: Chattanooga, TN

May 2, 2025 to May 3, 2025

Chattanooga, TN Chattanooga, Tennessee

January 24, 2025

6:29 PM

Ride from downtown city streets to winding mountain roads. Gran Fondo Hincapie-Chattanooga begins in the center of the River City before taking you on a scenic ride along the Tennessee River and ascending Sequatchie Mountain. Celebrate your finish (and your survival of Sequatchie Mountain) at our family festival, with beverages and free food for you and your friends.

Age group awards will be given for Gran & Medio courses.

Stunning views, challenging climbs, and fast descents await our Gran cyclists!

Riders will depart from Bessie Smith Cultural Center and immediately be treated to the sights and sounds of beautiful downtown Chattanooga and the surround landscape. The first 9 miles of the day will provide a great opportunity to get in your groove as you travel rolling and flat roads beside the Tennessee River.

At mile 9.1, riders will reach the first true challenge of the route, Suck Creek. Contrary to the name, most riders will find this to be a fun test as they make their way up the 5.5-mile climb that averages a manageable grade of 5%. As you make your way up, be sure to catch views to the right of South Suck Creek cascading down to the Tennessee River you left behind only a few miles ago.

After conquering Suck Creek riders will be provided with an opportunity for recovery and a shot of adrenaline as they plunge down into the Sequatchie Valley on a fast 4.1-mile descent. Upon safely reaching the bottom of the descent riders will reach the small town of Powell’s Crossing and the first rest stop of the day at mile 19.7. Be sure to refuel and resupply here, the day is still young.

The next 16 miles offer up fast flat and rolling roads on the floor of the Sequatchie Valley. Use this time to relax, enjoy the views, and prepare for your next big climb of the day. As you enter the town of Sequatchie you will notice the rising wall of Sequatchie Mountain to your right. Yes, you are about to climb that! What this climb lacks in length (only 1.9 miles), it more than makes up for in steepness. With an average grade of 10.4%, this climb will test even the most skilled climbers.

After you have conquered Sequatchie Mtn. be sure to stop at the second rest stop of the day located at Sequatchie Baptist Church. Refueled and refreshed rides will enjoy the 3.5-mile descent into Jasper, TN, and the flatter roads on the way back to the Tennessee River. Be sure to offer some words of encouragement to riders making their way towards Sequatchie Mtn. as you pass by.

The last rest stop of the day is by far the most scenic. Located at Marion County Park riders will have a chance to take a brief rest on the banks of the Tennessee River. The final 21 miles of the day feature short rolling hills and a run into Miller Park with 360-degree views of the Chattanooga Skyline and the surrounding mountains. As you see the 1KM to go marker, start your final kick to the finish, roll across the red carpet, and you’ve made it! Time to celebrate!

*Please note: Our Gran course has two KOM/QOM segments and two Speed zone segments. KOM/QOM awards for our Gran riders are determined by the total combined times on Suck Creek and Sequatchie Mountain. Speed zone awards are determined by total combined times on Sequatchie Valley and Tennessee River Segments. All other awards are determined by gun time from the start line to the timing finish line.