Buffalo River Gravel Gran Fondo
Buffalo River Gran Fondo – October 3, 2026Start/Finish: Second Stage, Amherst, VAThe Buffalo River Gran Fondo returns in 2026 to Second Stage in the heart of Amherst, VA. After a beautiful ride through some of the finest gravel in the George Washington National Forest, you’ll roll back into town for food, music, and community—just like we started. We’re stoked to celebrate where it all began.
Ride Options
- **The BIG Buffalo: **108 miles | 13k’ elevation gain | 65% gravel, 35% pavement
Designed for the not-so-smart who enjoy suffering more than most. **GPS Route: **Strava
The Full Monty: 68 miles | ~7,000’ elevation gain | ~65% gravel, 35% pavementTake on the classic Alhambra Road climb and four Strava KOM/QOM segments. Recommended for gravel bikes or endurance road bikes with 32c tires or wider. GPS Routes: Strava | RidewithGPS | Garmin
Lil’ Shorty: 32.2 miles | ~2,600’ elevation gain | ~20% gravel, 80% pavementDesigned for our road bike friends and the gravel-curious. 32c tires are ideal; experienced riders may be fine on 28c. Features two Strava segments. GPS Routes: Strava | RidewithGPS | Garmin
Strava Segment ChallengeCompete for the coveted Buffalo Skull by logging the lowest combined time across your route’s Strava segments.Join our Strava club and make sure you record your ride to be eligible. More info here Weekend ScheduleFriday, October 2
Afternoon check-in at Loose Shoe Brewery
Beer and pzza (available for purchase)
Complimentary camping for riders and families at the Amherst County Admin Building
Saturday, October 3
8:00 AM: Coffee, light breakfast, and rider briefing
9:30 AM: Both routes depart
Post-ride meal, beer ticket, and commemorative swag
Extra food and drinks are available for friends and family
Camping & Lodging
On-site Camping: Primitive camping is available at Camp Trapezium, with access to a portable shower
Lodging Nearby:
Sweet Briar College’s Elston Inn (Amherst, VA)
Hotels and inns in Lynchburg, VA
Support & Amenities
Well-marked courses with downloadable GPS files
Three rest stops on the Full Monty; two on Lil’ Shorty
SAG vehicle and on-course support
Great post-ride atmosphere with food, drink, and good people
LocationSecond Stage194 Second Street, Amherst, VA 24521
More info: mmgendurancesports.com/buffalo-river-gran-fondo
Presented by MMG Endurance Sports
Categories:
- The BIG Buffalo - All-in (includes camping, light breakfast, coffee, post ride meal, a, 108 miles, $125.00, field limit 50, start time 07:30:00
- Full Monty - All-in (includes camping, light breakfast, coffee, post ride meal, and beer), 68.5 miles, $95.00, field limit 175, start time 09:30:00
- Lil Shorty - All-in (includes camping, light breakfast, coffee, post ride meal, and beer), 32.2 miles, $80.00, field limit 150, start time 09:30:00
- Full Monty - NO Frills Option (No - Camping, Breakfast, Coffee, Beer or Food) , 68.5 miles, $60.00, field limit 50, start time 09:30:00
- The BIG Buffalo - NO Frills Option (No - Camping, Breakfast, Coffee, Beer or Food), 108 miles, $90.00, field limit 50, start time 07:30:00
- Lil Shorty - NO FRILLS Option (NO - Camping, Breakfast, Coffee, Post Ride Meal, or Beer), 32.2 miles, $45.00, field limit 50, start time 09:30:00
Registration:
- Opens on Friday April 24, 2026
- Closes on Friday October 02, 2026