Not only will the Gran Fondo national championships see riders swooping through picturesque scenery and competing for the best times in certain sections of their 30-, 60- or 110-mile route, but the cycling event also serves as a fundraiser for Friends of the Smokies.
Until the event is held on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8 a.m., participants can join the existing Gran Fondo fundraising team at crowdrise.com, where riders aim to raise $5,000 for the local beneficiary.
“With the beautiful vistas around Asheville as the backdrop and its mountains as the race course, competitors are in for a special ride and exciting challenge in the 2015 Gran Fondo Asheville!” reads the fundraising campaign page.
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