Greenville, South Carolina and the surrounding “Upstate” is a well-known cycling destination, and the Hincapie Gran Fondo is one of the premier events in the United States. Our Upstate South Carolina Cycling Tour is designed specifically for a group of riders that already know each other. We’ll give your group some of the best riding in the Upstate, and culminate with the unique experience that is the Hincapie Gran Fondo!
You will see the sights of downtown Greenville, enjoying delicious food and shopping, in this masterpiece of urban redevelopment. We’ll also stroll the Greenville Health Systems Swamp Rabbit Trail, and explore the bike- and walking-centered lifestyle that defines the Swamp Rabbit Trail (aka “SRT”).
During two days of riding, you will also visit the charming villages of Saluda and Tryon, with the steepest railway grade in the U.S. (Saluda) and beautiful horse barns and fields (Tryon). We’ll also visit Hagood Mill, a historic and still operational mill, producing gorgeous cornmeal and grits (which you can buy and take home). In fact, you are free to shop during your ride, since we’ll carry your purchases…
Because at all times you will be supported by the VGR luxury Sprinter van and trailer, with delicious and abundant food, chilled drinks, and shade from the sun.
And for the third day of riding: we will make sure that you arrive in style at the start of the Hincapie Gran Fondo. Your bike will be transported, racked and the tire pressure adjusted for you. No last minute stress finding parking and getting your bike ready.
And you will see us along the route, and at the finish, so if you decide during the ride you’re not up to the full distance, the van will be available to you.
But wait, there’s more…
We will be based in the Swamp Rabbit Lodge – a unique vacation house located just steps from the SRT, and near the trail town of Traveler’s Rest.
The house is specifically designed for cyclists — with a well-stocked kitchen, generous indoor and outdoor common areas, and beautifully decorated interior — making it the perfect group base camp for us.
This is a 4-day tour with 3 days of riding over approximately 120 miles assuming you choose the 50-mile Medio Route at the Gran Fondo (150 miles total if you choose the 80-mile Gran Route at the Gran Fondo).
This tour is limited to 10 guests.
Day 1 – Arrive in Greenville
We will meet you in Greenville SC at The Swamp Rabbit Lodge in the afternoon. Once you are settled into your home-away-from-home, we will jump in the VGR luxury Sprinter van and head to Greenville for a delicious meal. After dinner, we will provide an overview of your tour itinerary.
Day 2 – 43 Miles
Let the riding begin! After a hearty breakfast, we will leave the lodge to travel a short distance to Tigerville SC where we will begin our journey to visit two of the most charming villages in the area – Saluda and Tryon.
We will follow a route know by the locals as “The Watershed Ride” from Tigerville to Saluda. The Wildflour Bakery is a must-do stop, where you can enjoy a tasty snack before beginning the thrilling ride down the Saluda Grade, and on our way into Tryon.
Once in Tryon, we will roll south along the Cherokee Scenic Highway as we return to Tigerville.
This is an excellent introduction to cycling in the Upstate of South Carolina (and southern North Carolina) with scenic views, rolling terrain, long but low-grade climbs (and a few short steep climbs).
After an opportunity to clean up back at our “base camp” at the Lodge, we’ll take you to great meal in Travelers Rest.
Day 3 – 25 miles
Today we will ride from the doorstep of our Lodge, leaving behind the sounds of the city to ride through the countryside to historic Hagood Mill in Pickens County. While the mileage is low, the rolling terrain will be just challenging enough to be interesting… without over-taxing your legs before the big event tomorrow.
We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of Hagood Mill before returning to the lodge in the VGR Van. After clean up at the Lodge, we will visit Hincapie Sportswear in Greenville to check-in and collect our rider packets for the Gran Fondo.
We will have dinner in Greenville after picking up our packets, and retire early to prepare for an early start tomorrow.
Day 4 – Hincapie Gran Fondo
After breakfast at the Lodge, we will load up in the VGR Van with plenty of time to arrive at the start of the Hincapie Gran Fondo.
When you sign up for the Gran Fondo, you’ll choose which route you want to ride – most will ride the Medio (50 miles) which is challenging in its own right. Some will choose the massive Gran (80 miles, with significant climbs) while others will choose the Piccolo (15 mile). One of the great things about a Gran Fondo event is that there are usually three options – you get to choose!
(Of course you’re not required to ride in the Hincapie event at all… you’re welcome to come along in the VGR Van and cheer on your teammates)
Although this ride is very well-supported, you will see your VGR guides several times along the route, making it easy to shed or add layers or get a quick mechanical adjustment.
After celebrating your accomplishment at the Fondo’s Finish Party, we will transport you back to the Lodge for clean-up, perhaps a nap, and a well-earned celebratory dinner!
Day 5 – Departure
Breakfast will be served in the lodge at a reasonable hour allowing you to sleep-in after the big day.
Pack at your leisure, and make your way back to the “real” world taking with you great memories and the accomplishment not only of riding in the Gran Fondo, but of the beautiful countryside in the Upstate.
All VGR tours include support by the VGR luxury Sprinter van and trailer, with delicious and abundant food, iced drinks, and shade from the sun. Your bike never rides on top of a vehicle, but secure within our custom trailer. We carry spares, parts, and tools should there be a problem with your bike.
Unless otherwise stated, the cost of alcoholic beverages is not included in your tour package.
NOTE: Registration in the Hincapie Gran Fondo is not included and is your responsibility, since you will need to choose the length of your ride and any extras. Of course we can help you with this process.