Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo 2026

The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo 2026 returns to Oxford, Mississippi on August 8th. Clean-up work from the historic ice storm last winter is nearly complete, setting a fresh stage for this year's event. The ride will start at 7:00am in the Trade Park, located at 328 Old Sardis Rd.
The atmosphere around the mTrade park on race morning promises to be invigorating and warm with temperatures averaging between 21.8°C to 32.3°C, feeling much like a comfortable summer day despite the high humidity levels of 70.1%. The trail conditions will be hard and dry, making for excellent cycling conditions.
This year marks the seventh edition of the Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo, which has grown in popularity over its history, attracting participants from across North Mississippi. Proceeds benefit both the North Mississippi Gnarmadillos Composite MTB Team and ongoing maintenance projects such as the Tanglefoot Trail during the Tour de Bodock Bicycle Ride.
The course offers three distinct routes: a 22 miles route covering 35.4K for those seeking a challenging adventure, a 46 miles route stretching to 74K for serious cyclists, and the VDGF Metric Century for those looking to complete an impressive 100K. Each of these distances will be marked clearly along the way.
For registration, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/122466/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2026 before August 8th at 6:00am Central Time to secure your T-shirt and goodies. Packet pick-up will be held in the Pavilion at the mTrade Park, where you can also find information on lodging and dining options.
The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo 2026 is a celebration of cycling and community, offering routes that traverse some of Oxford's most scenic roads while supporting local teams and projects. This event is worth attending for those who appreciate the thrill of open-road cycling in a supportive environment.