For some riders the timed sections will be the key to the Highlands Gran Fondo on Sunday, June 7.

Others, no doubt, will see the location of the start/finish line at High Point Brewery and the incorporation of a bottle opener into the finisher's medal as more important.

That seems appropriate for an event that is part of a series billing itself as not only the hardest road racing series in the nation, but also the most fun.

With 100 miles and 8,000 feet of climbing on the Gran Fondo course, the 500 riders, whichever camp they are in, are likely to need a carb-based recovery drink at the end of their days.

Highlands Gran Fondo 2015
"From the new start/finish line at High Point Brewing Company, to the new timed segment on a closed road inside High Point State Park, to the redesigned course taking full advantage of the Highlands region, the 2015 edition will deliver more fun per mile than any other area gran fondo event," stated GFNCS president Reuben Kline.

There is a Medio route of 60 miles and Piccolo Route of 35 miles as well as the full Gran Fondo. All routes have aid stations and SAG in attendance. The long route has four timed sections, the Medio two and the shortest option just the one.

The Routes of the Highlands Gran Fondo
Riders with the best combined times receive "Race Winner" jerseys for all Gran Route age group winners. There are cash purses and prizes for the overall winners and also awards and prizes for Medio and Piccolo winners.

The 7:30 start from Butler, NJ, means an early, but not awful, start for the portion of the 500 riders coming the 30 miles or so from New York City.

Granfondo.com will carry a full ride report after the event.

The Jersey.
The Highlands Gran Fondo is the northernmost outpost of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series, with events in Florida, Georgia, California, Colorado, North Carolina (Asheville and Boone) and Maryland as well.

The 8-race series, which began in 2012, culminates in the national championship in Frederick, Maryland,on September 20.  

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