Tour of Richmond: A Sequel!

RIchmond's Gran Fondo aka Tour of Richmond has been going on for quite a few years. It is a cycle race that occurs annually and has several different options depending on experience level. You can do a 29, 59, 79, or 101 mile race!

This year we were set to start and finish our race at the Raceway Complex where several Nascar races occur. My boyfriend, Will, and I decided to enter into the 59 mile race. The previous year I made the mistake of doing the entire race on a mountain bike. Due to the tires gripping the road more my legs felt like they were falling off halfway through the race and by the end of it I wasn't sure I still had legs at all, but I had an absolute blast.

That's exactly why I wanted to do it again and even convinced my boyfriend to do it with me. This year we were smart and bought road bikes, which was a fantastic decision that my legs greatly appreciated. Here's a breakdown of how the race went for both of us.

Mile 1: Holy crap I'm excited! Are you excited babe? Yeah? Sweet I'm already passing people.

Mile 3: Is that a UNICYCLE? That person has balls of steel. Those hills are massive...I hope they don't die.

Mile 5: Feeling pretty great. Hey everyone! Looking good! We've got this!

Mile 10: I feel pretty good. Yes! A pit stop. Time to fuel up.

Mile 15: Still feeling good. Just humming along and enjoying the scenery

Mile 20: Phew these hills just keep on coming don't they? I'm glad they had a lot of food at this rest stop. Hey babe, let's sit here a few minutes.

Mile 25: HOLY CRAP I HATE YOU WIND. Why is the wind coming straight at us at 25mph? Yes I looked up the wind gust rate. I feel like my legs are made of jello and the wind is my worst enemy.

Mile 30: If I could murder wind I would go postal right now. Legs? What legs? This added resistance is insane. WHY is there a huge hill right here? Isn't the wind enough?

Mile 31: Remember, I wanted to do this. I wanted to do this. This is fun. This is fun. This is ...

Mile 35: Dear lord where is the REST STOP. Babe did we somehow pass it? Is this a cruel joke? Have my legs fallen off? Why didn't we pack snacks? Maybe the stop is around this corner?

Mile 36: Maybe the rest area is just up this hill?

Mile 37: Whoever designed this course is evil.

Mile 38: I love biking. I love biking. This is fun. (Said through gritted teeth)

Mile 39: I can do this. I can do this. Hey fellow biker and fellow comrade in fitness and leg numbness. WE CAN DO THIS. Any idea where the rest area is?

Mile 40: HALLELUJAH! Rest area. La la la la di dah rest area. Let's eat. And sit. Sitting it great. Ow my butt is sore. Oh well I asked for it. Maybe we should ride standing up? No my legs wouldn't like that either. YUM sustenance! Man I feel much better. We are so close! Let's pack snacks because....let's not forget what happened last time.

Mile 45: Cruising along, enjoying the adventure and scenery.

Mile 46: Did a 70 year old man just pass me like I was standing still? Yep. Maybe I should kick it up a notch.

Mile 50: ALMOST THERE. I can feel it in my bones!...minus the ones in my legs.

Mile 52: Any minute now.

Mile 54: Everyone let's get excited! We have come so far!

Mile 57: WOW they really had to put the biggest hill of all right at the very end at the entrance to the finisher's lap. Jerks.

Mile 57.5: That wasn't as bad as I thought. Okay I can see the raceway complex! Getting PUMPED

Finisher's lap: HECK YES WE DID IT! Oh hey smile for the camera! We did it! We did it!


In a nutshell, the race is physically and mentally challenging no matter which stage you do. Always, always, always prepare for all aspects and bring lots of water and snacks. This is such a well-planned event and I've never had anything, but great things to say about it. I can't wait to do it next year!

As a side note they have road support, medics on standby, DELICIOUS meals for everyone at the end (for free), quality medals, fun t-shirts that you will actually want to wear, maintenance crews for your bikes at the beginning and end, and booths that sell fun race items. There was even a band at the end! I highly, HIGHLY recommend this race.