3 cycling, gran fondo, hill climb, and other events in Helen, Georgia

** Event T-shirts are only guaranteed if you register for the early bird special, by 1/3/2027, availability for those who registered after will be on a first come first serve basis at package pick up race day!**

This 48th annual event features an 18K run known as one of the toughest races in Georgia and the South...maybe in North America!

Event details and schedule

PLEASE NOTE* Registration will be at the pavilion on the north side of Riverside Park (across the street from Big Daddy’s), in the event of inclement weather, registration may be moved the Helen FestHalle.

Besides the 18K run that starts at 10:00 a.m. there is also a 5K loop race that will begin at the Festhalle in downtown Helen at 8:00 a.m. Other features of the races are: 1) baggage check-in for those in the 18K that want some warm clothes at the finish atop Hogpen Gap and 2) a quality race event shirt. No personal vehicles are allowed at he finish line area.

All proceeds of the races go to fund operating expenses (i.e. building houses) for the Northeast Georgia Habitat for Humanity.

Fees: 5K - $30 early, $35 regular, $20 students...18K - $60 early, $65 regular, $40 students...Combo (run 5K and 18K) - $80 early, $85 regular, $55 students.

DETAILS HERE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

For most up to date details, visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia

TOUR OF GEORGIA GRAN FONDO

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KEY INFORMATION

Helen, GA

Sunday, April 19 , 2026

Click here to save to your google calendar

Event Open to All from Beginner to Elite

3 Loops to Choose From

Gran & Medio riders start at 8am; Piccolo riders start at 10am

4 Timed Sections in the Gran Route – Best Combined Time Wins

Complete event details available at https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia

Age Group Categories

No racing license required

We reserve the right to combine fields.

Super Prizes!

Custom “Race Winner” kit From SUAREZ for all Gran Route age group winners

Awards for Gran, Medio, and Piccolo age-group podiums

Great Finish-Line Party

Post Ride Meal Included

Congratulatory Finisher Beer

Huge Prize Raffle

All riders are eligible to win incredible prizes from Gran Fondo National Series sponsors!

Course Maps

https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/georgia-maps

U23 Made Possible By Shimano

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned SENA Gran Fondo National Series events including Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and entrants are verified by their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.

Packet Pick up / Check-in / Bike Expo

(Watch for updated Information on these dates and locations the below is from 2025 but will likely be the same)

Pick up on Friday to avoid the morning rush

Friday from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at City of Helen Riverside Park - 812 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545!

Saturday from 6:00 AM up until 30 mins prior to your start time 807 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545 (Race Start/Finish).

What does the price of your entry include?

• Traffic control

• Fully stocked aid stations with energy product and food

• Four timed sections (requires over $100,000 in timing equipment)

• Goody-bag with various swag items

• Finisher gift for all Gran Route Finishers

• Awards for age-group placement

• Chance to win and Prizes for placement

• Chance to win raffle prizes

• The enjoyment of riding an amazing cycling route

2026 Course Description:

Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. After rolling out of Helen the route hits the first timed segment at mile 2.5, where any riders with intentions of an overall podium finish will need to put their cards on the table from the start. The first time section immediately enters the mountainous area made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Brasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer to win the event. As riders tackle this timed section they cover over 7 miles and climb 1500ft to the top of Unicoi Gap. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent. Enjoy the vistas of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the descent before turning left and climbing up and over Jack’s Gap.

A left turn on Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 2nd timed section, Hogpen gap. Within 6.5 miles and another 1500ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3469ft with ramps of 12%. The views at the top of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. Check your speed and be careful on the descent as there are many sharp turns. Enjoy the ride through the forest knowing that the hardest riding is behind you.

After tackling the two biggest climbs of the day riders will head east from Helen through Unicoi State Park. The route then hits the 3rd timed section at mile 46, comprised of rolling terrain for a 4 mile section. Riders then get to enjoy a non-timed section of the route for the next 30 miles as the route explore the area round Lake Burton and Seed Lake. Be sure to save a bit of energy for the final time section, it only last just over 2 miles but at over 80 miles in to the day you'll need to find some go go power.

The route finishes back into the landmark town of Helen where, in 1969, local business owners collaborated to create what is now called “Bavaria in the Appalachians.” Just outside of Helen on the route is the Nacoochee Indian Mound, the center of the ancient Cherokee town of Gauxule, visited by Desoto in his search for gold. Be sure to plan to stick around for beers, food and music served up at the finish line.

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