North Mississippi’s Premier Cycling Event
Oxford, MS
Saturday
August 8th, 2026
The wait is over. Oxford MS has experienced the historic ice storm last Winter. Clean-up work for the streets is coming to an end. We welcome you back to the 2026 Velvet Ditch Grand Fondo cycling event. This year we have moved the date to August 8th and thank you to the Lafayette County and city of Oxford, we have a new road riding out this year. It will be a less hilly start.
The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo is a non-competitive bicycle ride, meaning there will be no awards for fastest times. The ride will take place on open roads, so rider discretion is advised.
As long as you want to pedal, all bikes are welcome: Big Box Bikes, Commuter bikes, E-bikes, Gravel bikes, Mountain bikes, Recumbent bikes, Road bikes, Tandem bikes, etc.
What are new this year
Starting time: 7:00am to start for the Summer temperature
Start/Finish location: The concession stand of the mTrade park at 328 Old Sardis Rd, Oxford, MS 38655
Routes: All routes have updated due to new start/finish location
Packet pick up location: The pavilion at the mTrade Park
Pricing: Simplified and more affordable
2026 VDGF Merchandise
The 2026 VDGF jersey is available in the event store. It can be purchased during registration or after the registration.
Fundraising
Proceeds of this ride will support the North Mississippi Gnarmadillos Composite MTB Team. This team is made up of middle and high school mountain bikers from the Oxford and North Mississippi area. More information about the team can be found on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NorthMSGnarmadillos/. You can support the team by making a donation at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/122466/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2026/fundraising-organization/91963
A check will also be donated toward the on-going maintenance of the Tanglefoot Trail during the Tour de Bodock Bicycle Ride.
The Yalobusha Greenways Alliance (YGA) is working to build a connected, bikeable, walkable pedestrian trail that spans from Water Valley to Oxford to the north, Coffeeville to the south, and beyond. You can support this project by making a donation at https://www.yalobushagreenways.org/donate
Lodging and Dining
Check out Visit Oxford’s website for lodging, dining, and other attractions around town: https://visitoxfordms.com
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Online registration closes at 6:00AM on August 8th Central Time.
Registration includes an event T-shirt, a pair of socks, and some goodies from our sponsors. Don't forget to register early to guarantee T-shirt size.
Packet Pick-up
Location: The Pavilion at the mTrade Park
Time:
Friday, August 7th (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Saturday, August 8th (5:30 AM - 6:30 AM)
Age Restriction
SAVE JUST ONE
Every Step Can Save a Life
Suicide Awareness 5K Run/Walk
Join us for the SAVE JUST ONE Suicide Awareness 5K Run/Walk, a community event dedicated to raising awareness, promoting hope, and supporting suicide prevention.
This event welcomes suicide loss survivors, individuals with lived experience, family members, friends, mental health professionals, healthcare professionals, first responders, community partners, and anyone committed to making a difference.
Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind those who are struggling that help is available and hope is real. Every step you take helps spread the message that one conversation, one act of kindness, and one connection can help Save Just One.
Join us. Walk. Run. Remember. Hope
Get ready to sparkle, Memphis!
The empowering all-women's Half Marathon & 5K, Go Girl Run, is coming to your city on October 10th, 2026. Join us for a day of glitz, glam, and incredible accomplishments as we celebrate women's health and fitness.
Whether you're aiming for a personal best or enjoying a fun run with your besties, you'll cross the finish line with a custom race shirt, a dazzling finisher medal, and a celebratory Go Girl Run smoothie + glass! It's more than a race; it's a party where every step celebrates YOU!
Tour de Bodock Bicycle Rides
Benefitting the Beautiful Tanglefoot Trail!
Event: Enjoy the beautiful Tanglefoot Trail® and experience the scenic woods and countryside of North Mississippi. New date - October weather should be cooler! Also, neither Mississippi State or Ole Miss has a home football game on October 10th.
Distances and description: Metric Century (100k, 62 miles), Half Metric Century (50k, 31 miles), 20 miles, and 10k (6.2 miles) - something for everyone! The Metric Century and Half Metric Century will once again offer two different courses - one that is mostly flat with gentle slopes and one with several challenging hills. Have it your way - hills or no hills! All courses are well marked and patrolled by volunteers to assist with any needs that may arise. The courses will also have aid stations stocked with water and snacks. All riders must wear a helmet.