THE SWAMP FOX GRAVEL FONDO
The Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo presented by Lauf will take place on the gravel roads in and around the Francis Marion National Forest just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.
The forest is named for the revolutionary war hero Francis Marion, who was known to the British as the Swamp Fox. He used these swamps, creeks and forest areas to ambush and hide from the British and was depicted in the movie “The Patriot”.
The SFGF is a minimally supported gravel fondo with routes of 27, 50, and 100 miles. There will be a minimum of one aid station for the 50 mile and 100 mile options. Riders should be prepared to fix anything that may come their way (flats, mechanicals, etc). The forest is remote and cell phone reception is not guaranteed. Please plan accordingly.
Post race food (included) will be provided. Custom SFGF 100% cotton event T-shirt is included in your registration.
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The event is promoted by Mt. Pleasant Velo Events, LLC.
OUR SPONSORS
Event Notes and Information
The Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo (SFGF) will take place on the gravel roads in and around the Francis Marion National Forest just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.
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There will be a minimum of one aid station along the course (at mile 25 and at mile 65). Riders should be prepared to fix anything that may come their way (flats, mechanicals, etc). The forest is remote and cell phone reception is not guaranteed. Please plan accordingly. Post race food (included) will be provided by Backdraft BBQ. Custom SFGF 100% cotton event T-shirt is included in your registration (must register by February 14th to be guaranteed a T-shirt).
Event Schedule:
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Friday, March 5, 2021
Packet pickup will be available from 3-7:00pm at Two Blokes Brewing. Come join us at the brewery for early number pickup and a few beers!
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Moultrie Militia Gravel Raid (MMGR) - we will be at the start location beginning at 10:15pm. All riders must arrive and check-in no later than 10:45pm. The MMGR departs at 11:00pm.
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Saturday, March 6, 2021
7:00am: Day-of packet pickup begins. There will be no "day-of" registration.
8:00am: The 100-mile Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo starts.
9:00am: The Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo starts (for all other routes).
This is a timed event. Podiums for the top three finishers in each category will be held immediately following the Fondo.
10:30am: Food Vendors will be on site ready to serve post-ride food! All riders are encouraged to hangout in the finish area and share their stories of #gravelfreedom
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GPS Routes - will be made available no sooner than 2-weeks prior to the event
(do not use cue sheets provided by Ride with GPS - we will have cues available at registration (applicable to SFGF only)):
100 Mile Route
50 Mile Route
27 Mile Route
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A minimum of one stocked aid station (mile 25) will be available along the 50 and 100-mile courses. If the course allows for an additional aid station, an additional aid station may be provided (mile 65). To say this area is remote is an understatement. Be prepared to be self-sufficient and bring with you what you think you may need for before, during, and after the race.
Cutoff Times:
MMGR - Riders must complete the course in 17 hours.
100 Mile Ride - Riders must reach the mid-point at 4 hours must complete the course within 8 hours.
50 Mile Ride - Riders must complete the 50 miles course within 5 hours.
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Start Location for all events:
Corner of Eccles Church and Steed Creek Road, Huger, SC 29540
Park only in designated areas and avoid low-lying areas as you will get your vehicle stuck. This is private (borrowed) property. Please respect the owner's land.
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Categories: (for all events)
Men Open Men Open 40+ Men Open 50+ Women Open
Registration:
Online Registration ends Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
There will be no "day-of" registration (if sold out).
Early number and packet pickup will be available from 3-7:00pm at Two Blokes Brewing. Please join us for pre-Fondo beers!
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Camping:
Preferred Location:
Nature Adventures Outfitters (21 miles from start)
Camping Communal Cabins
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KOA Kampground (23 miles from start)
3157 Highway 17 North
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
843.849.5177
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Primitive Camping
Contact the Francis Marion National Forest
843.336.2200
Lodging:
Wyndham Garden Inn Mount Pleasant
1330 Stuart Engals Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843.352.5100
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Awards:
Custom Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo Finisher Awards will be given to all finishers. The top 3 finishers of each category will be recognized with on the podium following the event.
Rules and General Information:
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Helmets MUST be worn and fastened at all times while on the bike.
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The course and all roads are open to traffic. ALL racers MUST obey all rules of the road along the course, at intersections and road crossings. Racers should yield to all traffic and should stop at all road crossings where traffic is present. There will be several highway and road crossings with heavy car and truck traffic. There may be an area of the course where the racers will share the road with car and truck traffic. Please keep to the right and ride single file except where passing. Following the rules of the road is for your own safety.
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Traffic in the National Forest includes horses. Horseback riders have the right of way on trails. Please ask the rider what to do if you encounter a horse on the trail.
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Though there will be at least one aid station on the course. Riders should carry with them what they need including tools, parts and nutrition.
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Course cue sheets will be distributed to all riders at packet pickup and the course download will be available for navigation systems. Additional cue sheets will be available at the start-finish area and at the mid-point aid station. The courses will be marked but the racers/rider should not solely rely on these markings.
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Cyclocross, Gravel Grind, Mountain and Road bikes will be allowed and can be used. The best choice would be a cyclocross or gravel bike. A minimum of 28c wide tires with tread is recommended.
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Please let the staff know if you leave the race. We want to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for at the end of the day.
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Absolutely no littering on the course. Littering on course will result in disqualification. It is vital we leave the forest as we found it.
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Mount Pleasant Velo Events, LLC Event Refund/Credit Policy:
Mount Pleasant Velo Events, LLC does not provide refunds for event entry fees or extras ordered during the registration process (ie: hats, shirts, tickets, etc.).
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Event credits, valid toward other Mount Pleasant Velo events, may be issued up to two (2) weeks prior to the registered event in cases of unforeseen circumstances where event insurance is not available. In these cases, the participant must notify Mount Pleasant Velo Events, LLC.
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NO​ refunds or credits will be issued for event registrations or other extras within two (2) weeks of the event or post event.
Questions: E-mail: racedirector@mtpleasantvelo.org
Facebook: Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo
The Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo is held under a special use permit issued by the Francis Marion National Forest.