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THE SWAMP FOX GRAVEL FONDO

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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

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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 two aid stations along the course (at mile 25 and at mile 72).  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 Empanada Cuisines!.  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 14, 2025

9:00 AM - Course preview ride!  21 miles, chill pace.  Route here.  Leaves from the corner of Steed Creek and Eccles Church Roads (same as SFGF start location).

3-6:30 PM - Early packet pickup at Commonhouse Aleworks.  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 10:00 PM.  All riders must arrive and check-in no later than 10:30 PM.  The MMGR departs at 11:00 PM.  Live tracking hosted by Follow My Challenge USA!

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Saturday, March 15, 2025

6:30 AM:  Day-of packet pickup begins.  There will be no "day-of" registration.

 

8 AM - Mens/Womens 100-mile Open
8:10 AM - Womens/Mens 40+ and Mens 50+ 100-mile

9 AM - Mens/Womens 50-mile Open
9:10 AM - Womens/Mens 40+ and Mens 50+ 50-mile

9:30 AM - 27-mile route departs

 

This is a timed event.  Podiums for the top three finishers in each category will be held immediately following the Fondo.

 

10:30 AM - Empanada Cuisines and Roe Roe's Filipino Food trucks 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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Results

Live results and Full event results can be found on our Webscorer page.

 

Sunday, March 16, 2025

9 AM - Post Swamp Fox Dirt Church presented by the Trek Bicycle Store of Mt. Pleasant!  Come join us post-event social ride and swap stories of #gravelfreedom.  "B" and "C" groups available.  Post ride beverages are BYOB.  Meet at the Witherbee Ranger Station.

 

Course Information (released two weeks prior to the event)

MMGR Course

100-mile Course

50-mile Course

27 mile Course

  • The courses (except MMGR) will be uniquely marked with colored stakes, but the racers/rider should not solely rely on these markings.  A stake will precede and follow each turn on course, and will be on the side of the road corresponding to the direction you will turn.

  • The course and all roads are open to traffic. ALL riders MUST obey all rules of the road along the course, at intersections and road/rail 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.  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.  

  • If you have an emergency on course, call 911 or local EMS (number will be on your number plate).  For non-emergencies, you may contact the event director (number also available on the course cue sheet).  There is no SAG wagon to pick you up.  If you leave the course, we may not be able to find you.

 

Cutoff Times:

MMGR - Riders must complete the course in 16 hours.

100 Mile Ride - Riders must reach the aid station within 5 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 (shown) 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)
Womens Open, 40+, Men Open, 40+, 50+ 

            

Registration:
Online Registration ends when we reach capacity (est. 350 particpants)
There will be no "day-of" registration.

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Camping:

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:
Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo Finisher Awards will be given to all finishers.  The top 3 finishers of each category will be recognized on the podium following the event.  

 

Rules and General Information:

  • Helmets MUST be worn and fastened at all times while on the bike.

  • Please respect the property owner's land and park only in designated spaces and no where else.  You will get stuck in other areas.

  • 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.  All aid station snacks are packaged only.  Riders must sanitize their hands before filling their bottles.  

  • Cyclocross, Gravel, 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.  

  • There is NO SAG.  Please let the staff know if you leave the ride.  We want to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for at the end of the day.

  • 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.

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Questions:        E-mail:  racedirector@mtpleasantvelo.org
Facebook:        Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo

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The Swamp Fox Gravel Fondo is held under a special use permit issued by the Francis Marion National Forest.

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