The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo 2026 returns to Oxford, Mississippi on August 8th. Clean-up work from the historic ice storm last winter is nearly complete, setting a fresh stage for this year's event. The ride will start at 7:00am in the Trade Park, located at 328 Old Sardis Rd.
22 Miles Route 35.4K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $28.79
46 Miles Route 74K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $56.33
VDGF Metric Century Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $56.33
The atmosphere around the mTrade park on race morning promises to be invigorating and warm with temperatures averaging between 21.8°C to 32.3°C, feeling much like a comfortable summer day despite the high humidity levels of 70.1%. The trail conditions will be hard and dry, making for excellent cycling conditions. This year marks the seventh edition of the Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo, which has grown in popularity over its history, attracting participants from across North Mississippi. Proceeds benefit both the North Mississippi Gnarmadillos Composite MTB Team and ongoing maintenance projects such as the Tanglefoot Trail during the Tour de Bodock Bicycle Ride. The course offers three distinct routes: a 22 miles route covering 35.4K for those seeking a challenging adventure, a 46 miles route stretching to 74K for serious cyclists, and the VDGF Metric Century for those looking to complete an impressive 100K. Each of these distances will be marked clearly along the way. For registration, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/122466/velvet-ditch-gran-fondo-2026 before August 8th at 6:00am Central Time to secure your T-shirt and goodies. Packet pick-up will be held in the Pavilion at the mTrade Park, where you can also find information on lodging and dining options. The Velvet Ditch Gran Fondo 2026 is a celebration of cycling and community, offering routes that traverse some of Oxford's most scenic roads while supporting local teams and projects. This event is worth attending for those who appreciate the thrill of open-road cycling in a supportive environment.
Races Offered
22 Miles Route
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
35.4K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
07:00
sell
$28.79
46 Miles Route
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
74K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
07:00
sell
$56.33
VDGF Metric Century
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
107K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
07:00
sell
$56.33
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Oxford.
thermostatTemperature
21.8° / 32.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
23.7° / 34.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 24m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.5 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
8.1 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Very high
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
70.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:19
nightlight
Sunset
19:43
About Oxford
Learn more about the host city, Oxford.
Oxford is a historic, picturesque town in North Central Mississippi. With its scenic town square, acclaimed restaurants, unique boutiques, oak-shaded neighborhoods, and friendly people, Oxford is the model Southern town. Named after Oxford, England, in hopes of attracting a university, the town was selected as the home of the University of Mississippi in 1848, which dominates life here today.