Get ready to mark your calendars! Bike Doctor Frederick and Dirty Kitten Productions are thrilled to announce the return of the Grand Fondue, a premier cycling event set against the picturesque backdrop of Middletown, Maryland. Hosted at the scenic Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery on October 25, 2025, this event promises a day of challenging rides, camaraderie, and support for a worthy cause.
This isn’t just another bike ride; the Grand Fondue, presented by Bike Doctor Frederick, offers a unique blend of terrains designed to test and delight cyclists of all levels. From smooth pavement to rugged gravel and engaging dirt trails, the routes wind through the beautiful landscapes of Frederick County, MD, starting and ending at the welcoming Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery.
Experience Three Levels of Cycling Challenge
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist seeking a grueling test of endurance or a casual rider looking for a fun day out, the Bike Doctor Grand Fondue has a route for you:
- Grand Fondue (Approx. 100 miles, 10,000 ft elevation): For the ultimate challenge, tackle the Grand Fondue. This demanding route is designed for experienced riders ready to conquer a century ride with significant elevation gain across varied terrains. Prepare for an extremely challenging but rewarding day on the bike.
- Half Fondue (Approx. 50 miles, 5,500 ft elevation): A challenging yet achievable option, the Half Fondue offers a significant ride with a mix of terrains and elevation. Perfect for intermediate to advanced cyclists looking for a solid day’s adventure.
- Mini Fondue (Approx. 25 miles, 2,000 ft elevation): The Mini Fondue is a moderate route ideal for those newer to mixed-terrain riding or seeking a shorter, enjoyable experience. It still offers a taste of the Grand Fondue’s diverse landscapes without the extreme demands.
Important Note: Road bikes with narrow tires are not recommended for any of the routes due to the mixed-terrain nature of the event.
What’s Included in Your Grand Fondue Entry?
Your entry to the Bike Doctor Grand Fondue is more than just access to incredible routes. It’s a full day experience packed with value:
- Custom Designed Routes: Enjoy meticulously planned routes, complete with GPS files and cue sheets, ensuring a seamless and adventurous ride.
- Well-Stocked Aid Stations (Half & Grand Routes): For Half and Grand Fondue participants, refuel and refresh at aid stations stocked with essentials at Thorpewood Barn in Thurmont.
- Commemorative Event Glass & Drink: Celebrate your ride at the finish line with a custom event glass and one complimentary drink (for participants 21 and over), served at the beautiful Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery.
- Ride Snacks: Keep your energy levels up throughout your chosen route with provided ride snacks.
- Live Music: Relax and celebrate post-ride with live music at Orchid Cellar, creating a festive and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Prizes and Giveaways: Participate in various prize draws and giveaways, adding an element of fun and excitement to the event.
Registration Details and Start Times
Registration for the Bike Doctor Grand Fondue opens in August, with entry fees increasing on September 1st and October 1st. Register early to secure the best price!
- Grand Fondue: $40 (Early), $50 (Mid), $60 (Late) – Start Time: 8:00-9:00am
- Half Fondue: $35 (Early), $45 (Mid), $55 (Late) – Start Time: 9:00-10:00am
- Mini Fondue: $30 (Early), $35 (Mid), $40 (Late) – Start Time: 10:00-11:00am
Location: Orchid Cellar Meadery & Winery, 8546 Pete Wiles Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
Important Policies: Please note that there are no refunds, transfers, or deferments. No-show registrations will be donated to Heartly House.
Comprehensive Support and On-Site Amenities
Bike Doctor Frederick will be on-site providing pre-ride bike checks and support to ensure your bike is in top condition for the ride. In addition to cycling support, the event offers:
- Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of food options from on-site food trucks, or feel free to bring your own lunch to enjoy at the winery.
- Mead & Wine by Orchid Cellar: Quench your thirst with delicious mead and wine served by Orchid Cellar (no outside alcohol is permitted on the premises).
- Gear Swap: Participate in the gear swap! Bring your lightly used cycling gear, parts, and accessories to donate or swap with fellow cyclists. Leftover items will be donated to a local cycling non-profit.
- Medical Support: On the Trail First Aid will provide medical support, ensuring participant safety with Wilderness First Aid, Standard First Aid, and CPR/AED certified personnel.
Riding for a Cause: Benefiting Heartly House
The Bike Doctor Grand Fondue is more than just a cycling event; it’s an opportunity to support Heartly House, a non-profit organization in Frederick, MD. Heartly House provides crucial services, free of charge, to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child abuse. By participating, you directly contribute to community awareness programs and prevention education. Proceeds from the event are donated directly to Heartly House, and you can also make additional donations during registration.
Capture the Memories: Event Photos
Relive the excitement of the 2024 Grand Fondue and get a taste of what’s to come by viewing photos from the previous event HERE. These photos were generously donated by Sean de Luna (IG: @de.Luna.Shoots) to benefit Heartly House. If you enjoy the photos, consider making a direct donation to Heartly House HERE. When sharing photos on social media, please credit Sean de Luna and tag @dirtykittengravel and @bikedrfrederick with #GrandFondue24.
For any photo-related inquiries, you can contact Sean de Luna via email at [email protected].
Don’t Miss Out on the Bike Doctor Grand Fondue
The Bike Doctor Grand Fondue promises to be an unforgettable cycling experience. Save the date for October 25, 2025, and prepare for a day of challenging rides, beautiful scenery, and community spirit, all while supporting Heartly House. Register when it opens in August and be part of this fantastic event presented by Bike Doctor Frederick!
Contacts:
- Dirty Kitten Productions: Alex & Chris Howell ([email protected])
- Bike Doctor Frederick: ([email protected])
