Polar Bear Ride
Polar Bear Ride is a century-distance ride in Greensboro, NC, US, scheduled for December 31, 2026, covering roughly 59 miles.
About riding in North Carolina
North Carolina stretches from the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, with long climbs, through the rolling Piedmont to the flat coastal plain and Outer Banks. Wind matters on the coast, while elevation dominates in the west. Spring and fall are the peak seasons.
Estimated finish times
The route is about 59 miles. Here is the moving time at a steady average speed. It is a flat-ground baseline: climbing, wind, stops at aid stations and group riding all move the real number, so treat it as a starting range.
| Average speed | Moving time |
|---|---|
| 10 mph | 5h 54m |
| 12 mph | 4h 55m |
| 14 mph | 4h 13m |
| 16 mph | 3h 41m |
| 18 mph | 3h 17m |
Most recreational riders average 12–16 mph on rolling terrain in a group, and less on hilly routes.
Plan your ride
Paste the event's RideWithGPS route into the planner (many organizers publish one) to see your projected finish time, the headwind or tailwind you'll face, the temperature range, and how much to eat and drink. The ride date is pre-filled.
Open the Ride Planner · Gran fondo vs. sportive vs. century
Other events nearby
- Tour de Turns — August 21, 2027, Charlotte, NC, US (87 mi away)
- Spring Blue Ridge Mountains Cycling Camp — May 3, 2027, Bedford, VA, US (88 mi away)
- Blue Ridge Brutal — August 14, 2027, West Jefferson, NC, US (96 mi away)
- Boone Gran Fondo — August 8, 2027, Boone North, Carolina (106 mi away)
Listing sourced from granfondoguide; last verified 2026-10-12. Dates and details can change, so confirm with the organizer before you register or travel.