2024 13th Annual Heartbreaker Cycling Invitational: 100% FREE Grass Roots Gravel

2024 marks the 13th running of the Heartbreaker Cycling Invitational, part of the 100% FREE, North Florida Freeride Gravel Series (NFFGS). This event is organized by JOM, founder of Gravel Cyclist, and is a ride event that traverses some of the most beautiful roads near Gainesville, Florida.

Featuring Live Oak canopies adorned with Spanish Moss, the course meanders across dirt, limerock, gravel, sandy spots, paved roads, and more. The Heartbreaker isn’t a race, and the ride welcomes riders of all abilities and speeds, to ride the course at a speed of their choosing.

North Florida Freeride Gravel Series (NFFGS) – https://www.facebook.com/norflafreeridegravelseries

13th Annual Heartbreaker Ride Experience Video

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A little Heartbreaker History

Originally started as a lark over ten years ago, the ride was named as a homage to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (RIP Tom) who began their musical careers in Gainesville, Florida. Technically, the original Tom Petty band was Mudcrutch (we have another event dedicated to that band name) but either way, thought the Heartbreaker name lent itself well to my idea of a fun and challenging mixed-surface ride.

The ride has seen various formats since its foundation; charity ride hosted at a brewery, charity ride hosted at a cafe, and a ride starting and ending at a gas / petrol station. The ride always rolls out of town at conversational pace, and later, back into town once everyone has regrouped at the designated “finish” point of the ride. The Heartbreaker pioneered the fun all together rollout concept at the first edition, long before the big-name gravel events and “influencers” came along claiming they are revolutionaries of inclusive group rides.. The Heartbreaker sometimes features a designated Selfie Stop, and the long-established Beervagen (free beers at the “finish” for all).