On Sunday May 15th, A group of C4 riders will be riding Mt Mitchell.  This will be the second year we have gone, and this year we hope that more of you will try to attend.  This is a challenging ride from Marion to the top of Mt Mitchell, and back.  The distance will be approx 56 miles.  28 up, 28 down.  The ride back down is absolutely the most fun you will have on a bike and the longest descent possible on this side of the country. This ride is the day before the famed Assault on Mt Mitchel..The kicker is, they don't get to ride back down!

I would encourage anyone to try this ride.  We have had two volunteers to SAG for us this year so no need to worry about running out of fluids, or having problems making it all the way to the top.  So far we have 6-8 planning on going. 

As the day gets closer we will update on a starting/ending location for the ride and more details about times and travel.  We have a discussion started on the forums already so chime in and let us know if you are interested! 


Summary of the ride:
Starting from Marion, NC, the ride winds up Route 80 past Lake Tahoma, where the grade kicks up in a hurry. Route 80 switchbacks almost constantly, and the last 4 miles up to the Blue Ridge Parkway average an unrelenting 8 to 10 percent. Atop the Parkway, the ride sandwiches two climbing stretches with a 2-mile descent as it passes numerous scenic overlooks, tunnels, as well as droves of summer wildflowers and butterflies.

The final approach to the Mount Mitchell summit (the highest point east of the Mississippi) is a stiff, steady, and brutally straightforward climb. Savor the accomplishment and the 360-degree views at the top. The ride back down is steep and fast, but having previewed the descent on the way up, there shouldn’t be too many surprises.