First things first make sure to follow The Appalachian Journey on Facebook and Instagram. We will be sharing lots of content there to help inform and prepare all our participants over the next several months.
The Idea: The idea for The Journey comes from a fundamental wish to share our favorite riding experiences with our friends and with the world. Floyd County has tremendous dirt, primitive, and gravel road resources to allow riders to challenge themselves as much as they like. Floyd County; known as the "Center of the Universe," has a special vibe which we know will foster a unique cycling experience for all of us the weekend of The Journey.
The Format: We have chosen to launch The Journey as a partner format event. Call it a race if you'd like, call it an experience if you will. The event will be professionally timed and podiums will be held. Duo racing is more common as a mountain bike stage race format at events like the Cape Epic or The Pioneer where partners coordinate as a team to go faster, farther, and harder than they would be able to as solo riders. The Duo format requires partnership and communication and produces a tremendously enriching experience for both participants. This comes from our belief that the best rides happen with friends. Fast or slow its all about The Journey.
Riders in a team compete side by side together with times taken at each checkpoint to ensure riders stay within 5 minutes of each other. Time for the team is taken a the second rider to cross the finish line. Riders are often faster together than they would be independently if they work together. Partners are encouraged to assist each other by any "non-mechanical" means. This means pushing, pulling, "throws" or other partner format assistance is acceptable but tethers, ropes, or other "mechanical means" are not permitted.
The Journey will be 4 distances: 35, 70, 100, and 140 miles with each featuring around 100 feet/mile of elevation. This year we feature NEW courses which move South to cover fresh ground towards Rocky Knob and Buffalo Mountain, circumnavigating The Buffalo and returning using Blue Ridge Parkway features. Please Note: Distances are subject to change pending permitting and conditions.