Start date: 04/01/2023
Activities: Gravel grinder, 110 miles, 65 miles, 36 miles
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 puhsing, pulling, "throws" or other partner format assistance is acceptable but tethers, ropes, or other "mechanical means" are not permitted.
The Journey will be 3 distances: 35, 65, and 110 miles with each featuring around 100 feet/mile of elevation. Both the longer distances will have two "long" climbs with most of the elevation coming in small ascents.
Each distance will have fully supported aid stations and medical along the route. We dont want a bonk or a bruise to get in the way of your Journey.
A note on finishing distances - Say you bit off more than you can chew. If you choose to finish a shorter distance despite being registered for a longer doggie then you can choose to complete a shorter distance and will be scored in the "non-competetive" category with posted time.
The Scene: Our race HQ for the weekend will be Floyd Family Campground.Camping is available at Floyd Family Campground with fresh water, bathrooms, showers and all the fixing of a great weekend (RV Hookups available). There are many Air BNB or traditional lodging options very close to the venue as well. We will host packet pickup Friday night the 1st at the world famous Floyd Co Jamboree where youll be treated to a special Bluegrass experience.
We know things happen. Refunds issued up to 30 days prior to the event, Vouchers for another the following year's Journey or The Appalachian Mountaineer will be given after 30 days. Riders can adjust distances or edit entries online however no changes can be made less than 72 hours out. If you are in a pickle 72 hours out, drop us a line, we promise youll get to play bikes.
We promise a tremendous weekend of Appalachian hospitality and culture paired up with some of the best riding riders will do all year.
The Appalachian Journey Team
If you've made it this far we are especially stoked to see you in April. Till then, check out all of our amazing event sponsors:
CarboRocket Endurance Fuel
Nittany Mountain Works
Starlight Apparel/ The Black Bibs
AND MORE!
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