The Appalachian Journey

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 149 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.

NEW distance, the County Traverse. This distance is limited to qualified teams who have what it takes to complete this unsupported gravel adventure. Lights and self-reliance required. There are multiple opportunities for resupply on course. This route circumnavigates Floyd County using majority dirt roads and unique features we couldnt get to without this length of route. Category is closed but wait list is opened. Register using the wait list and we will reach out to approve your participation in The County Traverse.

Each distance will have fully supported aid stations and medical along the route. We don't 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-competitive" category with posted time. 

Courses: You'll find the courses all here: 
The Long Doggie 
The Middle Distance
The Shortcake 
The County Traverse

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 you'll 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 you'll 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

Weekend Schedule:

Friday:

2PM: Cupping and coffee tasting at Red Rooster Roasters (RSVP)

2:30PM: The Black Bibs Pre-Ride; hour loop from race venue

4:00-7:30  PM Checking Across from the Floyd Country Store 

4:30-6PM: HandUp Gloves Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament!!!

Saturday:

5:30 AM tentative County Traverse riders take off, lights required!

6:00-7:00 AM 110 Check-in At Floyd Family Campground

7:30 AM Long Doggies depart 

8:00-9:00AM 65/35 Check-in

9:30AM and 10:30AM Middle Distance and Shorties depart respectively

Noon-7PM: Lunch by Plenty! begins down the hill from the Finish Line

Noon: Chamois Butt'r S'Mores Station opens at race HQ!

Sunday:

8:30 AM Recovery Ride presented by Chamois Butt'r

Our Friends:
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

Otter Box

Squirt Lube

Starlight Apparel/ The Black Bibs

Red Rooster Coffee Roasters

Maxxis Tires

HandUp Gloves

Chamois Butt'r 

Cardinal Bicycle

Visit Floyd

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

AND MORE!