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Date:
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Location:
712 Catawba River Road
McDowell County, North Carolina
28762
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
mcdowelltrails.org Register at raceroster.com
Tags:
100k 50k Cycling Gravel Road Trail

Ride for Old Fort: Pedal for Progress

Old Fort, NC, is a town defined by its trail-blazing spirit and its love of the outdoors. In a place where recreation and shared spaces have always brought people together, the loss from Hurricane Helene has been deeply felt.

Now, we have a chance to rebuild—not just what was lost, but what Old Fort deserves. This cycling event is more than a ride; it’s a promise. A promise to restore hope, to build recreational opportunities for families and visitors, and to support a community determined to rise stronger than before.

When you register, you’re not just signing up for a ride through one of North Carolina’s most beautiful landscapes—you’re helping create new places for kids to play, families to gather, and neighbors to reconnect. Every mile you pedal becomes an investment in Old Fort’s future.

Join us. Ride with purpose. Ride for Old Fort. Let’s rebuild joy, together.


McDowell Trails Association invites you to experience the 5th Edition of the Rock n Roller, a bike ride that showcases what makes McDowell County a cycling destination. You experience the scenic beauty of the mountains, rivers, and foliage. This early spring ride serves as an excellent training ride to set the tone for the remainder of the 2026 cycling season.

For 2026, the 5th Edition includes country roads and plenty of rolling hills. We have added a gravel option for 2026.

  • The Hard Rock. Approximately 60 miles with 4,300 feet of climbing (4 SAGs).
  • The Hard Rock Rock n Roller 5th Edition
  • The Soft Rock. Approximately 35 miles with nearly 2,300 feet of climbing (2 SAG).
  • The Soft Rock Rock n Roller 5th Edition
  • The Alternative Rock (Gravel Ride). Approximately 30 miles with 2,300 feet of climbing.
  • The Alternative Rock Rock n Roller 5th Edition

The Hard Rock route and the Alternative Rock route are great training rides for any future events.

You will receive a tee shirt commemorating the event for those registered by April 1. You will need to select your size as part of registration.

The funds raised by the Rock n Roller will be used by the McDowell Trails Association to help create recreational opportunities in Old Fort.

More cycling events nearby

  • JCC Falafel 5K and Splash+Dash 2026 [jcc-asheville.org] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM

    Description

    Run the JCC's Falafel 5K or Participate in the "Splash+Dash"!

    Date: Sunday, April 26th, 2026

    Location: 40 Clyde Street (field next to JCC Pool)

    Online registration is open!

    Splash portion starts at...

    Run the JCC's Falafel 5K or Participate in the "Splash+Dash"!

    Date: Sunday, April 26th, 2026

    Location: 40 Clyde Street (field next to JCC Pool)

    Online registration is open!

    Splash portion starts at 7:00am at the JCC Pool

    1k Kids' run starts at 8:00am at the pavilion

    5k run starts at 8:30am at the pavilion


    Falafel 5K

    • Proceeds support the JCC's programs and lifelong learning opportunities.

    • Run our official course and compete for prizes OR run your own course in the Virtual 5K.

    • Virtual 5K participants can run a course of their choosing, log their time on the JCC website, and submit.

    Prizes for:

    • Top 3 overall (men & women)

    • First place stroller runners (men & women)

    • First place dog/human teams (men & women)

    • First place in each 10-year age group (men & women)


    Splash + Dash

    • 3rd annual event! Limited spots available.

    • Choose between a 200-yard (short) or 800-yard (long) swim, then head straight to the Falafel 5K Dash.

    • We’ll track your swim & run times, but transition time won't count.


    Youth 1K Run

    A fun, exciting event for young runners!


    Extras & Perks

    • Each participant gets a FREE falafel sandwich from Smokee's Pizza

    • We will have Runaway Café on site selling coffee and baked goods starting at 6:45am. https://www.facebook.com/p/Runaway-Caf%C3%A9-61562229271533/

    • Participants are invited to a private pool party following the race at the AJCC Aquatics Center.

    • One aid station will be available just after the first mile.

    Come out, enjoy the beautiful spring weather while supporting the Asheville JCC! 🌞

    32.1 km
    40 Clyde Street, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1k 5k Duathlon Run Swim Track Virtual

  • Bark & Bolt [idaph.net] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    Ready, Set… WOOF! 🐾

    Join us at Patton Park on Saturday, August 1 for the 4th Annual Bark & Bolt Races, presented by Hunter Subaru, in Hendersonville.

    This family and pup-friendly morning celebration...

    Ready, Set… WOOF! 🐾

    Join us at Patton Park on Saturday, August 1 for the 4th Annual Bark & Bolt Races, presented by Hunter Subaru, in Hendersonville.

    This family and pup-friendly morning celebration features something for everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike.

    Choose from the Bark & Bolt 5K or One Mile, and have the option to join in the crowd-favorite 100-Meter Paw Pursuit. New for 2026, all registered participants will earn a Bark & Bolt finisher medal, making this year’s event extra special!

    After the races, stick around for the Top Dog Contest and Bark in the Park Dog Fair, featuring local, pet-friendly vendors and community partners.

    We’re proud to partner with Blue Ridge Humane Society, helping support rescue efforts and connect more pups with loving homes.

    New & Noteworthy for 2026

    • New! Official Bark & Bolt Finisher Medal

    • Youth pricing available: $25 early/$30 late

    • Youth-sized race tee options

    • New! Bike Corral option — ride your bike to the event and earn a fun thank-you incentive!

    Whether you’re running with your dog, walking with family, or cheering from the sidelines, Bark & Bolt is all about community, connection, and celebrating our love for dogs. Come make a morning of it — and help us make tails wag all across Hendersonville.

    40.7 km
    East Clairmont Drive, Hendersonville, North Carolina, 28738, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Cycling Run Virtual Walk

  • Twilight Trail 5k [idaph.net] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 5:30 PM

    Description

    We're excited to present the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga, Saturday, August 8th, 2026!

    The Twilight Trail 5K is a golden-hour trail race at the Kanuga Conference Center designed to welcome runners of...

    We're excited to present the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga, Saturday, August 8th, 2026!

    The Twilight Trail 5K is a golden-hour trail race at the Kanuga Conference Center designed to welcome runners of all abilities. Featuring a thoughtfully designed 5K course with mixed surfaces and gentle elevation changes, this event offers an approachable introduction to trail running while remaining engaging for experienced trail runners.

    You're invited to come just for the trail race or make a full weekend of it at Kanuga. After the finish, runners can enjoy healthy food, relax by a bonfire (weather permitting), and spend the evening connecting with others in a laid-back, community-forward environment.


    Kanuga Trail & Tri Weekend Challenge!

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    Before you sign up for the Kanuga Twilight Trail 5k: Sign up for BOTH the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga and the Kanuga Triathlon at the same time through the link below and receive a discount!

    KANUGA TRAIL & TRI

    WEEKEND CHALLENGE SIGN UP

    49.5 km
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    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run Trail Triathlon Virtual

  • Kanuga Triathlon [raceroster.com]

    Sun, Aug 09, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    Join us Sunday, August 9th, 2026 for the Inaugural Kanuga Triathlon in Hendersonville!

    Kanuga Triathlon is a new sprint-distance triathlon in Western North Carolina designed to be welcoming, scenic,...

    Join us Sunday, August 9th, 2026 for the Inaugural Kanuga Triathlon in Hendersonville!

    Kanuga Triathlon is a new sprint-distance triathlon in Western North Carolina designed to be welcoming, scenic, and memorable. Featuring a time-trial swim start in Kanuga Lake, a mixed-surface bike course, and a fast 5K run, this destination race meets athletes where they are. Whether it’s your first triathlon or your next challenge, Kanuga invites you to race in a way that feels intentional, welcoming, and uniquely WNC.


    Kanuga Trail & Tri Weekend Challenge!

    Make a full weekend of it and participate in both the Twilight Trail 5K at Kanuga, Saturday, August 8th, and the Kanuga Triathlon, Sunday, August 9th! Weekend Challenge participants receive finisher medals for both events, along with special recognition celebrating their commitment and versatility across the weekend, and will also be awarded a Nomadix-style performance towel!

    Lodge, camp, and stay onsite at Kanuga!

    BOOK YOUR RESERVATION HERE!

    Before you sign up for the Kanuga Triathlon: Sign up for BOTH the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga and the Kanuga Triathlon at the same time through the link below and receive a discount!

    KANUGA TRAIL & TRI

    WEEKEND CHALLENGE SIGN UP

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    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

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  • Slam the Dam 10K Run [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 8:30 AM

    Description

    It's Back!

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    While the area is slowly recovering, the Lake Lure Olympiad...

    It's Back!

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    NOTE: This is a difficult course with lots of elevation changes.

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    Rutherford County, North Carolina, 28746, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

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More cycling events nearby →
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