Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina · Saturday, September 12, 2026
The Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge is a cycling and gravel event held on Saturday, September 12, 2026. It is located in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.
- Date
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Location
- Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
28768
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
The Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge is the premiere all-road racing event in the region. Participants are challenged to complete a 69.2 mile course with 8,777’of climbing along scenic gravel and paved roads. The riders will be treated to some of the finest gravel roads in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, which is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the racing world. Monster-Cross is a dream gravel endurance event where keen race tactics and strategy, along with overall fitness, proper gear selection, and sheer luck are key to success.
There will be three Rest Areas along the way that will be stocked with water, food (PB&J, fruit, salty snacks, sweet snacks, bars), first aid, and neutral mechanical support. Racers will be covering a lot of ground on the map, riding through some of the most quintessential Pisgah forest, not without brutal terrain and breathtaking scenery.
COURSE:
. [2025 Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge MAP.jpg]
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MAP DOWNLOAD:
Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge -- Map (map is in zip file)
CUE SHEET DOWNLOAD:
Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge - Cue Sheet (cue is in zip file)
GPX DOWNLOAD:
Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge - GPX (gpx is in zip file)
RIDEWITHGPS.COM link:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49409140
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday – 5:00PM-10:00PM – Registration and sign-in open.
Saturday – 5:30AM-7:30AM – Registration and sign-in open.
Saturday – 7:45AM – Participant meeting.
Saturday – 8:00AM – Event Start.
Saturday – 9:00PM – Raffle drawing (You do not need to be present to win)
Saturday – 10:00PM – Event cutoff.
RULES:
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Have Fun!
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Riders must wear an approved cycling helmet at all times while on the bike.
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Riders must complete the event on the bike they started on. No bike swaps during the event.
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Riders may NOT receive outside support during the event.
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Riders MAY receive support from other PARTICIPATING riders at any time.
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Riders must stay in single-file except to pass.
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Riders must obey all local traffic laws.
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Electric-Assist bikes (E-Bikes) are prohibited.
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The Event Director reserves the right to disqualify any rider for any reason.
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SIGN-IN upon completion of the event (Please, this includes DNF riders).
VENUE:
Sign-in and Start/Finish will be in the field directly across US276 from Davidson River Campground in Pisgah Forest, NC.
DIRECTIONS:
1284 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 West to I-26 East to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to Davidson River campground.
From Spartanburg, South Carolina, take I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to Davidson River campground.
From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-85 South to Gastonia and exit at U.S. Highway 74 West. Merge with I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to Davidson River campground.
OTHER:
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We have VERY LIMITED PARKING at the START/FINISH. Please follow the signs and park at the Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center overflow parking lot.
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All roads used in the Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge will be OPEN to vehicle traffic. The Transylvania County Sheriffs Department will be providing traffic controls at key intersections. IF THERE IS NO TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER AT AN INTERSECTION YOU MUST OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS. THIS INCLUDES COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT STOP SIGNS. Be safe. Please use common sense. The Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge is a bicycle game. Don’t risk your life or others’ for the sake of a bicycle game. Stay to the right. Do not cut corners. Pass with care. Ride single file.
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COURSE MARKING: All turns will be marked with LARGE ORANGE ARROWS. There will also be ORANGE Pisgah Productions branded tape as confirmation that you are still on-course at locations throughout the course.
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Maps, cue sheets, and a GPX file are available for download here: https://www.pisgahproductions.com/events/pisgah-monster-cross-challenge
Please know the course before you start!
- REQUIRED GEAR. Every racer must have the following required gear with them at all times during the event:
– Approved cycling helmet.
– Rain jacket or vest.
– MOBILE PHONE.
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There will be three REST AREAS (At mile 19.7, mile 35.7, and mile 46.5). Rest areas will be very well stocked with fruit, snacks, ride food, electrolyte drinks, spare water bottles, and plenty of water.
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There will be NO DROP-BAGS. There simply is not enough time to deliver the drop-bags from the start / finish to the rest areas. Please be prepared to carry any personal items you may need.
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There will be NO SAG WAGON. In the case of a medical emergency use your required mobile phone and CALL 911. In the case of equipment failure make your way to a rest area or the start / finish. You may also TEXT THE RACE DIRECTOR at (828) 242-8250 and we will do everything in our power to assist. However, we cannot guarantee a ride out of the woods.
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CHIP TIMING / NUMBER PLATES.
Please mount your number plate to your handlebars and in front of your cables. The timing crew must be able to see your entire number plate as you cross the finish line. Your number plate has a RFID timing chip on the back. If your number plate is not displayed correctly your FINISH TIME WILL NOT BE RECORDED. If you lose or damage your timing chip please tell the timing crew your number when you finish.
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- The Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge will be held RAIN or SHINE.
LODGING:
The Sunset Motel
Davidson River Campground
Hampton Inn Brevard
Holiday Inn Express Brevard
REFUND POLICY:
Sorry, No refunds.