DARC June 28 Road Social Ride

THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR 2027

THESE DETAILS ARE FOR 2026

EVENT DETAILS HERE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

For most up to date details, visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-asheville

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Presented By

The Applewood Manor Foundation

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Asheville, North Carolina

DATE: Sunday, July 19, 2026

Click here to add to your google calendar

Event Start Finish: Asheville Yards - 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

3 Distances to Choose From: Maps

4 Timed Sections in the Gran Route – Best Combined Time Wins

Complete event details available at https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-asheville

Event Open to All from Beginner to Elite

Discover alluring Asheville, from the unique perspective of your handlebars. Experience Asheville, North Carolina, Lonely Planet’s top U.S. travel destination . Your ride begins in the the heart of Asheville and quickly moves along well-marked winding roads out into pastoral countryside and up to mountain ridge vistas. At the end of the ride, as you descend from the Blue Ridge Parkway into the heart of town, you will be afforded a spectacular cityscape view and greeted by fellow riders and families back at to Asheville; where you can enjoy the music, vendors, massage therapists, and of course– food and beer!

Awards & Prizes for Medio and Piccolo age group winners

Ride with your friends, Race with your friends

Fully Stocked Aid Stations to keep you going

Finisher medals for all distances

Come Challenge Yourself

Recommended Lodging in Asheville

While looking for a place to stay, check out https://www.exploreasheville.com/

Packet pick up and Bike Expo

Saturday: 12:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Asheville Yards - 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Sunday Pickup: 5:45 AM to 7:30 AM at Asheville Yards - 75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

U23 Made Possible By Shimano

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned SENA Gran Fondo National Series events including Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and entrants are verified by their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.

We hope your training goes well and look forward to seeing you soon!

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Thank YOU 2025 Runners!

Hope to see you in 2026...

as we begin the 3rd decade of running the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains!

September 11-12, 2026 (Fri. - Sat.)

The Blue Ridge Relay (BRR), which is one of the longest running relay races in the United States, takes place in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. BRR consists of maximum 12 person (4 person minimum) teams that rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the approximate 208 mile distance of the race.

The Start!

BRR starts in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA at an elevation of 4920′, near the base of Mount Rogers (5729′), the highest peak in Virginia. The Highlands’ defining feature are the high elevation balds that are spotted with stands of native Fraser Fir, boulder fields and a herd of wild ponies. In addition, the Highlands feature the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

The Journey!

After leaving Grayson Highlands, BRR primarily follows scenic, country roads as it winds its way through North Carolina’s High Country. In addition to the balds of Grayson Highlands, the course features some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited treasure of the National Park Service…BRR has permission to run 4 legs (almost 20 miles) on the Parkway, all of which capture the big views of the Blue Ridge.

2. The New River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, as well as one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the USA…BRR runs sections of 4 legs along almost 14 miles of the spectacular New River.

3. BRR doesn’t run to the summit of Grandfather Mountain (5964′), but the 10.5 miles of Leg 15 wind along Grandfather’s south shoulder.

4. The scenic beauty of the BRR is also captured in the less known or unnamed sites along the one lane gravel roads of mountain hollows, rolling Christmas tree farms, nighttime legs along many of the mountain rivers and creeks, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge.

5. BRR runs through many quaint and revitalized small towns and hamlets before the finish in Asheville, NC:

Jefferson

West Jefferson

Todd

Boone

Blowing Rock

Linville

Newland

Spruce Pine

Bakersville

Burnsville

6. The Finish!

After an epic 208 miles of running and 20-36 hours in a van with some of your closest friends, what better way to finish than at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC. Highland Brewing Company will once again be hosting the BRR Finish in their Meadow, with a variety of food trucks, it's big lawn, plenty of shade, picnic tables and of course, Highland Brewing Company.