7 cycling, mountain biking, ultra, and other events in Old Fort, North Carolina

Welcome to our Annual Jerdon Mountain Challenge! We're very excited for another year of racing in the Old Fort, North Carolina area.

Route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51071513

Schedule

Friday, July 24, 2026

4:00-6:00 PM Packet Pickup/Registration at the Start/Finish

Saturday, July 25, 2026

6:30 AM -- Registration Opens

7:30 AM -- Registration Closes

7:45 AM -- Racer Meeting At Start

8:00 AM -- RACE START

10:30 AM -- Post-Race Meal Begins

10:30 AM -- Cutoff for Aid Station #1 (Mile 10)

11:15 AM -- Awards Ceremony

1:00 PM -- Cutoff for Aid Station #2 (Mile 20)

*Times are subject to change

Included With Registration

• Event Shirt (NEW for 2026)

• Well-Marked Course

• Two Stocked Aid Stations

• Post-Race Meal

• Post-Race Drink From Hi-Wire Brewing

• Pending License Approval

• Awards For Top 3 In Each Category

• Chip Timing

• Police Escorts

• EMT's on course

Refunds, Transfers, Deferrals

• No transfers or deferrals under ANY circumstances.

• If race sells out, we will consider a transfer to another race if we have someone on a waitlist to take your spot.

• Refunds available until March 31, 2026, of 75% of entry fee.

• Refunds available until May 31, 2026, of 50% of entry fee.

• No refunds after May 31, 2026, NO EXCEPTIONS.

• WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO PURCHASE THE RACE INSURANCE THAT IS OFFERED FROM THE REGISTRATION SITE.

2026 Cutoff Times

Start Time is 8:00 AM

Aid Station 1 cutoff is 10:30 AM (Mile 10)

Aid Station 2 cutoff is 1:00 PM (Mile 20)

*We reserve the right to pull any riders before a cutoff time if we feel they are unfit to continue.

[2020-PisgahTripleCrown-800px-300x300.png]

Other 2026 Pisgah Triple Crown Races

February 21, 2026 - Uwharrie MTB Challenge (Short Course)* www.bikereg.com/umbc

June 14, 2026 - Sasquatch Scrambler www.bikereg.com/sasquatchscrambler

October 10, 2026 - Harbison MTB Challenge (Short Course) www.bikereg.com/hmbc

November 7, 2026 - Couch Potato www.bikereg.com/couchpotato

For more information on the Pisgah Triple Crown, check out our website at www.blueridgeadventures.net/pisgahtriplecrown

Welcome to the Annual Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell! We're very excited for another year of racing in the Old Fort, North Carolina area.

Included With Registration

• Event Shirt (NEW for 2026. Register by 7/12/26)

• Finisher Medal (NEW for 2026)

• Sub 6-Hour Finish Ribbon

• Sub 8-Hour Finish Ribbon

• 8+ Hours - Finisher Ribbon

• ORAMM Belt Buckle (NEW for 2026)

• Receive a belt buckle after you finish 3x, 5x, 10x, 15x. CLICK HERE for more information.

• Well-Marked Course

• 3-4 Aid Stations & 1 Water Station (Could change depending on which route we use in 2026)

• Post-Race Meal

• Post-Race Drinks From Hi-Wire Brewing

• Pending license approval

• Awards For Top 3 In Each Category

• Chip Timing

• Police Escorts

• EMT's stationed around the course

Routes

We have made an Option A and Option B route for 2026 based on being able to use the Blue Ridge Parkway or not. Our goal is to go back to our normal route with the Parkway and Heartbreak Ridge, but we are at the mercy of the BRP. The section that we use is scheduled to open up in the fall of 2026. However, the area that we use has no damage and we are hoping that we can get permission to use this for the event.

Once we know our final route, we will update this information. We are trying to be as transparent as we can be to keep you informed and for you to realize the issues we're dealing with from the damage from Hurricane Helene.

5/28/2026 Update

Option A was not possible as the Parkway is still closed and they wouldn't make an exception to allow us to ride on the section we use for ORAMM. However, they said they are looking forward to welcoming us back in 2027 once the section has opened (which is supposed to be the fall of 2026). Now that Lower Heartbreak opened back up, we made a First Choice in the maps below. We're still waiting on approval but don't see why this wouldn't be approved since it is a slight change from what was already approved with Option A and Option B. If for some crazy reason that our First Choice wouldn't be approved, then we'll use Second Choice (aka Option B)

First Choice: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53728623

Second Choice: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51058164

Schedule

Friday, July 24, 2026

4:00-6:00 PM Packet Pickup/Registration at Start/Finish

Saturday, July 25, 2026

4:00-6:00 PM Packet Pickup/Registration at Start/Finish

Sunday, July 26, 2026

6:00 AM -- Registration Opens

7:30 AM -- Registration Closes

7:45 AM -- Racer Meeting At Start

8:00 AM -- RACE START

12:00 PM -- Cutoff for Aid Station #1 (Mile 21)

2:00 PM -- Post Race Meal Begins

2:00 PM -- Cutoff for Aid Station #2 (Mile 32)

2:30 PM -- Awards/Belt Buckle Ceremony #1

4:00 PM -- Awards/Belt Buckle Ceremony #2

5:00 PM -- Cutoff for Aid Station #3 (Mile 46)

*Times are subject to change

Refunds, Transfers, Deferrals

• No transfers or deferrals under ANY circumstances.

• If race sells out, we will consider a transfer to another race if we have someone on a waitlist to take your spot.

• Refunds available until March 31, 2026, of 75% of entry fee.

• Refunds available until May 31, 2026, of 50% of entry fee.

• No refunds after May 31, 2026, NO EXCEPTIONS.

• WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO PURCHASE THE RACE INSURANCE THAT IS OFFERED FROM THE REGISTRATION SITE.

2026 Cutoff Times

This is based on Option B. Once we know which option that we'll use we'll update this, so you have exact times. Racers will normally have 12 hours to finish the course.

Start Time is 8:00 AM

Aid Station 1 cutoff is 12:00 PM (Mile 21)

Aid Station 2 cutoff is 2:00 PM (Mile 31)

Aid Station 3 cutoff is 5:00 PM (Mile 46)

*We reserve the right to pull any riders before a cutoff time if we feel they are unfit to continue.

[2020-PisgahTripleCrown-800px-300x300.png]

Other 2026 Pisgah Triple Crown Races

February 21, 2026 - Uwharrie MTB Challenge (Long Course) www.bikereg.com/umbc

June 14, 2026 - Woods Mountain www.bikereg.com/woodsmountain

October TBD - Harbison MTB Challenge (Long Course)

November 14, 2026 - Swank 65 www.bikereg.com/swank65

*Dates are not approved yet but will most likely be approved since these are our usual race weekends

The Old Fort Fifty will be held on the rugged, legendary trails that have made the area famous in the mountain bike world while also incorporating some newer trails recently built by the G5 Trail Collective. While the 30.9 mile distance is on the shorter side for an endurance race, don't fool yourself into thinking this is going to be a walk in the park. You will be served up a heaping helping of elevation gain, climbing 4874 feet and descending an equal amount over fast and technical chunky terrain as well as some super omega flow. There will be two rest areas along the way (Mile 13 and 23.5) stocked with plenty of water and snacks.

The Old Fort Fifty will be open to cyclists AND runners!

Starting and finishing at Camp Grier, racers will first head over to the Gateway Trail System, an incredibly well-built network of modern, flow-heavy trails. From there, you’ll head up and over to the raw goodness of Star Gap and its infamous Heckle Rock. Finally, you’ll have a couple “gotta get up to get down” climbs before being rewarded with descents down both Bernard Mountain and the ear-to-ear grin-inducing Kitsuma Trail.

There will be plenty of affordable indoor lodging and camping options at Camp Grier the night before and also after the event with plenty of room for the family to make a weekend out of it. You can stay Friday night and wake up close to the start line, and if you decide to hang out Saturday night, you can race or spectate the Pisgah Enduro on Sunday! During your stay, you’ll have access to the lake, showers, a post-race cookout, and refreshments provided!

Both the Old Fort Fifty and the Pisgah Enduro will be part of the King of Pisgah Series.

COURSE:

[Old Fort Fifty MAP and CUE REST AREAS.png] [Old Fort Fifty PROFILE.png]

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday – 2:00pm – Camping/Bunkhouses Open.

Friday – 5:00pm-10:00pm – Sign-In Open.

Friday night – Have fun at Camp!

Saturday – 5:30am-7:30am – Sign-In Open.

Saturday – 7:45am – Pre-Race meeting.

Saturday – 8:00am – Race Start.

Saturday – 8:00pm – Race Cutoff.

Saturday night – Have fun at Camp!

Sunday - Have fun at Camp!

Monday - 12:00pm - Camping/Bunkhouses Closed.

RULES:

1. Have Fun!

2. Cyclists must wear an approved cycling helmet at all times while on the bike.

3. Racers may receive support from other participating racers while on course.

4. Racers may NOT receive outside support while on course.

5. Racers must stay in single-file except to pass.

6. Racers must obey all local traffic laws.

7. Electric-Assist bikes (E-Bikes) are prohibited.

8. Racers must use a front light (250 lumen minimum) after 7:00PM.

9. The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify any racer for any reason.

10. SIGN-IN upon completion of the event (Please, this includes DNF racers).

VENUE:

Camp Grier, 985 Camp Grier Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762https://www.campgrier.org

OTHER:

REQUIRED GEAR:

Every racer will be required to carry the following at all times while participating in the event:

1. Mobile phone.

2. Rain jacket.

DOWNLOADS:

Old Fort Fifty MAP and CUE

NEW! REVISED AUG 2025 - Old Fort Fifty GPX

NEW! REVISED AUG 2025 - RIDEWITHGPS.COM LINK:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52118116

LIVE RESULTS:

We will be using ITSYOURRACE.COM for live results. Download the IYR App or visit:

https://2025OldFort50.itsyourrace.com/ for live results.

COURSE MARKING:

Flagging.jpg

LODGING:

-Tent / Car Camping passes are available for $20 per car, per night, up to four people, and include: A grassy patch with room to park one car and to pitch a few tents plus access to drinking water, toilets, and showers. Multiple nights are available. Please reserve your spot during registration.

-Bunkhouse passes are available for $20 per person per night and include a roof over your head, a bunkbed, and access to community kitchen, power outlets, bathrooms, and showers. Bring your own pillow and blankets. Multiple nights are available. Please reserve your spot during registration.

-Small RV Camping passes are available for $30 per vehicle, per night, up to four people, and include: A grassy patch with room to park one vehicle and to pitch a few tents plus access to drinking water, toilets, and showers. Multiple nights are available. Please reserve your spot during registration.

---Class B and Class C vans/ Travel trailers (max 27' total length) are welcome.

---Class A motor homes and 5th wheel trailers are prohibited.

---RV hookups are NOT available.

---Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times. No dogs in buildings.

If your RV is not permitted or if you require a hookup we recommend reserving a spot nearby at the Asheville East KOA in Black Mountain, NC.

High-speed East Coast technical rocky rooty singletrack ENDURO racing in Pisgah National Forest, around Old Fort, along the steep escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With dizzying vertical descents to quad-crushing climbs, you will ride a roller coaster that puts this region on the map for the downhill minded. The venue is an actual Summer Camp. There’s a lake, pump track, post-race cookout, and more! Choose bunkhouse or car/tent camping and spend the weekend racing and enjoying life!

The course starts in the shadow of the highest peak East of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, on the legendary Heartbreak Ridge trail. Stage one and two drop over 3000' elevation in a combined 4.5 miles. Stage three follows with the most amazing trail that parallels Interstate 40… Kitsuma, and descends another 1300' in 2.5 miles to the finish. Start/Finish and lodging at Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC (where the after-race party will be waiting for you).

The Pisgah Enduro will be a SUNDAY (one-day only) event. If you would like a full-weekend of racing and camping at Camp Grier join us for the Old Fort 50 being held on Saturday!

If you are craving more challenges, be sure to register for the entire King and Queen of Pisgah series!

COURSE:

[2022-Pisgah-Enduro-Day-2-MAP-1-492x600.jpg]

1. Upper Heartbreak Ridge

2. Lower Heartbreak Ridge

3. Kitsuma

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday – 2:00pm – Camping / Bunkhouses Open.

Friday – Have fun at Camp!

Saturday – 5:00pm-10:00pm – Sign-In Open.

Saturday – Have fun at Camp!

Sunday – 12:00pm – All racers must be at the top of Heartbreak Ridge for racer meeting and race start.

Sunday – 5:00pm – Awards.

Sunday night – Have fun at Camp!

Monday – 12:00pm – Camping / Bunkhouses Closed.

RULES:

1. Have Fun!

2. Racers must wear their helmets at all times while riding in the event. This includes during transition stages.

3. Racers must complete every stage.

4. The racer with the lowest sum of timed stage times wins. Transition stage times will not be considered.

5. In the event of a tie: The racer with the fastest time on the final stage of the day will be considered in the lead.

6. Racers must stay on-course for the duration of the event. DO NOT CUT CORNERS / SWITCHBACKS.

*Racers must ride to the start of Stage 1 on the designated course.

*Shuttles will not be provided.

*Private shuttles are prohibited.

7. Electric-Assist bikes (E-Bikes) are prohibited.

8. The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify any racer or team for any reason.

9. SIGN-IN and RETURN YOUR TIMING CHIP upon completion of the event (Please, this includes DNF teams).

VENUE:

985 Camp Grier Road, Old Fort, NC http://www.campgrier.org/

DIRECTIONS:

N35.64484° W82.19317°

From Asheville, NC.

• Take I40 East to exit 72 for US-70 toward Old Fort/Mountain Gateway Museum

• Take Old US-70 to Camp Grier Rd

• Continue onto US-70 E/W Main St

• Turn left onto Old US-70

• Turn right onto Camp Grier Rd.

From Hickory, NC.

• Take I40 West to Exit 73

• Turn right onto Catawba Ave (signs for Old Fort)

• Turn left onto W Main St

• Turn right onto Old US-70

• Turn right onto Camp Grier Rd

• Destination will be on the left

Camp Grier

985 Camp Grier Rd.

Old Fort, NC 28762

OTHER:

DOWNLOADS:

PISGAH ENDURO - MAP

PISGAH ENDURO - ELEVATION PROFILE

PISGAH ENDURO - GPX

RIDEWITHGPS.COM link:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49422683

COURSE MARKING:

Flagging.jpg

LODGING:

-Tent / Car Camping passes are available for $20 per car, per night, up to four people, and include: A grassy patch with room to park one car and to pitch a few tents plus access to drinking water, toilets, and showers. Multiple nights are available. Please reserve your spot during registration.

-Bunkhouse passes are available for $20 per person per night and include a roof over your head, a bunkbed, and access to community kitchen, power outlets, bathrooms, and showers. Bring your own pillow and blankets. Multiple nights are available. Please reserve your spot during registration.

-Small RV Camping passes are available for $30 per vehicle, per night, up to four people, and include: A grassy patch with room to park one vehicle and to pitch a few tents plus access to drinking water, toilets, and showers. Multiple nights are available. Please reserve your spot during registration.

---Class B and Class C vans/ Travel trailers (max 27' total length) are welcome.

---Class A motor homes and 5th wheel trailers are prohibited.

---RV hookups are NOT available.

---Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times. No dogs in buildings.

If your RV is not permitted or if you require a hookup we recommend reserving a spot nearby at the Asheville East KOA in Black Mountain, NC.

FAQ's

1. Am I registered?

– Please check your inbox and spam folder for a confirmation email from BikeReg.com. If you did not receive a confirmation email please contact the race director at [email protected].

2. Are we using timing chips?

– YES! We will be using a fly-by chip timing system. This means the timing system will record your time automatically as you cross the start and finish lines of each stage.

3. Will there be drinking water on course?

– YES! There will be an aid station between stages two and three. The aid station will have water, first aid, and snacks.

4. How does the start work?

– All racers will pedal from Camp Grier to the top of Heartbreak Ridge trail using Heartbreak Ridge trail. This includes five miles of pavement followed by a five mile, 3000' elevation gain, single track climb to the start of stage one. Be prepared for a BIG climb to start. NO SHUTTLES.

– All racers must be at the start of stage one prior to 12:00pm. It is your responsibility to understand the distance to the start of stage one and to be there on time. A race official will clear the course at 12:00pm. If a racer does not make it to the top by 12:00pm the race official will instruct them to turn around. If you do not make it to the top by 12:00pm you will not race.

5. How long will I have to wait before I start stage one?

– Minimum of 90 minutes and up to two hours. Be prepared. Bring water. Bring snacks. Bring sunscreen and bug repellant. The top waiting area is a grassy field in the forest.

6. Can I use a private shuttle?

– NO.

OTHER:

This event is under special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service.

REFUND POLICY:

Sorry, No refunds.