Welcome to the annual Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell, an exhilarating mountain biking challenge held each July in Old Fort, North Carolina. This year's event promises a thrilling adventure through some of the most scenic and challenging terrain in the region. The course is meticulously marked with well-placed aid stations to ensure you stay fueled throughout your journey. Expect at least three main aid points along with one water station, though specific locations may vary based on the route chosen for 2026. The race organizers are dedicated to keeping participants informed and transparent about any changes. Post-race festivities include a hearty meal from local brewery Hi-Wire Brewing and a celebration of your achievement with awards ceremonies recognizing top finishers in various categories. Chip timing ensures accurate results, while police escorts provide safety along the route. Emergency medical teams will be stationed strategically around the course to offer immediate assistance if needed. For 2026, organizers have crafted two potential routes: Option A and Option B. Due to ongoing damage from Hurricane Helene, they aim to use the Blue Ridge Parkway for their traditional route that includes Heartbreak Ridge. However, with the section scheduled to open in fall 2026, participants will see slight variations depending on final approval. The race schedule kicks off on Friday evening with packet pickup and registration at the start/finish location. Saturday morning brings more opportunities for setup before the big day. Race day starts early Sunday morning at 6:00 AM with a mandatory meeting at the starting line followed by an 8:00 AM gun to get you moving. Aid stations are strategically placed, with cutoff times designed to ensure safety and manage congestion. The first aid station will close its doors at noon when racers reach Mile 21. A second stop is available between Miles 31 and 46 before the final checkpoint at Mile 46 closes by 5:00 PM. Safety remains a top priority, with organizers reserving the right to pull riders who are deemed unfit to continue for their own safety or that of others on the course. To ensure you're prepared, purchase race insurance available through the registration site. Refund policies allow cancellations up until March 31, 2026, at a rate of 75% and down to May 31, 2026, with refunds covering half the entry fee. In addition to this event, mark your calendars for other Pisgah Triple Crown races happening throughout the year: Uwharrie MTB Challenge in February, Woods Mountain in June, and Harbison MTB Challenge in October. These events form a unique series that challenges riders across diverse landscapes. Join us at Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell to experience the beauty of North Carolina's mountains while pushing your limits as an endurance athlete.
Races Offered
Clydesdale (200+lbs)
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Men 30-39
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Men 40-49
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Men 50-59
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Men 60+
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Open Men
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Open Women
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Single Speed
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Women 40-49
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Women 50+
Jul 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
96.6K
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
23 days remaining
sell
$170.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Old Fort.
thermostatTemperature
18.8° / 30.2°
wb_sunnyFeels like
20.4° / 32.2°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 59m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.5 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
5.0 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Very High (8.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
75.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:25
nightlight
Sunset
20:42
About Old Fort
Learn more about the host city, Old Fort.
Old Fort is a town in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 811 in the 2020 U.S. census, down from 908 in 2010.
