Join us for the inaugural Globe Gravel Challenge- a new ride that is rewarding for both it’s challenging nature and it’s scenic beauty! Ride the route like a race, or take it as easy as you can…the choice is yours. After you complete the ride, be sure to spend time in historic downtown Blowing Rock. As a part of the “Savor” weekend, there are plenty of events to keep you and your family entertained. Make sure to take advantage of the coupons in your registration packet, and experience all the lovely shopping and dining options the town has to offer.

The ride will start and finish in downtown Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Route will lead participants South on US-321 for 7 miles before turning onto the scenic and winding gravel of Waterfalls Road and Kirby Mountain Road. Once in the valley, riders will have the option of following a short or long course. The long course riders will rip through the community of Collettsville and follow Johns River back towards the Blue Ridge. Once through the community of Globe, riders will face the featured gravel climb of which the ride receives its name, the vaunted (and dreaded) Globe Road. Globe Road ascends 5-miles leading into Blowing Rock, with a total elevation gain of 2,017 feet and an average grade of 7%.

The shorter course riders will take a right turn up and over Globe Mountain Road, before reaching Collettsville. Within four miles of being in the Globe Valley, you will be at the base of Globe Road- ready to tackle the same challenging climb as the long course riders.

All proceeds to benefit the Middle Fork Greenway, a project led by Blue Ridge Conservancy and High Country Pathways to build a greenway from Blowing Rock to Boone.

Packet pick up will be at Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters on Friday, May 4th from 12pm to 8pm. and on Saturday, May 5th from 6am to 7am. 

Registration is available by clicking here: https://racesonline.com/events/globe-gravel-challenge