F.A.Q.

1. What is the Pisgah Stage Race? This race is modeled after the American Mountain Classic, Cape Epic and La Ruta. Over five days, elite athlethes as well as dirt cycling enthusiasts will push themselves like they have never done before. There will be rest stops each day with food, water, mechanical and medical assistance. You may also shuttle items. This is not an adventure survival event!

2. What exactly is the breakdown each day?
Day 1: The Taste: TBD
Day 2: The White Squirrel Loop: 37 miles. 9,000' of elevation gain
Day 3: Land of Waterfalls Loop: 55 miles. 12,000' of elevation gain
Day 4: The Promised Land Loop: 35 miles. 9,000' of elevation gain
Day 5: The Transylvania Loop: 38 miles. 9,200' of elevation gain

Over half the routes are tight single track!

3. Do I need transportation to each stage? No. Stage 2, 4 and 5 start and end at the same place which is within 1.5 miles of most of the lodging accommodations. (A shuttle system is provided for the Stage 3 Start at Kuykendall Campground.) We encourage you to come in town, check into your campsite or hotel room and start riding! Park the car and use the town new pathway to get around.

4. What is included with my entry fee? Fully staffed aid stations with a shuttle system for your personal goods, mechanical and medical assistance. Four world class Pisgah routes fully marked. Everyone who registers by August 1 will get a “Pisgah Stage Race” custom jersey. Bike wash. Beer and Entertainment every night. Food on the opening and final days. Top 5 to All Categories. $20,000 in cash and tons of prizes that we are adding to weekly. Opening ceremony on Tuesday Night with Industry Expo and Meet the Pros.

5. Do I need a racing license and what is my racing age? No you will not need a USA cycling license to race this event. Your racing age is your age on 12/31/10.

6. Are there separate team categories? No. Not this year. All teams are combined as one category (coed, 2 men, 2 women = all the same). Team members must cross the finish line within 5 minutes of one another. If there is more than 5 minutes between finishing times, then teams will be given a 1 hour penalty. This rule is only in effect at the finish line. You do not have to be together at rest stops or on the ride.

7. Do stage race wins receive prize money and leader's jerseys in all categories? No. Prize money and leader's jerseys are only given out to the Pro/Elite categories. (Only leader's jersey for time trial win, no money.) Pro Men will receive $200/stage win. Pro Women will receive $150/stage win and Elite will receive $120/stage win.

8. What are the start times for the event? The first Stage will start on Tuesday at 1PM. The following days stages will start at 9AM. Schedule of Events

9. How do I get to the start? Wednesday thru Saturday stages will be based out of the Black Mountain Trailhead located on Hwy 276. From the junction of Hwy 64/Hwy 276/Hwy280, follow Hwy 276E. The Start/Finish will be 1.5 miles on your right.

10. What is the cancellation policy? We hope you do not have to cancel your registration but if you do, we will be glad to refund your money minus $200.

11. How will the course be marked? The course will be marked with 4" White Kenda Tape with Red Lettering. There will also be yellow signage alerting of right turn, left turn, straight ahead and wrong way. White spray chalk will also be used to mark turns and significant areas. Course marshalls will be located at key turns on the course each day to ensure riders don't get lost. GPS coordinates will be available for download a few weeks before the race.

12. What is the best airport to fly in to? We would recommend flying in to the Asheville Regional Airport. It is a straight 25 minute shoot down Hwy 280 from the airport to the start/finish and all lodging for the event in Brevard, NC.

13. Are there cutoff times? Yes we will have cutoff times for the stages. Pros are expected to finish each day in 4-5 hours. Average riders may take up to 11 hours but we expect most riders to finish in around 6 hours. Exact cutoff times will be determined at a later date and posted here.

14. Do I have to drop out of the race if I can't finish a stage? No. You can still compete in the race if for some reason you cannot finish a stage. You will be given a time penalty and awarded a 15 hour time for the stage. Your time will still be documented on the final results. However, you will be ineligible to win prizes or money.

15. Is the course shut down for race use only on race day? No. This is an open course and you may encounter other users during the race. You must abide by Forest regulations which require bikers yield to hikers and horses. Beware of cars on fire road and pavement sections of the course.

16. What is provided at the Rest Stops and how do I shuttle items? Rest Stops will be fully stocked with Heed, plenty of cold Water, PB & J, Pretzels, Energy Bars, Granola Bars, Soda, Bananas, Oranges and Advil. You can also shuttle any items you like to the rest stop. You will be provided four bags in your race packet with your number on it. These are for use to shuttle your personal items. We will also have extra bags if needed. There will be a place at the Start to drop your bags in the morning and they will return there after the Rest Stop has closed.