November 8, 2026
Sample some of Pisgah's best trails in this great season closer - including the best trails around the fish hatchery area! The Swank 65 is MTB racing at its best. The race begins at 2,150 feet and consists of some of the best trail networks in Pisgah National Forest. Rolling over rugged mining roads, fun singletrack, tough climbs and hell-raising descents, the exhilarating course will test your skills and desire as you explore the devilish terrain of the Pisgah National Forest.
THIS RACE IS LIMITED BY THE US FOREST SERVICE TO 200 PARTICIPANTS.
Race Location
Black Mountain Trailhead
Pisgah National Forest - Pisgah Ranger District
Click HERE for directions
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Parking Location
Black Mountain Trailhead - Paved Lot
Ranger Station Parking Lot
*Staff/Signs Will Direct You To Parking
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Registration Info
Registration link www.bikereg.com/swank65
Early pricing ends on Sunday, October 25, 2026
Event shirt deadline is Sunday, October 25, 2026
Registration closes Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11:00 PM
We will have a new route in 2026 out of Cove Creek Group Campground. Once we finalize that route we will update the below.
Course Information
28.1 Miles ~ 4,872 Feet of Elevation
Aid Stations @ Mile 7, Mile 16 & Mile 22
CLICK HERE For PDF Map
CLICK HERE For Cue Sheet
Categories
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Open Men
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Open Women
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Men 30-39
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Men 40-49
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Women 40-49
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Men 50-59
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Women 50+
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Men 60+
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Clydesdale
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Single Speed
*Race age is your age on December 31, 2026.
Pricing
$100 Early Pricing
$110 After 10/25/26
$120 Day Of Registration
Refunds, Transfers, Deferrals
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No transfers or deferrals under ANY circumstances.
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If race sells out, we will consider a transfer to another race if we have someone on a waitlist to take your spot.
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Refunds available until July 31, 2026, of 75% of entry fee.
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Refunds available until September 30, 2026, of 50% of entry fee.
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No refunds after September 30, 2026, NO EXCEPTIONS.
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WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO PURCHASE THE RACE INSURANCE THAT IS OFFERED FROM THE REGISTRATION SITE.
Highlight Video
Schedule
Friday, November 6, 2026
3-5:00 PM Early Registration (Black Mountain Trailhead AKA Start/Finish)
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Saturday, November 7, 2026
3-5:00 PM Early Registration (Black Mountain Trailhead AKA Start/Finish)
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Sunday, November 8, 2026
7:00 AM Registration Opens
8:30 AM Registration Closes
8:45 AM Racer Meeting At Start
9:00 AM RACE START
12:00 PM Post-Race Meal Begins
12:30 PM Awards Ceremony #1
1:00 PM Cutoff For Aid Station 2 (Mile 16)
1:30 PM Awards Ceremony #2
2:00 PM Cutoff For Aid Station 3 (Mile 22)
*Times are subject to change
Photos
