Ride for Old Fort: Rebuilding Together After the Storm
Old Fort, NC, a vibrant community nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has always been a symbol of resilience. But when Hurricane Helene stormed through, it left behind more than just flooded streets; it disrupted lives, shuttered beloved businesses, and damaged cherished landmarks, including Old Fort Elementary School.
Now, we have an opportunity to come together, to ride together, and to rebuild together. Join us for this inspiring cycling event, where every pedal stroke becomes a step toward restoring the heart of Old Fort. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking to make a difference, your participation will help provide critical support to our neighbors as they rebuild homes, classrooms, and livelihoods.
Let’s show the world what we can accomplish when a community rallies behind its own. Register today and be part of the movement to bring hope back to Old Fort. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
McDowell Trails Association invites you to experience the 4th Edition of the Rock n Roller, a bike ride that showcases what makes McDowell County a cycling destination. You experience the scenic beauty of the mountains, rivers, and foliage. This early spring ride serves as an excellent training ride to set the tone for the remainder of the 2025 cycling season.
For 2025, the 4th Edition includes country roads and plenty of rolling hills. Unfortunately, due to the damage that the Pisgah National Forest experienced, there will be no gravel ride option in 2025.
Here are the tentative routes for 2025.
- The Hard Rock. Approximately 62 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing (4 SAGs) with an additional 10 mile option
- The Soft Rock. Approximately 30 miles with nearly 2,100 feet of climbing (2 SAG) with an additional 10 mile option
- "Off the Couch" Fun Ride--10 miles with 570 feet of climbing led by an experienced cyclist.
The Hard Rock route is a great training ride for any future events. If you like to get a few more miles in, an additional 10 miles can be added that takes you to Andrews Geyser, a top Old Fort tourist attraction. The optional 10 miles is an out and back from the start/finish.
You will receive a tee shirt commemorating the event for those registered by April 1. You will need to select your size as part of registration.
The funds raised by the Rock n Roller will be used by the McDowell Trails Association to help rebuild Old Fort, a true cycling destination.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
The Hard Rock Closed
Online registration closed-
Kick off your Spring training with cycling friends with this perfect blend of rolling hills and epic climbs. You will ride along country roads for 62-miles with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. This route is a great training ride for any future events. If you like to get a is few more miles in, an additional 10 miles can be added that takes you to Andrews Geyser, a top Old Fort tourist attraction. The optional 10 miles is an out and back from the start/finish. The Hard Rock includes 3 SAG stops.
-
$71.53
Early Bird
Dec 6 – Feb 1 -
$82.23Feb 1 – Apr 26
-
The Soft Rock Closed
Online registration closed-
The shorter route of 30-miles is FUN! With a little training, anyone can do it. We designed the route to be a perfect experience for new cyclists who want to test their skills in an organized cycling event. If you like to get a few more miles in, an additional 10 miles can be added that takes you to Andrews Geyser, a top Old Fort tourist attraction. The optional 10 miles is an out and back from the start/finish. The Soft Rock includes 1 SAG.
-
$44.79
Early Bird
Dec 6 – Feb 1 -
$55.49Feb 1 – Apr 26
-
Rock n Roller Bike Routes
These routes are for the 4th Edition of the Rock n Roller. The routes may be altered, and the links will be edited as the routes are finalized.
"Off the Couch" Fun Ride
The “Off the Couch” Fun Ride to Andrews Geyser and back. This ride option is FREE.
This 10-mile, out and back, road ride enjoys rural NC terrain, winding roads, easy/moderate climbs leading to Andrews Geyser. Although riders could shoot for their personal best time on this ride, several riders will leisurely climb their way up, meeting other riders, having fun and enjoying Old Fort, NC. Riders will take a quick break at the geyser, take some pictures and then saddle back up for the faster ride back down to Old Fort.
This ride will start after the riders of the road and gravel routes have left, approximately 9:30 a.m.
Rock n Roller 4th Edition Ride Guide
Get the details for the Rock n Roller 4th Edition in this informative Ride Guide.
Lodging Information
If you plan to spend some time in McDowell County (we hope you do), here is a list of recommended Lodging Options from the McDowell Tourism Development Authority.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Molly Sandfoss
- Molly.Sandfoss@gmail.com
- Phone
- 828-442-3007
- Website
- Visit website
