21/12/2018

Course details revealed for Haute Route Asheville 2019

The 2019 Haute Route Asheville course highlights the roads and climbs that have drawn pro cyclists to the Appalachian Mountains for decades. In contrast to the expansive big sky views of our Colorado Rockies and Utah events, Asheville features small, twisting and turning tree-lined roads. The terrain is stunning, demanding, and a ton of fun to experience on a bicycle!

From our hub at the Official Riders’ Hotel in Asheville, Original course riders will tackle 207 miles and more than 20,000 feet of total climbing over three stages. Compact course riders will take on 118 miles and nearly 11,000 feet of climbing over three stages.

The first stage heads north and east of town to circumnavigate Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,683 feet, and experience the incredible Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway, which is America’s longest linear park, runs for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. It runs mostly along the spine of the Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains.

After an afternoon and evening taking in the galleries, breweries, and restaurants in Asheville, Stage 2 loops through the historic Biltmore Estate before heading west to tackle a route that challenges current and retired World Tour Pros Brent Bookwalter and Matthew Busche. And the time trial on the final day tackles one of the most popular local climbs up Town Mountain.

May in the southeast United States is typically hot and humid, but one of Asheville’s great qualities is that the temperatures are a bit cooler during the spring and summer. In addition, the lush forests provide for plenty of shady tree cover. Nevertheless, if you’re not accustomed to humidity you will want to pay close to staying well hydrated throughout the weekend.

Stage 1: Asheville – Blue Ridge Parkway – Asheville
Original: 103 Miles | 10,908 feet of climbing
Compact: 55 Miles | 6034 feet of climbing

Stage 2: Asheville – Besty’s Gap – Doggett Mountain - Asheville
Original: 98 Miles | 8948 feet of climbing
Compact: 57 Miles | 3616 feet of climbing

Stage 3: Town Mountain Time Trial
5 Miles | 1200 feet of climbing

Click here to find out more aboute Haute Route Asheville and register.