New mountain bike stage race planned for Pisgah, North Carolina

Mountain bike stage racing is coming to the popular riding destination of the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Blue Ridge Adventures will host the inaugural Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race on October 15-18 in Brevard. The event will feature a prologue followed by three days of racing and over US$15,000 in prize money.

Racers will be treated to 145 miles, 38,000 feet of climbing and legendary singletrack. All stages will start and finish at the event headquarters within the town of Brevard.

With entries limited to 150 racers, some of the best riders in the US are already lining up. Jeremiah Bishop, the US National Champion in marathon and short track, is one professional rider who looks forward to competing in the event. "When I dream of an awesome mountain bike adventure, I think of trails like those being used in the Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race. I can't wait to get down there and ride," he said. "No matter how your race is going, you'll still have a fun time riding. It's spectacular, rugged backcountry mountain biking at its best."

Race Director Todd Branham is proud that his event will be "a true mountain bike race" loaded with singletrack. For riders not familiar with Pisgah, the gnarly trails are sure to be an eye opener, though Branham said, "It's a course made for everybody. We're not out to demoralize people. The fireroad comes when you want it. We've had a lot of feedback on the course."

Each stage will include three fully stocked aid stations with food, water, mechanical and medical assistance. The event will kick off with an Industry Expo.

Branham also promotes the Off Road Assault on Mount Mitchell and the Swank 65. For more information, visit www.BlueRidgeAdventures.net.