Race Preview: Jerdon Mountain Challenge

The Jerdon Mountain Challenge will take place July 25th in Old Fort, NC, a short drive east from Asheville. Some of you may be familiar with the Off Road Assault on Mount Mitchell (ORAMM), which is run by the same promoter, Blue Ridge Adventures. You can think of the Jerdon Mountain Challenge as ORAMM-lite. The …

Jerdon-LogoThe Jerdon Mountain Challenge will take place July 25th in Old Fort, NC, a short drive east from Asheville. Some of you may be familiar with the Off Road Assault on Mount Mitchell (ORAMM), which is run by the same promoter, Blue Ridge Adventures.

You can think of the Jerdon Mountain Challenge as ORAMM-lite. The 26-mile course features 3,600′ feet of climbing — ORAMM covers 60 miles with 10,500′ of climbing. Keep in mind, though, that these are Pisgah miles, so even this “easier” option is still going to be tough.

Image courtesy Blue Ridge Adventures
Image courtesy Blue Ridge Adventures

You’ll cover classic Pisgah trails such as Kitsuma, Star Gap, Heartbreak Ridge, and Jarrett Creek.

Here’s a preview of the race taken at last year’s event:

There will be two aid stations, at miles 13 and 17, fully stocked with snacks and beverages to keep your energy up. Since it’s a race in the Southeast in July, it’s probably going to be hot. Very hot. Or it might be raining, so be prepared!

I’ll be out riding for Singletracks using the Jerdon Mountain Challenge as a warm-up for ORAMM on the following day. Come by and say hi, and if you pass me, be sure to give me a push up the hill on your way by!

For more info on the race and to register, visit Blue Ridge Adventures site here: http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/jerdon-mountain-chal/race/