The Assault on the Carolinas is the annual fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club. We offer 100k and 50k rides. The 100k goes through North Carolina and South Carolina mountains and valleys. Fully supported ride with 5 well stocked rest stops, and a challenging 6 mile climb up Ceasar’s Head. The 50k goes through the river valleys of Scenic Transylvania County.

The Assault on The Carolinas has two featured rides that are fully supported with well-stocked rest stops, bathroom facilities, traffic support at major intersections, well marked courses, and a hot lunch after the ride. All rides start and finish on Main Street in downtown Brevard.
Riders can choose between the 100K (66.1 miles) and 50K (28.9 miles). Both rides begin at 9:00am and start and finish at the Water Oak Suites Building on the Corner of East Main and Johnson Street. This 100k has it all from flats, rolling hills, the Walnut Hollow climb, fast descents, and a grueling 6-mile climb up Caesars Head near the North Carolina-South Carolina border. This ride will take you through the river valleys of Transylvania County, up Walnut Hollow, and up and over Highway 178. Hwy 178 offers some amazing descents, with miles of curves, that will be enjoyed by all. Once riders cross Hwy 11 in South Carolina they will stretch out their legs on some rolling hills and flat sections. Then riders reach the bottom of Caesars Head they begin a challenging 6 mile climb to the top. Once over Caesars head it’s @ 15 miles back to Brevard with more descents, flats, and a ride back through the river valley. This ride has 5 rest stops.  Total ascent of 3,727 ft. with a maximum elevation of 3,157 ft.

The 50K riders will get to test their climbing abilities on Walnut Hollow, which is a local favorite. Walnut hollow is a steep challenging climb that is sure to get everyone’s heart pumping. The climb is 1.1 mile with grades reaching 15%. After climbing Walnut Hollow riders will enjoy a nice rolling ride home through the French Broad River Valley. The 50k has 2 fully stocked rest stops.

What type of bike should I ride? The AOTC is designed for road bikes—lightweight bikes with thin tires (> 100psi) and multiple gears built for speed and handling on paved roads. For safety of all riders and logistical considerations, please, no recumbent bikes, elliptical bikes, mountain bikes, unicycles, tri-bikes / aerobars, BMX/freestyle bikes, commuter bikes, or motorized bikes. eBikes allowed for the 50K only.

How do I know if I’m in shape for the AOTC?  For the 100 K route you should be reasonably confident that you can average at least 10 miles per hour for 6 1/2 hours over 66 miles of hilly terrain (grades up to 15%, over 3,700ft of ascent).   This pace will enable you to finish by 3:30PM.  If you can’t meet these criteria please consider doing the 50k route this year and prepare for the 100K next year.