The mild weather and partly overcast skies helped the contestants to complete the daunting race. Riders have 12 hours to complete the race. If they are able to complete the race in 12 or less hours they receive credit for completing the race and are eligible to enter the race again next year. The race course follows Highway 9 between I-85 and Parris Bridge Road and then takes the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mount Mitchell. These supplies are made available to the bicyclists along the course of the race.
Volunteers man each of the supply stations to dole out the refreshments for the contestants.
Entry fees pay for the supplies and the cost of organizing the road race. John Bryan, of Spartanburg, SC, is the race's founder. The idea for the race came from Bryan and a friend racing from Spartanburg, SC, to the top of Mount Mitchell in 1974. They invited some friends to join them the next year and the race's popularity has continued to grow each year. Pick your own apples at Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville.