We will have the traditional MASS START @ 6:30 AM this year. You may choose your starting position, but it is best to consider your own goals and fitness level, as well as the goals and fitness of those around you before lining up.

There will be 3 flags on either side of the starting area to help sort starting positions:

Flag Set #1
This is reserved for the FASTEST riders. You should only consider riding with this group if you are planning to finish AoMM in 6:15 or less OR Marion in 3:30 or less. This means you have trained for the ride for months and you have a very high level of fitness (and most likely, you have done one or both of these events before). If you have not trained for the event and choose to start here you placing yourself and those around you at great risk of injury and/or failure. Please DO NOT start here unless you are a very skilled, trained cyclist with proper equipment and preparation.

Flag Set #2
These are the serious Weekend Warrior riders. You should consider riding with this group if you have trained well, know how to ride in a tight group, are fast and fit, but not an experienced "racer" - realistically, you know you will not be with the lead pack riding into Marion. To be certain that you have an enjoyable experience, it is best to consider your placement and preparation carefully.

Flag Set #3
The majority of riders should line up behind this flag: those who are out for the experience and the joy of the event; those who did not train as much as you might have liked; those who are not racing the clock; and those whose main goal is to finish. Ask the people around you what their pace will be, and place yourself accordingly. Remember, we must all consider the safety and enjoyment of those around us as well as our own interests!

Note: Some of you liked the staggered start in 2009, but it was unsuccesful in many ways - too many to continue in 2012. This is a big ride, a long ride, and a challenging ride. With the flags set out at the start, and trusting that the majority of riders will be honest with themselves and those around them, things ought to be sorted at the beginning. If you don’t feel comfortable starting in a big group feel free to start in the back. Remember, your official ride time is based on when you cross the starting mat.

There will be 10 Rest Stops along the way, spaced evenly by approximate timing (which is why later stops are closer together- by distance).

Rest Stop #1 @ 22 miles
Rest Stop #2 @ 42 miles
Rest Stop #3 @ 47 miles Summit of Bill's Mountain / Tech Support
Rest Stop #4 @ 64 miles
Rest Stop #5 @ 74 miles Tom Johnson Campground / Marion Finish /Tech Support
Rest Stop #6 @ 85 miles Tech Support Available
Rest Stop #7 @ 87 miles Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway (cut-off point)
Rest Stop #8 @ 93 miles
Rest Stop #9 @ 97.9 miles
Rest Stop #10 @ 100.7 miles Entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park

No. Unfortunately, there are far too many cyclists, support vehicles, and regular traffic to allow any additional cars on the course. However, you may have your family "leap frog" along the route. By taking alternate roads, they may drive ahead, park, and cheer you on as you ride by!

A car following along on the course will be considered a SAG(personal rider support), and NO SAG of any type is allowed in this event. Any rider observed utilizing SAG support will be pulled from the ride and banned from any future participation.

This applies to BOTH of the Assaults: Mitchell AND Marion.

For the Assault on Marion, the cut-off time to finish will be 2:00 PM. This means you must average ~10 mph (including stopped time) for the 76 mile journey.

For the Assault on Mt. Mitchell, the cut-off time will be 3:00 PM at Rest Stop #7 (the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the top of Hwy 80). If you have not reached Rest Stop #7 by 3:30, you will be given the opportunity to either cycle back to Marion or hitch a ride in one of our Official SAG vehicles. You will not be allowed to go further.