The 48th Assault on Mount Mitchell, a grueling point-to-point 103 mile gran fondo to the summit of the highest peak in the eastern USA, will not take place in 2025 according to a Facebook announcement from the organizer, Freewheelers Cycling Association.

“The Mt. Mitchell State Park has an infrastructure project – to replace the water main in the middle of the road going up to the park. It could happen this year, therefore the Park will not let us know if we can ride until November. There is too much planning and financial expenditures that must happen before November. The FCA board has determined that it is too financially risky for us to put on the Assaults for 2025.” Karl Johnson – President, Freewheelers Cycling Association

Johnson is trying to put together an alternative route/ride on the same date in May, with would-be participants floating ideas on social media to finish on the Blue Ridge Parkway just short of the summit or possibly continue into the city of Asheville.

But so far alternative plans for 2025 have not been finalized.

First run in 1975, the always sold-out event is one of the most challenging mass participation rides in North America. Starting in Spartanburg, South Carolina The Assault climbs over 11K vertical feet into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to finish atop majestic Mount Mitchell at 6684 feet in elevation.

Photo Credit: Matt Burkhartt

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