Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage - Prerace Report

Written by: Karen Potter

If you are a singletrack aficionado, the Hunter Subaru Pisgah Stage Race is for you! Five days of full on classic east coast singletrack awaits in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina.  Many of the trails have be touted at ‘half-track’ and will test all of your mountain bike skills, including your fitness riding 195 miles with 28,000+ feet of climbing over five days.

In its third year running, race director Todd Branham has had little to change from previous years given the rave reviews from top endurance cyclists such as Amanda Carey (Kenda/Felt) and Jeremiah Bishop (Cannondale), last year’s open category race winners.  But, Todd still wanted to make the experience even better for the racers. 

For 2011, there will be a "Recovery Zone” for riders to enjoy located in the vendor village area in downtown Brevard.  This will include folks from Carmichael Training to help riders with nutritional, recovery and race strategies; massage therapy will be available; awards ceremony and briefings.  In addition, Verizon Wireless will be offering an internet café for riders to test out the new phones and tablets which will make updating blogs and writing race reports a breeze. 

As far as major stage changes for 2011, Stage One, White Squirrel Loop, is now a full 43-mile day with 5,000+ feet of climbing.  It will entail classic Pisgah singletrack and is considered the "Queen Stage.”  Last year, the Stage One was a prologue time trial.  Stage Two will feature – 46 miles and 6,400+ feet of climbing, Stage Four – 39 miles and 7,200+ feet of climbing and Stage Five – 42 miles and 5,700+ feet of climbing remain pretty much the same sweet courses as last year.  Stage Three will take riders through the Mills River area for the first time and be a slightly shorter day at 24 miles and 3,700+ feet of climbing.

The Pisgah Stage race receives a lot of support from the local community which is not surprising given the area is known for outdoor adventures of all types.  The Pisgah area SORBA and several local hiking clubs have been volunteering their time trimming the tight trails for this race. 

To register and find out more details go to http://www.blueridgeadventures.net/stage/default.html