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Event Information

The Carolina Hills Classic is a four-day, fully-appointed road cycling adventure traversing the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina, to raise critical funds for the fight to conquer arthritis, the #1 cause of disability in the United States.

Event Location

Start Line + Opening Ceremony: Asheville, NC TBA 
Finish Line Celebration + Closing Ceremony:  Greenville, SC TBA  

Rider Package and Required Fundraising for the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour (in-person event) 

All on-tour cycling participants register by paying a registration fee and agree to raise funds or self-fund the fundraising minimum of $4,000. $2,000 is due by April 1, 2025, and the remaining balance is due by July 15, 2025. Review fundraising minimums, support, and key dates HERE.

Route

The four-day tour will cover approximately 250 miles with most days offering a longer and compact option. Daily mileage options will range from 40-80 miles. Additional route details are coming soon. 

Event Schedule

Day 0 – Wednesday, June 11
Ride at your leisure at the doorstep of the Blue Ridge Parkway! Arriving in Asheville, NC on Wednesday, June 11, participants begin their Carolina Hills Classic experience at an evening social where they'll meet their fellow riders, as well as members and volunteers from the Arthritis Foundation, and event staff. During the evening, riders will receive a thorough briefing on the first day's routes and key locations.

Day 1 – Thursday, June 12
Following our Start Line + Opening Ceremony, riders will depart on one of two courses to explore the highlands northwest of Asheville. Highlighting mountain vistas, the small towns of Alexander, Marshall, and Leicester, and multiple crossings of the French Broad River, these routes showcase the region’s beauty. With moderate elevation and distances, Day 1 serves as a warm-up for the remaining days of riding. Completing the day is an evening social to mingle, hear from a mission ambassador, discuss the day's ride, and preview Friday's route.

Day 2 – Friday, June 13
Greenville, here we come! From rolling terrain, farmlands, and lake views, participants will ride south out of Asheville, North Carolina en route to Greenville, South Carolina. The day begins with a beautiful and challenging climb out of Asheville and continues with gently rolling terrain punctuated by mountain vistas, lake views, and scenic towns along the route. Stop at a fruit stand or two on the lengthy descent into Greenville, and enjoy a relaxed evening social highlighting local cuisine and a review of Saturday’s course with fellow riders.

Day 3 - Saturday, June 14
We’ll explore the lakes region north and east of Greenville, a city that Condé Nast Traveler has named the “#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.” Riders will take in glorious views of Lake Robinson, Lake Cunningham, Lake Apalachee, and Lake Lyman while crossing several creeks and rivers along the way. Stop for waterfall selfies and enjoy the perfect early summer weather amidst mountain views and endless panoramas. The day's routes offer gentle recovery from Day 2 and a chance to prepare for Sunday's finale. Once again, the evening program includes hearing from a mission ambassador and a course review.

Day 4 – Sunday, June 15
On our final day of riding, riders will head into the highlands west of Greenville, toward the North Carolina state line, and experience an area known for challenging terrain, scenic beauty, and small-town hospitality. This is a day in the mountains, with tree-covered roads, mountain vistas, and winding descents. The course crosses many mountain streams, and briefly touches Lake Keowee, a beautiful foothills lake that is a highly desired retirement and vacation area. Returning to Greenville, riders cross the finish line to a fanfare welcome and Finish Line Celebration + Closing Ceremony.

 
Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour Includes:
  • Official 2025 Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour apparel package 
  • 4 nights of hotel accommodation (double occupancy)
  • Fully-supported rest stops on the route  
  • Mechanical support and SAG/shuttles 
  • Daily luggage transfers 
  • Catered breakfasts and dinners 
  • Nightly entertainment and social hour 
  • Day Zero Welcome Reception in Asheville
  • Closing Ceremony Celebration in Greenville
  • An unforgettable experience!   

Not included in the Carolina Hills Classic rider package: 

  • Transportation for riders, bikes, and gear, to and from the start and finish, is not included in the rider package and must be arranged and paid for by participants. 
  • Massage services
  • Single occupancy surcharge
Offline Donations

Checks or Money Orders can be mailed to:
Arthritis Foundation, Inc.
Attn: 2025 Carolina Hills Classic
C/o: {Participant Name or Team Name}
1355 Peachtree Street, Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30309
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected] or call 1-800-283-7800.

Please include the Fundraising Donation Submission Form with all mailed-in donations.

As a reminder, registration fees, donations, and required fundraising commitments are non-refundable and non-transferable as funds are put to work immediately in our community to help people with arthritis live life without limits.

For help or more information about the Carolina Hills Classic Cycling Tour, contact Erin Starck at [email protected] or Shannon Marang Cox at [email protected] or call 213-634-3772.