Event Information
The Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour is an Arthritis Foundation Cycling ride to fund resources and research to find better treatments and a cure for arthritis, the #1 cause of disability in the United States. It’s a 4-day, fully-appointed road cycling adventure that includes hotel stays, meals, luggage transfers, and ride support as it traverses the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina.
Event Location
Start Line + Opening Ceremony: Asheville, NC TBA
Finish Line Celebration + Closing Ceremony: Greenville, SC TBA
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
Welcome to the Blue Ridge! Riders convene at our host hotel in Asheville, NC on Wednesday, June 11th, and begin their Carolina Hills Classic experience at Registration, where they meet fellow riders, event staff, and Arthritis Foundation volunteers.
Day 1 – Thursday, June 12
The Carolina Hills Classic kicks off bright and early with hot catered breakfast and an Opening Ceremony and group photo at the Start Line. Riders depart for their choice of two courses in the highlands northwest of Asheville. These routes showcase the region’s beauty, with sweeping tree-lined roads, multiple crossings of the French Broad River, views of barns and pastures, and mountain vistas. With moderate elevation gains and distances, Day 1 is a warm up for the remaining days of riding. A group dinner and social caps off the day. Riders will socialize, relax, hear from a Mission Ambassador, and preview Friday's route.
Day 2 – Friday, June 13
On Day 2, riders choose their own adventure as they say farewell to Asheville and depart for Brevard, NC, the "Land of Waterfalls". They enjoy scenic, winding roads, challenging climbs, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they ride along a single base route through Pisgah National Forest. Optional loops allow riders to customize the intensity of their experience and enjoy side trips. The day’s finale includes two options to ride to Looking Glass Falls, and arrival in the charming town of Brevard. After settling into our hotel, riders enjoy a social, private dinner and evening program together.
Day 3 - Saturday, June 14
On to Greenville! Day 3 treats riders to gently rolling terrain punctuated by mountain vistas, lake views, and scenic towns. Riders descend for 8 miles off the Piedmont Plateau, cross into South Carolina, and pedal through the training grounds of notable professional cyclists en route to Greenville, named the “#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler. There’s time to stop at a fruit stand, take a waterfall selfie, and enjoy riding through several small towns. Upon arrival, riders will settle in to our host hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening that highlights local cuisine. Once again, the evening program includes hearing from a mission ambassador and a course review.
Day 4 – Sunday, June 15
On the final day of riding, riders head into the highlands west of Greenville towards 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 showcases local lakes and foothills. Upon returning to Greenville, riders cross the Finish Line to a fanfare welcome, after which they have time to relax, enjoy lunch, and attend the Closing Ceremonies.
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. On-tour participants please note that half of your minimum fundraising commitment of $2,000 is due by April 1, 2025, and the remaining balance is due by July 15, 2025, if not prior. Review fundraising minimums, support, and key dates HERE.
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.