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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 surrounding Greenville, South Carolina, and Brevard, North Carolina.

 

Event Location

Start Line + Opening Ceremony: Camperdown Plaza, Greenville, SC 
Finish Line Celebration + Closing Ceremony:  Greenville, SC TBA  

Route

The four-day tour will cover approximately 250 miles with daily mileage options ranging from 45-75 miles. Registered participants will receive digital route coordinates through email communications and at Day 0 packet pick up. 

Event Schedule

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we have revised the routes of our inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour. Preliminary information is below and we’ll share more details soon. Sign up for our newsletter here and stay informed with the latest!

Day 0 – Wednesday, June 11: Greenville, SC
Welcome to the Palmetto State and Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Friendliest City in the U.S.! Riders convene at our host hotel in Greenville, SC on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 11th for registration and packet pick-up.

Day 1 – Thursday, June 12: Greenville, SC to Clemson, SC
The inaugural Carolina Hills Classic starts with a hearty breakfast, Opening Ceremonies, and a group photo at the Start Line. On the Day 1 ride to Clemson, riders experience a combination of urban vibrancy, southern charm, and college-town energy. The route winds through lakeside landscapes, rolling hills, and farmland; quiet country roads provide a peaceful and serene riding environment. The moderate 4,518-foot elevation gain and 66 miles are an ideal warmup for the coming days. Upon arrival in the college town of Clemson, riders have time to relax and socialize before the group dinner, route briefing, and remarks from an Arthritis Foundation Mission Ambassador.

Day 2 – Friday, June 13: Clemson, SC to Brevard, NC
Day 2 presents a delightful mix of Southern scenery, physical challenge, and mountain-town charm as riders head north to the Land of Waterfalls: Brevard, North Carolina. The rolling foothills and peaceful rural roads of Upstate South Carolina give way to lush farmland, forests, and southern flanks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Riders test their climbing legs with 5,591 feet in elevation gain over 65 miles and soak in stunning panoramic views as they cross into western North Carolina. After descending into Brevard on sweeping roads through the cool mountain air, riders can relax at social hour, a private dinner, and the evening’s Mission Ambassador presentation together.

Day 3 - Saturday, June 14: Brevard, NC to Brevard, NC
Riders settle into their second night’s lodging in Brevard, a vibrant Southern mountain town with art galleries, breweries, and cafes. The Day 3 bike route is a dynamic mix of terrain that includes rolling hills, sharp turns, and mountain climbs. Riders can add optional side trips to picturesque area landmarks like Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and Du Pont Recreational Forest. Whichever route they choose (65 miles/3,979ft elevation or a spur offshoot), they are treated to scenic backroads, shady forested areas, and memorable views. In the evening, riders gather for a dinner highlighting the local cuisine and inspiration from a Mission Ambassador.

Day 4 – Sunday, June 15: Brevard, NC to Greenville, SC
On Day 4 riders cross into South Carolina and pedal through the training grounds of notable professional cyclists on the way back to Greenville. The key feature of the day’s route is a long descent through Pisgah National Forest surrounded by lush forests and scenic waterfalls. There’s time to stop at a fruit stand, take a waterfall selfie, and enjoy riding through several small towns as riders savor their final day of the tour’s dynamic terrain, scenic beauty, and small-town hospitality. Upon returning to Greenville, riders cross the Finish Line after riding 53 miles/3,032 feet of rolling elevation to a fanfare welcome, after which they have time to relax, have lunch, and attend Closing Ceremonies together.

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 should be reached by April 1, 2025, and the remaining balance is due by July 15, 2025, if not reached prior. We provide the fundraising tools and support to help you engage your family and friends to reach your fundraising goals. The Arthritis Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 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), June 11 - 14th
  • Digital GPS route maps, cue sheets, and marked routes
  • Fully-supported rest stops on the route  
  • Mechanical support and SAG (support and gear) shuttles 
  • Daily luggage transfers 
  • Catered breakfasts and dinners 
  • Nightly entertainment and social hour 
  • Welcome reception on June 11th
  • Finish Line Celebration on June 15th
  • 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 Bike Tour, contact Erin Starck at [email protected] or Shannon Marang Cox at [email protected] or call 213-634-3772.