Its a little bit of a secret but our premier event; The Appalachian Journey, was nearly called “The Appalachian Mountaineer.” This name captured so much of the independent spirit and path forging mentality of the mountains of Appalachia that we almost ran with it. The name though lacked the spirit of mutual enrichment, of partnership, and of saddling up together so that your experience is richer and deeper than a solo effort. It was a mentality we wanted to share, but it felt too narrow in its scope.

And so we briefly warehoused the name and the idea. But not for long. As events were rapidly canceled in spring of 2020; including our own, we began to hunger for connection and outdoor experience. Some of our own rides went further afield or revisited old haunts as we isolated from public interaction. However out of a desire to gather in late 2020 we came up with a “distanced” bike event. “Come as you are, start when you will, and we will see you around the campfire” was the spirit. We did not want to promote risk taking or viral spread, but we did want to create a safe, disparate space where we could all sense human connection again. At the time we set up a route, venue, and post race meal for those who simply needed to get out of the house and break the isolation. Today The Appalachian Mountaineer has matured from that year 1 experience but the wild and rugged region of Craig County still shines as an autumnal solo foil to The Journey; and in many senses, the two events could not be more different.

That first summer ride that captured us for The Mountaineer

The Mountaineer is a solo endeavor, though many riders choose to spend the autumn day with friends. While The Journey is a partner endeavor which celebrates community and shared challenge, The Mountaineer is built to cherish the enterprising spirit of the pioneers who explored the Appalachian Mountains. These rugged old lumps of rock have stories to tell and secrets are kept in their hills and hollers. The Mountaineer is a rider who digs in with whatever tools they have to experience something special and rare on two wheels.

As we built the foundation of this experience we knew we wanted a venue which fit the history and spirit of the early mountain settlers. And so Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing would be our home. The venue can make or break a good event and our friends at “WAEL” have shown up in big ways to help show off the mountains with us. They bring hospitality like few others and are always up for a good time.

Part of the fun of The Mountaineer is the bike choice. There’s certainly no “right” bike for The Mountaineer. 65 and 80 mile riders may appreciate a little faster rolling ride, while the 40 mile riders spent most of their day on the chunky terrain of Bald Knob and Potts Mtn, appreciating every millimeter of suspension and tire volume they can get. We call it a “best of both” style ride where riders can benefit from whatever they bring at some phase in the ride. The only advise we have is “leave your road bike at home".” Gravelachia at The Mountaineer means 40c tires or bigger, brakes that are ready to do a little work, and a smile that wont quit.

The Appalachian Mountaineer is timed, and we have some amazing prizes from our partners. However we dont call it a “race.” We wont be reporting your times or granting you points. We reckon everybody will leave a winner, but the first one back definitely gets their pick of the post race treats.