15th Assault on Marion

The Assault on Marion covers the first 72 miles of the Assault on Mount Mitchell challenge. The first 72 miles has about 4,500 feet of climbing. This portion of the tour moves through gentle rolling country side of South Carolina. While you are riding in South Carolina – there are several locations that you can see your goal of Mount Mitchell, if you are registered for Assault on Mount Mitchell.

You have several very short climbs to go up but for the most part, this is the leisure part of the ride where you can just sit back and enjoy the country side and the morning sun rise!

Just after after crossing into North Carolina, the climbing starts off with a bang! As the miles go by, the climbs gets longer and harder and the corners get sharper.

Bill’s Mountain comes up at about the 45 mile point. This hill has about 1000 feet vertical of climbing in less than one mile. It is the first place that we really separate the strong riders from the rest of the pack!

Onward you go, still up and down with the hills while you can now see the real mountains still looming off in the distance.

As you near Marion and the end of the Marion part of the tour, you will start up the final set of stair case climbs that seems to never end.

Finally at the top you are on the last high speed down hill to the Marion Finish line which is very fast and has sharp curves with very steep drop off over the left side of the road.

Just after crossing over the bridge, you will find the Tom Johnson Camp Grounds on your right. All Marion Riders will turn right to the finish line.

For more information please visit The Assault on Mount Mitchell and Assault on Marion web page.