The Assault on Mount Marion is a sister event to the hugely popular Assault on Mount Mitchell event. It is a separate event and a shorter version of its “big sister,” with 74 total miles and less vertical gain yet it is still considered one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast and North Carolina. If completed in proper time, The Assault on Mount Marion earns you a spot in the following year’s The Assault of Mount Mitchell.
Event & Course Info
The Assault on Mount Marion is a 74.2-mile multi-state self-paced ride from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, and ends at Tom Johnson Rally Park Pavilion in Marion, NC. Riders are supported with five rest stops with food, drinks, first aid, toilets, and SAG and tech support on the course. Friends and family can support you along the course by finding the best cheering spots recommended by the Spectator Guide.
The Assault on Mount Marion began in 1993 to allow more cyclists to participate with those riding the Assault on Mount Mitchell. Although it does not include the 28-mile trek to the top of the mountain, this event is as enjoyable and engaging as any with its rolling hills, multiple climbs, and compelling North Carolina scenery. It is a wonderful challenge for any cyclist, regardless of skill and experience as there is still 5,000 ft of elevation gain.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
After completing the ride, riders will have access to food, beverages, and changing stations. The Marriott Spartanburg is the official lodging sponsor of the Assaults, however if you’re looking for a more unique experience, there are a plethora of vacation rentals both in Spartanburg and Marion.
Related Events
Its partner event, The Assault on Mount Mitchell, is a longer, more intense premier cycling event in the region. Also picked as one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast, it boasts over 100 miles of riding and over 10,000 ft in elevation gain through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Riders of the Assault on Mount Marion can earn a position in this prestigious event if they meet the proper time cut-off. Both events are organized by The Freewheelers Club, and part of the proceeds support other local community service organizations.
The Gran Fondo Asheville is a jewel in North Carolina’s cycling crown and part of the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series, a series of 10+ Road Events taking place across the US, all qualifier events for the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship held in the Fall at Gran Fondo Maryland. Combining the thrill of competition with the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this event attracts cyclists from across the nation. Participants can choose from varying route lengths, each offering a different level of challenge and breathtaking scenery.
Also in Asheville, the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) has made its mark on the cycling world, and the Asheville edition is no exception. Known for its challenging course and unique blend of road and gravel sections, the BWR Asheville promises an unforgettable experience for cyclists seeking a taste of adventure and a dash of the extraordinary. BWR Asheville is part of the prestigious Belgian Waffle Ride Series, a North American series offering some of the world’s most highly respected and well-organized gravel events/races. The idea of the Series was conceived initially with the advent of “the most unique cycling event in the country,” the Belgian Waffle Ride California (San Diego). BWR California is well known among cycling enthusiasts and pros as one of the most difficult bicycle races in the US at 146 miles, 40 of which are off-road sectors. BWR events are unique because they are classic, long bicycle races that feature various off-road sectors emulating the pave or cobblestones of Europe, making the varied terrain a challenge for riders’ technical skills, equipment, endurance, luck, and versatility.
