Appalachian Journey
The Idea: The idea for The Journey comes from a fundamental wish to share our favorite riding experiences with our friends and with the world. Floyd County has tremendous dirt, primitive, and gravel road resources to allow riders to challenge themselves as much as they like. Floyd County; known as the "Center of the Universe," has a special vibe which we know will foster a unique cycling experience for all of us the weekend of The Journey.
The Format: We have chosen to launch The Journey as a partner format event. Call it a race if you'd like, call it an experience if you will. The event will be professionally timed and podiums will be held. Duo racing is more common as a mountain bike stage race format at events like the Cape Epic or The Pioneer where partners coordinate as a team to go faster, farther, and harder than they would be able to as solo riders. The Duo format requires partnership and communication and produces a tremendously enriching experience for both participants. This comes from our belief that the best rides happen with friends. Fast or slow its all about The Journey.
Riders in a team compete side by side together with times taken at each checkpoint to ensure riders stay within 5 minutes of each other. Time for the team is taken a the second rider to cross the finish line. Riders are often faster together than they would be independently if they work together. Partners are encouraged to assist each other by any "non-mechanical" means. This means pushing, pulling, "throws" or other partner format assistance is acceptable but tethers, ropes, or other "mechanical means" are not permitted.