Event Description
The Burnsville Metric is a fully-supported metric century bike ride open to riders of all ages. This ride is not a race but a beautiful summer ride, suitable for riders of all levels above beginner. A timer will be running for the curious.
The ride is organized by The Yancey County Chamber of Commerce along with a small group of volunteers to promote bicycling and our beautiful mountain countryside, as well as support a long list of nonprofits that also volunteer during the ride. In the last eight years, the Burnsville Metric Bike Ride has raised over $40,000 for our local Volunteer Fire Departments, Rescue Squad, Hospice, Toe River Valley Watch, Short Bus Studio, Graham Children’s Health Services, Mountain Heritage Eco Club and others.
Annually held on the last Saturday of April, however, has been rescheduled to September due to the Covid-19. It is casual but well-supported and comprises some of the most scenic roads in Yancey and Mitchell counties. Burnsville’s Town Square makes a dramatic location for the registration/start/finish/meal proceedings and is also the highest elevation of the ride, a modest 2,821 feet.
For the first 36 miles, the Burnsville Metric route is mostly flat. It follows the Cane River through the small communities of Higgins, Lewisburg, Egypt, and Ramseytown with picturesque vistas of the river and the surrounding mountains. Then, proceeding upstream beside the wide Toe River, the route passes Huntdale, Pigeon Roost, and Green Mountain. There are moderate hills to climb between miles 36 and 52, providing stunning views of Mt. Mitchell, Roan Mountain, and other nearby peaks. Of course, there is the final climb back up to the town square. Not much to do about that but ride it.
AGAIN THIS YEAR!
We will offer an alternative 43.2 mile, shorter ride for cyclists who feel a metric century is a little more than they care to attempt. The alternate/shortened course starts with the Metric riders and follows the same course until intersecting with Jack's Creek Rd., returns to 19E, and back to the Burnsville Town Square - 43.2 miles and 1,890 ft. of ascent.
Feel the support provided by 3 well-supplied rest stops, roving SAG vehicles, and ham radio communication by MARC (Mayland Amateur Radio Club).
After the ride, run, walk or... ride a short distance from the finish line to Homeplace Beer Company at their new, larger location, for the after-ride festivities with food and beverages - stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates.
When you pre-register, you can order extra food & drink vouchers for family or friends accompanying you to the ride. Please provide that information on your registration form. Additional food & drink vouchers can be purchased at registration and onsite at Homeplace Beer Co.
Check out BurnsvilleMetric.com or our Facebook page for additional details.
Event details and schedule
Helmets are mandatory! All riders must sign a waiver; riders under 18 must have a parent co-sign the waiver. All riders must obey rules of the road – we are sharing these roads with motorists. Cyclists under 14 must be accompanied on the ride by a parent or guardian for the entire ride.
This year with your registration, you will receive a custom Burnsville Metric pint glass. These will be handed out with your choice of beverage in exchange for the drink voucher in your registration package. Additional vouchers may be purchased either with your online registration, onsite registration the day of the ride or at Homeplace Beer Co. after the ride.
Early registration fees last until September 4th. After that date, the fee for everyone is $55.00
Online registration ends September 14th at midnight to allow for registered riders' packet preparation.
On-Site Registration & packet pick-up at Burnsville Town Center - 6 S Main St. - 7:15 am – 8:45 am
The ride begins promptly at 9 a.m.
Food and beverage service is from noon until 3:00 pm
