Additional Information
Annually held on the last Saturday of April, the Burnsville Metric is a great way to start off your cycling season. It is casual but well-supported and comprises some of the flattest, most scenic roads in Yancey and Mitchell counties. Burnsville’s Town Square makes a dramatic location for the registration/start/finish proceedings and is also the highest elevation of both rides, a modest 2821’.
For the first 36 miles the Metric route is mostly flat and follows the Cane River through the small communities of Higgins, Lewisburg, Egypt and Ramseytown. 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, but those climbs, especially along Hwy. 80-N, provide 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.
Feel the support provided by 3 well-supplied Rest Stops, roving SAG vehicles and ham radio communication by MARC (Mayland Amateur Radio Club).
An exciting new option started last year is back! The Family Ride, hosted by Arthur Morgan School. The Family Ride will have two well supplied rest stops and roving SAG support. Riders will leave the square and travel down East Main Street turning onto Pensacola Road. After completing a short climb cyclists will drop down into the beautiful Pensacola Valley and follow the Cane River. This is definitely the flattest road you will ever encounter in the mountains. This out and back ride will end where it began, the Burnsville Town Square.
REGISTRATION/packet pick-up at Burnsville Town Center 7:15 – 8:45
Ride begins promptly at 9 a.m.
Helmets are required. All riders must sign the 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.
