Ride with AIR

Randonneuring in Western NC

Randonneuring is long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. AIR is the local chapter of Randonneurs USA.

AIR hosts "brevets" and has a large selection of "permanents" that RUSA members can ride anytime.

Want to see more AIR photos? Check out our AIR ride albums page!

Looking for the other AIR?... Try Audax India Randonneurs

Upcoming Brevets

Apr

07

360km AIR Fleche

TBD
May

06

201km Coffee Grinder

TBD
May

20

303km Unaka Mountains

A real local favorite! The Unaka 300 is one of the best rides regularly held by AIR.

It's a real treat of a route, with a few long climbs but plenty of descending ;)

This route features the best tap water east of the Mississippi at Thomas Grocery just past roan mountain.

Pics from the route
Jun

10

409km Asheville-Damascus-Asheville

A nice scenic ride from to Damascus (the beautiful little AT stop) and back.
Jun

24

606km Bland AF

The route linked below is pending.

It includes small changes from the 600k we've been running in recents years to exceed the 8,000 meters of elevation gain.

Expect no frills, no support.

Recent Brevets

Feb

25

600km Swamp Fox 600 - Monroe, NC

The route has been finalized as linked below.

Support:

There is none. There will be no drop bags; if you need it, you carry it. If you DNF, please inform the ride organizer of your plan to coordinate your return to the finish. In most every case with AIR brevets, the ride organizer is also on the ride. Per RUSA rules, you may only receive non-neutral support at controls.

Airport Shuttle:

There will be limited available for riders flying in. Please contact the ashevillerandonneurs@gmail.com to inquire. If you want to make the trip, we'd love to make it work.

Lodging:

Friday - Relax Inn Monroe / 611 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110 / (704) 289-4581

80 2 QUEENS / 75 KING / Each room has refundable $25 deposit upon checkout.

Allegedly they "NEVER" run out of rooms so there's no need to reserve in advance but it's still encouraged.

You may be asking yourself:

"Why didn't the RBA choose a finer establishment for the start hotel?"

"Is this training for the ditches I'll be sleeping in on a 1200km?"

The Relax Inn, while a bit dated, should be just fine for a half a night of sleep. There are several more modern lodging options if you desire up the street. These more modern hotels were not chosen due to the difficulty of returning to them by bike at the finish of the ride.

Saturday - Quality Inn / 817 Radford Blvd, Dillon, SC 29536 / (843) 774-0222

As of 1/16/2023, there are ample rooms to accomodate a small roving group of randonneurs. This establishment does not allow for me to block the rooms; you must make your own reservation.

While it's hard for me to believe, the report that they expect to sell out on the weekend we are riding through. It is strongly suggested that you reserve rooms in advance.

As of 1/16/2023, rooms are $93/night on Choicehotels.com + $11 tax for a total of $104.
Feb

18

407km Believe It If You Need It

A very quiet ride through the SC Upstate with a smooth hardpack gravel section.

Recommended lunch stop is at mile 100 @ Hilltop Deli & Grocery, 3323 Ridgeway Rd, Great Falls, SC 29055.

Alternatively, snack till mile 135 and you've got myriad options.

There's a 24hr Kangaroo Express and a @4hr Waffle House at mile 189 slightly off course if you turn right.

In Jonesville, the 24hr Circle K gas station has moved from mile 221 to 222. I'll work on updating the route to reflect this before Thurs night.

Come back later for additional details/updates.

The route posted is final.
Feb

11

301km People's Peachoid

Start at RBA residence 15 Baker Pl 28806.

Registration closes at 5:50am.

Start time is 6:00am.

Coffee and breakfast will be provided for any riders at the start; please send the RBA a text/email verifying you would like to join for breakfast.

The route has been updated to include the completed Thermal Belt Rail-Trail.

Food and beer provided for all riders at the conclusion of the ride.

Cash only accepted for registration fees.
Feb

04

204km Upstate 200

Looking for some quiet, scenic roads? We've got you.

Welcome to the AIR Winter Brevet Series.

A few of your pals checked out these roads on a chilly January day which led to some revisions to ensure you have the best experience possible. The Upstate 200 offers beautiful foothills mountain views, a scenic covered bridge, a First Class hardpack gravel section, one steady climb, and a timewarp General Store in Saluda.

Tips: Plan ahead.

First available service is at Zippitys Convenience Store (53KM); not a control. They have a restroom and all the accoutrements of a 1980's convenience store

The lunch stop in Cowpens is an "Open Control." This means you can stop anywhere as long as you ride down Main St as far as Church St before turning around. The old Bluegrass BBQ is no longer. There's a subway, a mexican restaurant, a chinese restaurant, a Hardees and others.

In Saluda, don't make more than 2 laps in the General Store. If you didn't see it the first time, it's not there.