Ride Starts

Your in-person Tour takes off from Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock on Labor Day (September 7) and begins with a mass start at 8:00am. Earlier starts will not be permitted.

Routes are not finalized for 2026.

Slight changes to routes may be necessary due to road construction.

TDA’s four incredible routes can hardly wait for you and your bicycle (eBicycles are welcome).  The 100, 63, and 45 routes include beautiful mountain experiences and orchards full of nearly ripe apples.  While the 25-mile route has only a few modest hills and lots of apple orchards, the other routes will challenge your largest rear gears.  Check out the cue sheets below.
              

Hurricane Helene came through our area in late September 2024 with high winds and unprecedented rain - about 30 inches!!!  Storm water washed away or damaged many bridges and caused numerous roadway wash-outs.  Fortunately most of the bridges and roadways on the Tour d’Apple routes have been repaired.  We will update the routes on the Tour d’Apple website a few days before the event.  Please check tour ROUTES web pages on September 6th.

 

 

Important for all cyclists:

100-mile cyclists must start at 8:00 AM in order to complete the Honeycrisp 100 – a very challenging route – by 4:00 PM. The 100-mile route (Yellow arrows) may again include the beautiful 270-degree mountain views on Orchard Circle at approximately Mile 87.

ALL ROUTES WILL BE UNASSISTED AFTER 4:00 PM.

Rest stops will open and close as follows:

Rest Stop – OPENS CLOSES Location

  • 1: 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM - Mountain Machine, 2011 Pilot Mtn Rd, Edneyville
  • 2: 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM - Mountain Machine, 2011 Pilot Mtn Rd, Edneyville
  • 3: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM - Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 104 Mine Gap Rd
  • 4: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Near 57 Pinnacle Falls Lane, Zirconia, NC
  • 5: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM - Fire Station, 3559 Hebron Road, Etowah
  • Note: Rest Stops 1&2 are the same location.

The Tour’s post-ride lunch for cyclists and volunteers begins at 11:00 AM and ends at 3:30PM. IMPORTANT: Your ride bib is your “meal ticket!” Lunch for friends or family will cost $10.00; purchase tickets at the Volunteer Tent. Email tourd’apple@gmail.com to request a gluten-free or vegetarian option. Volunteers receive a complimentary lunch but pick up a lunch ticket at the Volunteer Tent.

Whether you’re a novice or a serious cyclist, there’s a ride that’s right for you. Please note that the Tour will be unassisted after 4 pm.

 

Parking and Hub Map

For packet pickup, parking and hub map information - click HERE. 

Honeycrisp Unbelievable Century

100 miles with 8,000 feet of ascent over Sugarloaf Mountain, Bearwallow Mountain, Terry's Gap, Pinnacle Mountain and Jump Off Rock.

For serious cyclists.

Yellow 100: Honeycrisp Unbelievable Century, Cue Sheet, RWGPS Map

 

Gala Metric Challenge

62 miles (100 kilometers) with nearly 5,000 feet of ascent over Sugarloaf Mountain, Bearwallow Mountain and Terry's Gap.

Orange 62: Gala Metric Challenge, Cue Sheet, RWGPS Map

 

 

Jonagold Lite

45 miles with approximately 2,300 feet of ascent.

A great challenge for new and returning cyclists. You can do it!

Blue 45: Jonagold Lite, Cue Sheet, RWGPS Map

 

 

Green Apple Enthusiast

25 miles with 1,000 feet of ascent.

Green 25: Green Apple Enthusiast, Cue Sheet, RWGPS Map