9AM Sunday May 4th, 2025
Course Description
The Fire Mountain XC bike race in Cherokee, North Carolina, is a fast-paced cross-country competition held on the Fire Mountain Trail System, featuring a mix of flowing singletrack, punchy climbs, and technical descents. With a course that balances speed and technical difficulty, it’s an exciting event for both seasoned racers and newcomers looking to test their stamina on one of the Southeast’s most well-designed trail networks.
Racers will be released near the parking lot of the Post Office at 671 Tsali Blvd. Check in will be at near the Cherokee Welcome Center at 486 Tsali Blvd.
18 Miles Course
Post office to Tinker’s Dream Trail Head. Tinkers Dream>Uktena>Kessel Run>Lazy Elk>Lower Tinker’s Dream>Uktena>Spearfinger>Lazy Elk>Skilly>Skilly Return>Lower Tinker’s Dream>Uktena>Kessel Run> Lazy Elk> Lower Tinker’s Dream>Road to finish.
9 Mile Course (Beginning and Youth classes)
Post office to Tinker’s Dream Trail Head. Tinkers Dream>Uktena>Upper Kessel Run>Uktena>Spearfinger>Lazy Elk>Lower Tinker’s Dream>Road to finish.
Division
Awards will be given to the top 3 riders of each division.
1st Place expert men & women: 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $150
- Expert
- Sport
- Beginner
- U17
- U13
- 50+
- 60+
- E-bike
Rule
- SAFTEY FIRST!
- All contestants are required to wear a helmet at all times during the race. (full-face helmet strongly recommended)
- Racers must supply all their own gear
- Racers must display number plate on front of bike and wear timing chip at all times during the race.
- Racers must follow all federal, state, and local laws at regulations at all times during the race
- Racers must sign a waiver before being cleared to race
- Racers are encouraged to carry water, food, tools, and a spare tube
Amenities
There will be 1 aid station at the lower pavilion, which racers will reach multiple time. We will have water, fruit, and basic snacks. Please come with filled water bottles/packs. The aid station is for racers only.