mtb

Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventure Race – PMBAR

Pisgah National Forest, USA · 01 May 2027

Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal

A brutal 50-80 mile mountain bike adventure race in Pisgah National Forest with over 4572m of climbing. This is a test of spirit and camaraderie, requiring teams of two to navigate to checkpoints with no suggested route. Expect rugged, unforgiving terrain with limited support.

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Distances
50-80 miles
Elevation
4,572 m
Surface
singletrack, gravel, dirt
Typical W/kg
3–4

Rider fit

Who it's for

Experienced and self-sufficient endurance mountain bikers looking for a significant navigational and physical challenge in a remote wilderness setting.

Who will struggle

Riders who are not comfortable with long distances, significant climbing, complex navigation, minimal support, or who struggle with team dynamics under pressure.

Training focus

Focus on long-distance endurance, technical singletrack skills, navigation with map and compass, self-sufficiency for food and water, and team communication.

Are you ready for this race?

Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.

FAQs

What is the format of the PMBAR?+

The PMBAR is a two-person team race where teams must navigate to four out of five secret checkpoints in any order, returning to the start/finish as quickly as possible. The team with the lowest overall time wins.

What kind of terrain can I expect?+

You will encounter rugged, unforgiving, and beautiful terrain within the Pisgah National Forest, featuring a mix of singletrack, gravel roads, and dirt trails. Off-map trails and bushwhacking are strictly prohibited.

Is there any support on the course?+

No, there is little to no water or food support on course. Once you leave the start/finish, you are on your own, and there are no sag wagons or outside support. Teams must carry all necessary supplies.

What gear is mandatory for the race?+

Mandatory gear includes a helmet, mobile phone, rain jacket, water filter or iodine, emergency blanket, first aid kit, whistle, lighter, compass or GPS unit, red rear light, handlebar or helmet-mounted light (500 lumen minimum), and the official Pisgah Map.

What are the time limits for the race?+

The race starts at 8:00 AM and has a final cutoff time of 10:00 PM on the same day, giving racers a maximum of 14 hours to complete the course.

Can I use GPS devices or navigation apps?+

You are required to use the official Pisgah Map Company – Pisgah District map. While a compass or GPS unit is required, the use of other online maps or applications like Trailforks is strictly prohibited and can lead to disqualification.

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