Hurricane Helene decimated Western North Carolina with record-setting rainfall, causing catastrophic flooding. “The highest rainfall total was in Busick, with a three-day total of 31.33 inches — more than 2.5 feet,” according to CBSNews.com.
Public lands and mountain bike trails are closed across much of the state in the aftermath of the storm. In most places, we don’t yet know the extent of the trail damage, as locals continue to focus on basic survival. However, the ramifications are already beginning to ripple across the industry.
“On Tuesday, USA Cycling announced that the 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, originally scheduled for October 24-27 at Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia, North Carolina, will be postponed indefinitely due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene,” reads a press release released by USA Cycling. “The storm significantly impacted the host city and surrounding areas, making it impossible to safely host the event as planned.”
While USA Cycling is working to reschedule the event, they’ve announced that athletes and teams that have already registered for the event will be refunded.
“We understand how disappointing this news is for the collegiate cycling community, and everyone involved,” said Kyle Knott, Director of National Events. “However, considering the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, postponing is the right decision to ensure everyone’s safety and allow the local community time to recover. Our thoughts are with all those who have been personally affected by this storm.”
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