2021 Belgian Waffle Ride Asheville Guide

The BWR draws upon Belgian cycling inspiration for its race ideation. You will need to channel your inner-Belgian for this edition- nestled into Ridge Kanuga, the course will wind around 1400 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, tailored for the riders. BWR features three route options, namely the Waffle, Wafer, and “Wanna” routes, each progressively shorter than the prior. Rest assured- each course packs plenty of on and off road difficulty, sure to challenge every rider regardless of their course selection.

The Asheville edition kicks off on August 20, 2021, where registrants can pick up their numbers and explore the vendor expo- Canyon will have a large pop-up there, with bikes to demo on turbos and complimentary service for Canyon owners. Take the evening to mingle with riders, eat local fare, and be sure to rest up- the racing on August 21 will be sure to test every rider.

The three routes at BWR Asheville offer varying levels of difficulty and challenge, so any rider is sure to find the perfect course for them.

The “Waffle” ride will be 104 miles with more than 40 miles spent off-road, and 11,000+ feet of climbing across the eastern divide. The “Wafer” ride is 75-80 miles and the “Wanna” ride is 35-40 miles, with exact distances and elevation subject to change on race day according to local authorities.

Riders going for the win at the Waffle Ride will be squeezing 30 or 32c tires into road frames, making the Endurace a very enticing option to those looking to compete on both the pavement and dirt. Wafer riders may opt for Grails, due to the relatively higher percentage of gravel relative to pavement on the course, or even reaching for some Inflites. Wanna riders should opt for a light gravel bike or all-road bike (either Grail, Endurace, or Inflite) to make the most of this exceptional sportive!

Canyon will have a big presence all weekend at the race with our pop-up booth and some of the biggest names in gravel taking to the start line. Eddie Anderson and Jeremiah Bishop are the riders to watch in the men’s field, following a string of top results at Unbound and BWR San Diego. Kathy Pruitt and Tiffany Cromwell will be headlining the women’s fields- with so much race experience between the two of them, they are sure to shake up the competition as the day gets underway in North Carolina.

BWR Asheville has the same recommendations for gear as BWR San Diego- you will not need a super burly gravel bike, nor will you even really need tires wider than 40 mm. In fact, most riders will ride tires between 28 and 35 mm wide. We really recommend using either the Endurace, Inflite, or Grail at this edition of the race, as you will want to be capable in the dirt, but not sacrificing too much on the long stretches of pavement and the punishingly steep grades of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As for other gear, be sure to bring a flat repair kit, plugs (if your tires can accommodate them), fluids, drink mix, electrolytes, sun block, and gravel-specific kit for carrying plenty of snacks or a frame bag or bar bag to take what you need with you.

Savor plenty of waffles, beer from Sierra Nevada Brewery, and the company of your peers. BWR Asheville will be a fantastic sequel to the San Diego edition, with plenty of action to be had for all, fans and racers alike.