HARDford 50 and HARDERford 75

Race Overview

Riders have two course options: The HARDford 50 and the HARDERford 75. Both fully-supported courses are 50+ miles and 6,500 ft. of climbing, and 75 miles and 10,300 ft. of climbing (respectively) through Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests.

• Course Conditions: 75% gravel, 10% dirt, and the remainder on pavement.
• Supported Aid Stops: Two fully stocked aid stops along the H50 course, and three along the H75.
• Bike Types: CX and MTB are both appropriate.

Start and Finish Location

Rapid Expeditions, 3605 Hartford Rd, Hartford, TN 37753

Date and Time

Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 8am (7:45am rider meeting at the starting line)

Course Maps

Riders are responsible for downloading and using the provided maps. Course will not be marked.

• Course Map Link: Click here for link to course map.

Categories

• Women’s and Men’s Open
• Single Speed
• Junior Women's and Men's
• Women’s and Men’s Masters: (age 40-49)
• Women's and Men's Grand Masters: (age 50+)

Category ages are based on day-of-race age.

Race director reserves the right to combine categories for full podiums.

Awards

All categories will have podiums three deep. Also, we will have Overall podiums for both HARDford and HARDERford (Male and Female) five deep, with top three spots receiving cash payout!

T-Shirts

Event t-shirts can be purchased in advance for $25. It's a high quality, super comfy triblend that will quickly become your favorite tee.

Participation Limit

The U.S. Forest Service limits participation to 500 racers.

Packet Pickup

Riders must pick-up their packet in person at Rapid Expeditions. Available pick-up times:

• Saturday: August 2: 6-8pm
• Sunday: August 3 (day-of): 6am

Merchandise

Purchase HARDford merch here.

More Information

For more details about the race, visit the official race page.