Barnburner MTB Festival

Barnburner 50K

October 17th, 2026

Presented by Overmountain Cycles in Morganton, NC

Important Update

Overmountain Cycles proudly directs the Barnburner 50K race. Due to the shop recently moving locations and building a new store, we have decided to only hold the Barnburner 50K for the 2026 event. We want to provide the best race experience for you, and this allows us to do so. Thank you for choosing the Barnburner and racing with us!

This weekend is spectator-friendly: bring the whole family!

Registration Details

• Includes: Entry to the best XC race in the WNC area.
• T-Shirt: Event T-Shirt (new design for 2026!).
• Finisher Perks: Finisher beer and event swag!

Routes

Barnburner 50k: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52634107

Aid Station

There is ONE aid station along the Barnburner and E-burn. It is roughly half-way through the race at the end of the Long Arm section of Fonta Flora Trail near HWY126. We encourage you to be prepared with your personal nutrition and hydration, but the aid station will be there for your convenience.

Cut-off Time

Cut off time for both events, Barnburner and E-burn is 1pm at the Linville River bridge off HWY 126 on the return trip from LJSP. Riders past this time will be directed to finish the race.

Race Notes

Barnburner 50K is a mass start at the sound of the horn. Please line up according to your estimated finish time.

Event Schedule

• October 16th - Friday:
  • 5pm: Gates open to participants/public for parking.
  • 6pm: Food/Beer
  • 7pm: Early Packet Pickup Opens
  • 9pm: Early Packet Pickup Closes
  • 10pm: Quiet Time!
• October 17th - Saturday:
  • 6am: Packet Pickup
  • 9am: Barnburner 50k START!
  • 12pm: Food/Beer/Music
  • 1pm: Awards
  • 2pm: Afternoon activities!
  • 7pm: Bonfire
  • 10pm: Quiet Time!
• October 18th - Sunday:
  • 11am: All participants and guests must be clear of property.

Location

Linville Adventure Pasture is located off HWY126 and the Linville River. It's a beautiful venue allowing space for all the activities! On-site camping and more parking in the grass field.

We still ask that if you can carpool to please do!

Address: 5536 Hwy NC 126 Nebo, NC 28761

Directions

• From Raleigh: Follow I-40 W to exit 100 or Jamestown Road. Follow Jamestown Road (becomes Independence Blvd.), turn left onto HWY 126 and follow for approximately 12 miles to Linville Adventure Pasture.
• From Asheville: Follow I-40 E to exit 100 or Jamestown Road. Follow Jamestown Road (becomes Independence Blvd.), turn left onto HWY 126 and follow for approximately 12 miles to Linville Adventure Pasture.

Camping

Camping is allowed on-site during the evening both Friday and Saturday night.

Parking is limited - tents or in-vehicle camping allowed. No RVs or pull-behinds.

All vehicles must exit the venue by 5pm on Sunday, October 18th.

Awards

Barnburner 50k: Top Three of each age group/category.

Rules

1. Have Fun!
2. Riders must wear an approved cycling helmet at all times while on the bike.
3. Riders must complete the event on the bike they started on. No bike swaps during the event.
4. Riders may receive outside support within 100' of official rest areas.
5. Riders may receive support from other PARTICIPATING riders at any time.
6. Riders must stay in single-file except to pass.
7. Riders must obey all local traffic laws.
8. Electric-Assist bikes (E-Bikes) are prohibited - only allowed in E-Burn race.
9. E-bikes raced in E-Burn can be pedal assist only - no throttle equipped bikes.
10. The Event Director reserves the right to disqualify any rider for any reason.
11. DNF riders must check-in and notify event timers.

For more information, visit Barnburner MTB Festival.