Assault on Marion

1468

That is my rider number for the Assault on Marion. It represents my first step in plans to ride the Assault on Mount Mitchell next year to celebrate my 40th birthday.

In order to ride the Assault on Mount Mitchell, you must receive a participation number. These numbers are not easy to come by. However, two ways of getting a number are to ride the AOMM or ride the Assault on Marion. Since there isn't a limit on the number of riders who can participate in the AOM, it can be used as an entry into the longer ride -- you just have to plan a year in advance.

The AOM is a 73 mile ride that leaves from Spartanburg, SC and ends near the town of Marion, NC. The riders start off with those who are going to continue on with the 102 mile ride to the top of Mount Mitchell.

So, at 6:30 a.m. on June 11, I will push off from the front of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium and join thousands of other riders who have designs on making it to the top. I won't be able to realize the goal this year, but I'll have taken the first step -- or turn of the pedal, as the case may be.