Hurricane Helene Relief: How to Help Asheville, Boone, and Western North Carolina
Many of the communities Gran Fondo National Series visits in Western North Carolina, including Asheville, Marshall, and Boone, suffered devastating damage from Hurricane Helene. The roads, towns, people, and businesses in Western North Carolina are dear to us, and to many Gran Fondo National Series riders who visit the area for Gran Fondo Asheville and the Boone Gran Fondo.
We’ve been getting questions from riders about damage to locations and businesses that have been key supporters of Gran Fondo Asheville and Boone Gran Fondo, and how they can help. We’ve put this page together as both a resource for those who want to help, find direct ways to do so, and to provide insight on how this storm has affected those close to our hearts.
This page will be updated with information about hurricane relief efforts and updates on the 2025 editions of Gran Fondo Asheville and Boone Gran Fondo.
Updates on Gran Fondo National Series Venues and Partners
We’ve been in touch with several friends, supporters, and agencies in the area. Hear is what we know at this time:
- On Your Bike shop in Marshall: Building and all equipment/inventory destroyed (GoFundMe for OYB) On Your Bike hosted our VIP coffee stop during Gran Fondo Asheville and has been a event sponsor for serval years.
- Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Zadie’s Restaurant: Suffered very heavy damaged (GoFundMe for OMJH). Old Marshall Jail has hosted our Gran Fondo Asheville Aid Station #1 in Marshal for many years.
The photo below captures the town of Marshall during the flood. The Gran Fondo Asheville route crosses this bridge and Aid Station #1 at Old Marshall Jail is indicated.
- Rabbit Rabbit Asheville: minor damage to the venue. Has been our Gran Fondo Ashville venue host for the past 5 years.
- Applewood Manor: The Applewood Manor is faced with an extended recovery timeline Applewood already planned to close the B&B in early November. Considering the circumstances and the substantial damage to the grounds they have decided to remain closed and will no longer operate as a B&B.
- Capua Law Firm in Boone and Asheville: suffered flood damage to the Boone location, they are working remotely. Has been our Boone Gran Fondo venue host for the past 11 years.
The photo below is Depot Street, our Start Finish venue for Boone Gran Fondo. Capua Law Firms building is on the left side of the photo halfway up the street.
About 2025 Gran Fondo Asheville and Boone Gran Fondo Events
We are going to open registration for the 2025 Gran Fondo Asheville (July 20, 2025) and Boone Gran Fondo (August 3, 2025) events in the coming days. The Gran Fondo National Series events bring valuable revenue to Western North Carolina communities, but we also recognize that cycling events can strain local resources. We fully intend to work with local governments, emergency management agencies, and businesses to determine the best path forward. If damage from Hurricane Helene leads to the cancellation of Gran Fondo Asheville and/or Boone Gran Fondo in 2025, all registered riders will receive full refunds.
How You Can Support Western North Carolina
We have also received many messages from cyclists around the country and even around the world, asking how they can support the communities and people affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The list below contains some great local organizations and we will update the list as we learn about additional opportunities to help.
Cane Creek will donate 10% of sales in October 2024 to BeLovedAsheville. You can also make direct donations to BeLovedAsheville.
Recover Brand T-Shirt for Donations is a way you can show your love for Western, NC and help fund recovery: https://recoverbrands.com/a/blog/hurricane-helene-fundraiser
Outdoor Business Alliance has an option to help industry recovery. People can donate to:
https://members.outdoorbusinessalliance.org/Helene-Impact-Donation
From the Blowingrock.com website:
These are some of the organizations are coordinating drives for monetary donations that will stay in the community and NC for Hurricane Helene relief. Follow these links to donate or to contact them. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list!
Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund