Depends on where the start is in Asheville, and which route they are using, the grades are brutal in and around that area, once you get below Hickory, it flattens out and is much more tolerable. The NC Mountains to the Sea trail includes a 35+ mile climb up into Asheville....not fun if you are not a seasoned rider. Would it be possible to join the tour a little further down the line? Or perhaps find a shorter sponsered tour like a MS ride?

Aaron