Carolina Multisports

05/20/2026

The 2026 Carolina Hills Classic just concluded. Riders completed a challenging and scenic 4-day, 250-mile journey, beginning in Asheville, traversing the high country, and winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The route featured a tour of the historic Biltmore Estate, segments along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, and concluded in Greenville.

Participants were treated to breathtaking scenery, including vibrant wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, sweeping mountain vistas, and thrilling descents.

Collectively, we raised over $231,000 (now $242,000 as of this posting!) for the Arthritis Foundation, supporting vital research and programs for millions affected by arthritis. Donations remain welcome through June 17th.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our valued sponsors, as well as to all riders, volunteers, and donors whose dedication and generosity made this event possible.

Registration is now open for the 2027 edition and we look forward to welcoming riders back again soon. You can learn more, sign up to ride or volunteer, or donate at CarolinaHillsClassic.org.

05/01/2026

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚵‍♂️ stands as a powerful testament to resilience and collective purpose. The stunning backdrop of the Carolina farmland, cascading waterfalls, and ancient mountains reminds us that the most meaningful journeys often traverse challenging terrain, where determination transforms obstacles into opportunities for growth and unity.

Participants affirm a vital truth: although the hills are tough, the purpose is stronger. 💪

Arthritis affects 60 million Americans and remains the leading cause of disability. Those living with arthritis cannot simply turn off their symptoms. They continue forward each day with courage and determination, just as the riders refuse to stop when the hills become steep and demanding.

My team sponsor, WoodmenLife, exemplifies their fraternal spirit through every volunteer and donation supporting this ride. Together, we are helping people live life without limits.

Help us reach the mountaintop and achieve our fundraising goal. Your contribution today will provide essential support for research, advocacy for better treatments, and programs to connect and support those affected by arthritis. Every mile is powered by your generous donation. 💚

🔗 Learn more and donate at: https://events.arthritis.org/participants/JoelYoung

04/28/2026

Tim just passed me for 1st place with just $91. Can I get a donation to put me back in first place? I can't let him stay in front for long. 😁

https://events.arthritis.org/participants/JoelYoung

04/17/2026

Why I Ride 🚴‍♂️

I ride because arthritis is a thief. It can force us to say "no" to the very things we would ordinarily do and enjoy in life. Yet there is a powerful alternative.

I invite you to become a "Champion of Yes" 🙌 and restore hope, possibility, independence, and joy to those affected. Your generosity drives meaningful change and bringing us closer to a future free from the limitations of arthritis. 💚

Learn more and donate at: 👉 https://events.arthritis.org/participants/JoelYoung

04/10/2026

Join me for an epic Outer Banks Adventure Ride—an unforgettable 3-day, self-paced journey along North Carolina’s legendary Highway 12. We’ll trace the National Scenic Byway through windswept barrier islands, where wide-open beaches, towering dunes, storied lighthouses, historic maritime landmarks, and abundant coastal wildlife create a stunning backdrop for every mile you ride.

Full details at: https://carolinamultisports.com/outer-banks-adventure-ride

Event Details

Dates: Friday, May 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026
Location: Base camp at Oregon Inlet Campground, Nags Head, NC (12001 North Carolina Hwy 12, Nags Head, NC 27959)
Format: Informal, unsupported, no-drop group ride open to cyclists of all abilities. (We'll be stopping for ice cream and the famous Duck Donuts!)

Can’t make the full three days? No problem—join us for one or two days of the adventure and still be part of the experience.

Registration and Preparation

1. Reply to this post with your interest.
2. Reserve your campsite independently via Recreation.gov at Oregon Inlet Campground. If you prefer not to camp, you’re welcome to book your own nearby hotel for added comfort and convenience.
3. Submit the required liability waiver. https://carolinamultisports.com/liability-waiver
4. Download .gpx route files.
https://ridewithgps.com/collections/9136157

Carolina Multisports offers this cycling adventure ride at no cost as an informal, unsupported social group event. No fees are charged, and no organizational services, sag support, mechanical assistance, or safety oversight are provided.

04/10/2026

I extend my sincerest gratitude to WoodmenLife for their generous support of my fundraising efforts as part of my participation in the 2026 Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.

As shared in the video featuring representative, Natalie Harrington, of Monroe, North Carolina, WoodmenLife was founded 135 years ago on two core principles: giving back to the community and helping families become financially secure. Unlike commercial insurance companies, they operate on a chapter system and direct all surplus to benefit members and communities. In 2026, they continue to uphold these foundational values with unwavering commitment.

Supporting the Arthritis Foundation enables vital research and key programs such as JA Camps for youth and teenagers with juvenile arthritis, Connect Groups, and their newest program, the Ease of Use Program, which helps guide product development for better products, not only for those with arthritis but for everyone.

I invite other organizations, businesses, and individuals who share this commitment to community impact to join me by offering your support, whether through sponsorship, participation in the ride, or donations. Every contribution strengthens our collective efforts and advances meaningful progress.

To learn more about the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour, make a donation, or find ways to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation, visit my page at: https://events.arthritis.org/participants/JoelYoung

04/03/2026

🌟 Pedaling Toward Progress: 2026 Carolina Hills Classic 🌟

The road is calling once again as we prepare for the second annual Carolina Hills Classic — an inspiring four-day, 250-mile cycling tour through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina. Each mile pedaled advances the Arthritis Foundation’s critical work in scientific research, advocacy, and programs that empower the nearly 60 million Americans living with arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the United States, to lead fuller, more active lives.

WoodmenLife proudly serves as a dedicated supporter of the event through Carolina Multisports. Founded in 1890, this fraternal nonprofit continues its longstanding tradition of strengthening families and communities across the Carolinas. Their generous support, combined with the active engagement of local chapters, provides essential momentum for the ride. I invite you to connect with a WoodmenLife chapter near you.

This year’s ambitious goal is to raise $18,000. With arthritis affecting one in four adults, your support truly matters. Please consider sharing this message, contributing to the campaign, or engaging with your local WoodmenLife chapter.

Through committed action and meaningful partnership, we move steadily toward a future of greater possibility for those affected by arthritis. Thank you for being part of this important journey.

🔗 Learn more and donate at: https://events.arthritis.org/participants/JoelYoung

03/30/2026

Open water swim practices officially start this week! Practices are held every Tuesday at Falls Lake & every Wednesday at Jordan Lake from 6-7 PM through October. Each session offers either a skills session or a workout to choose from. Open to the public. Drop in anytime. Where will your journey take you?

https://youtu.be/eKDkL0xWzD8?si=kHGl80hDsxccN0gp

https://carolinamultisports.com/open-water-swim-sessions

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/19/2026

Webinar Announcement: Open Water Swimming in Cold Water

Date: Monday, March 23rd
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Link: https://meet.google.com/yxe-stcu-ams

I am excited to kick off this year’s season with a webinar focused on open water swimming in cold water.

In this session, I will discuss the nervous system and the body’s physiological responses during cold exposure. I will also cover effective strategies to control the experience, along with practical tips and tricks for cold water swimming.

I will also introduce John Campbell of CKTH (Can’t knock the hustle), a premium performance brand specializing in innovative multisport apparel. John will discuss their new multisport wetsuit, which features advanced aero gel for superior warmth, lightness, and durability.

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A session.

I encourage you to join us for this informative session. I look forward to seeing you.

03/19/2026

Ride Asheville or Greenville during the Carolina Hills Classic this May! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴

Ride for better treatments. Ride for research and advocacy. Ride for health. Ride for a world where all people with arthritis are living a life without limits.

Ride 1 Day of the tour in Asheville on May 14th or Sunday, May 17th in Greenville as a Champion Rider or ride all 4-Days, May 14-17th as the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour rides from Asheville and Brevard, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina - including Day 2 on the impressive Biltmore Estate grounds and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hotels included!

📲 Register and learn more about the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour schedule and rider package details at: carolinahillsclassic.org

👀 Enter the following codes on the registration page to experience this incredible event: CHAMPIONSRIDE for the 1-day option or SAVE250 for the 4-day tour.