OLD FORT, N.C. (RTW News) — As the morning mist lifts off the Blue Ridge mountains, groups of excited riders on motorized Onewheels glide through the streets of Old Fort, past the notable Arrowhead Monument. This scene marks the highly anticipated FloatLife Fest, the longest-running festival dedicated to Onewheel enthusiasts, attracting nearly 400 visitors and revitalizing the town's economy post-Hurricane Helene's devastation a year prior.
“This vibe is incredible, and the welcome we received was heartwarming,” noted Jess Jones, a marine biologist visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland.
The festival is a beacon of hope as the town continues its recovery efforts. Old Fort, located approximately 24 miles east of Asheville, is showing signs of revitalization, although remnants of Helene’s impact are still evident. Many shops are reopened, but debris from the storm serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by residents.
Chad Schoenauer, owner of the local bike shop, shares the struggles of the community. Many people presume Old Fort is still a shadow of its former self, unaware of the town's ongoing recovery and opportunities.
Helene’s impact was particularly harsh; the storm disrupted significant outdoor tourism plans. Local leaders were previously optimistic about reshaping Old Fort into a renowned destination for outdoor activities, especially mountain biking. Following Ethan Allen’s factory layoffs, the community had turned its focus to leveraging its natural beauty for economic diversification.
“Old Fort has some of the best biking trails in the country,” claimed FloatLife founder Justyn Thompson.
However, the storm took its toll, damaging trails and businesses alike. The immense flooding left Schoenauer's shop and others grappling with substantial losses.
“It's heartbreaking to see our efforts interrupted,” reflected Casey McKissick, who has worked tirelessly to develop a mountain biking complex. While his business reopened, the effects of Helene are still palpable, with many trails closed and visitor numbers significantly down.
Despite the struggles, Old Fort’s spirit remains unbroken, exemplified by events like FloatLife Fest that draw people in and foster community resilience. The road to recovery is still long, but the determination to restore the town to its former glory is as strong as ever.
“This vibe is incredible, and the welcome we received was heartwarming,” noted Jess Jones, a marine biologist visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland.
The festival is a beacon of hope as the town continues its recovery efforts. Old Fort, located approximately 24 miles east of Asheville, is showing signs of revitalization, although remnants of Helene’s impact are still evident. Many shops are reopened, but debris from the storm serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by residents.
Chad Schoenauer, owner of the local bike shop, shares the struggles of the community. Many people presume Old Fort is still a shadow of its former self, unaware of the town's ongoing recovery and opportunities.
Helene’s impact was particularly harsh; the storm disrupted significant outdoor tourism plans. Local leaders were previously optimistic about reshaping Old Fort into a renowned destination for outdoor activities, especially mountain biking. Following Ethan Allen’s factory layoffs, the community had turned its focus to leveraging its natural beauty for economic diversification.
“Old Fort has some of the best biking trails in the country,” claimed FloatLife founder Justyn Thompson.
However, the storm took its toll, damaging trails and businesses alike. The immense flooding left Schoenauer's shop and others grappling with substantial losses.
“It's heartbreaking to see our efforts interrupted,” reflected Casey McKissick, who has worked tirelessly to develop a mountain biking complex. While his business reopened, the effects of Helene are still palpable, with many trails closed and visitor numbers significantly down.
Despite the struggles, Old Fort’s spirit remains unbroken, exemplified by events like FloatLife Fest that draw people in and foster community resilience. The road to recovery is still long, but the determination to restore the town to its former glory is as strong as ever.
