Area Road Cycling Events

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border-top:1px solid #393939; clear:both; display:none; width:100%!important; position:relative; z-index:999999!important; height:90px!important"> <div class="adCenterClass" style="display:block!important; overflow:hidden; width:916px;"> <div id="footerAd_container" style="display:block!important; float:left; width:728px"> <iframe id="lycosFooterAdiFrame" style="border:0; display:block; float:left; height:96px; overflow:hidden; padding:0; width:750px"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003399" TEXT="#080000" background="03cc8c00erkjxk.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><B><IMG SRC="09e638b0.png" border=0 width="99" height="139" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c899330000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">This 266-page </b><A HREF="id21_critics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the Book"><U><B>critically-acclaimed</b></U></A><B> paperback contains 26 rides of all difficulty levels in northwest North Carolina, east Tennessee and southwest Virginia.</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c899330000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Each route features cues, map, elevation profile, and listings of roadside attractions and outdoor recreation options.</b></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c899330000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Buy it now at area bookstores and bike shops or </b><A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><B>click here to order</b></U></A><B>.</b></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#99CCFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Road Cycling the Blue Ridge High Country</b></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFF99" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#CC0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>  |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Road Cycling the Blue Ridge High Country"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Peak Cycling: Introducing the Blue Ridge"><U>Peak Cycling: Introducing the Blue Ridge High Country</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><U>Photo Gallery</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Weather"><U>Weather</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Your Bike and Gear"><U>Your Bike and Gear</U></A>   |   <B>Area Road Cycling Events</b>   |   <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bike Related Links"><U>Bike Related Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Area Bike Shops"><U>Area Bike Shops</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Route Updates"><U>Route Updates</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Visitor Information"><U>Visitor Information</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Area Festivals"><U>Area Festivals</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About the Book"><U>About the Book</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <div> Area Road Cycling Events</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="059eea70.jpg" border=0 width="238" height="167" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="10"></FONT><A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0a72f420.png" border=0 width="47" height="66" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A>Look for this logo to find events with corresponding rides in <I>Road Cycling the Blue Ridge High Country</I>.  Got a ride to share?  <A HREF="mailto:tim@bmcc.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:tim@bmcc.us"><U>Click here to e-mail Tim</U></A>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.alleghanywellnesscenter.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.alleghanywellnesscenter.com"><U><B>Alleghany Ridge Ride</b></U></A><B>, Sparta, N.C., 2008 date TBA</b></div> <bR> <div> The Alleghany Ridge Ride starts at the Alleghany Wellness Center on Collins Road off N.C. 18. This ride offers a 50-mile route along the byways of rural Alleghany County with mile after mile of ridgetop views. </div> <bR> <div> Free camping and mountain music will be available at the Wellness Center Friday night for riders who want to come early.</div> <bR> <div> For more information, call (336) 372-2944.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.freewheelers.info/assault.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.freewheelers.info/assault.htm"><U><B>Assault on Mount Mitchell and Assault on Marion</b></U></A></FONT>, <B>Spartanburg, S.C., Mon., June 9, 2008</b><IMG SRC="3ed9cd00.jpg" border=0 width="156" height="208" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="11"></div> <bR> <div> This century ride, sponsored by the Freewheelers of Spartanburg bike club, is the granddaddy of the Blue Ridge endurance events.  It runs from Spartanburg in the South Carolina foothills to the highest point in Eastern America, the summit of Mount Mitchell. Registration opened in February 2008, but a passcode is required, and  only registered riders of the Assault on Mt. Mitchell and Assault on Marion in 2007 will receive 2008 passcodes. All Freewheelers of Spartanburg club members get passcodes and a three week jump on registering.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><I><IMG SRC="0a82c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></I></U></A><I>T</I><I>he Assault's toughest leg, the run from Marion to Mount Mitchell, is described as an out-and-back ride in "The Mount Mitchell Climb". (Enjoy the descent on this one...you've earned it!)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.galaxoutdoors.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.galaxoutdoors.com"><U><B>Bicycling and Barbeque</b></U></A><B>, Galax, Va., Sat., July 12, 2008 </b></div> <bR> <div> Bicycling and Barbeque is a benefit road cycling event on the roads in and around Galax, Va. It's held in conjunction with the "Smoke on the Mountain" state barbeque competition.</div> <bR> <div> The Bicycling and Barbecue event offers 65, 46 and 28 mile routes. Routes include gently rolling terrain along the New River as well as some climbs away from the river.</div> <bR> <div> After the ride, enjoy the street festival in downtown Galax. Closed streets will have crafts, food, shopping, and lots of BBQ. Saturday evening's entertainment is a free beach music concert. All proceeds from Bicycling and Barbeque will go directly to the non-profit Free Clinic of the Twin Counties, a small organization of local doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><I><IMG SRC="0a82c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></I></U></A><I>The Bicycling and Barbecue ride includes portions of the "Fiddler's Run" route.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blackandbluerelay.com/index.php" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blackandbluerelay.com/index.p"><U><B>Black and Blue Relay</b></U></A><B>, Mt. Rogers, Va.-Asheville, N.C., Sat., July 19, 2008</b></div> <bR> <div> In its second year in 2008, the 200-mile Black and Blue Relay is the High Country's first ultra-distance cycling event. The Black and Blue starts at Grayson Highlands State Park, near the base of Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. The course primarily follows scenic secondary roads as it winds its way through North Carolina's High Country to the finish in Asheville. Organizers say the course features some of the region's most spectacular scenery, including the balds of Grayson Highlands State Park, the New River, Grandfather Mountain, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. <B>  </b></div> <bR> <div> Solo riders and teams of up to eight persons will take on a route with an announced 21,758 feet of elevation change.  (336) 877-8888.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><I><IMG SRC="0a82c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></I></U></A><I>The 200-mile Black and Blue Relay route includes the "Trade Tour" route and most of the "Valle Crucis Loop".</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.bloodsweatandgears.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bloodsweatandgears.org"><U><B>Blood, Sweat and Gears</b></U></A></FONT>, <B>Boone, N.C., Sat., June 28, 2008</b>  </div> <bR> <div> "Just enough pain" is the slogan for this 100-mile loop ride through the mountains of Watauga and Ashe Counties.  (A 50-mile option is also available.)  The route features about 9,000 feet of climbing, including the steep slog up Snake Mountain.  This well supported ride benefits the disaster relief fund of the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The ride has won several Best Biking in America awards, including a well-deserved "Most Challenging" accolade in 1999.  (828) 264-8226. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0a92c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A> <I>The BS&G's new for 2004 half-century route is exactly as described in "The Valle Crucis Loop". It's a great addition to this mountain classic. The BS&G's two toughest climbs, Snake Mountain and Georges Gap are introduced in </I><I>"The Snake Mountain Loop" and "Bulldog's Bite Loop"</I><I>.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ashecivic.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ashecivic.com"><U><B>Blue Ridge Brutal 100</b></U></A>, <B>West Jefferson, N.C., Sat., August 16, 2008</b>  </div> <bR> <div> This loop ride through the mountains of Ashe and Alleghany Counties is billed as a century, but it actually clocks in at a little over 105 miles.  The route includes 27 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and a short but brutal climb to a gap separating Bluff Mountain and Three Top Mountain.  A half-century option is available.  The ride has earned several Best Biking in America awards and a mention in <I>Bicycling </I>magazine.  (336) 846-2787.  </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0af2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>Portions of the Brutal course are included in five of the West Jefferson area rides in the book. </I><I>"</I><I>The Buffalo Trail Trek" includes the Brutal's toughest climb.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="062acf00.jpg" border=0 width="172" height="240" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.caldwellcochamber.org/aboutus.asp?id06=50&cat06=49" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.caldwellcochamber.org/aboutus"><U><B>Bridge-To-Bridge Incredible Challenge</b></U></A></FONT>, <B>Lenoir, N.C., Sun., September 14, 2008</b>   </div> <bR> <div> This hundred miler starts in the foothills and finishes atop Grandfather Mountain at elevation 5,280. Fourteen aid stations help riders cope with the challenging terrain.  This scenic route includes the Yonahlossee Trail and the viaduct section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The last two miles on the access road to the top of Grandfather Mountain are beyond steep.  The Bridge-to-Bridge was the subject of a feature article in the June 2003 issue of <I>Bicycling </I>magazine. (800) 468-7325. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0af2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>The Bridge-to-Bridge includes the complete "Grandfather Mountain Tour" route.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.burnsvillemetric.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.burnsvillemetric.com/"><U><B>Burnsville Metric</b></U></A></FONT>, <B>Burnsville, N.C., Sat., April 26, 2008</b> </div> <bR> <div> A mountain classic held annually on the last weekend in April, co-sponsored by the Celo Inn and the Bicycle Inn. (828) 675-5132.  </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="3dcbb8c0.jpg" border=0 width="187" height="140" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="11"></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cycletoserve.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cycletoserve.com/"><U><B>Cycle to Serve Challenge</b></U></A>, <B>Lenoir, N.C., Saturday, May 10, 2008</b></div> <bR> <div> This benefit ride, in its second year, offers 64, 44 and 9-mile routes, Proceeds from the ride will be given to Healthy Caldwellians, a committee of Caldwell County citizens working together to improve the health and quality of life for the citizens of Caldwell County. (828) 758-1626.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.boonebike.com/pictures/Grizzly2008.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.boonebike.com/pictures/Grizzl"><U><B>The Grizzly Metric Century</b></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>, Grandfather Mountain, Friday, July 11, 2008 </b></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.boonebike.com/pictures/Grizzly.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.boonebike.com/pictures/Grizzl"><U>The Grizzly</U></A> begins and ends on the track at Grandfather Mountain. The Grizzly is endorsed by the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and takes place between two running events- The Bear Road Race July 10 and the Grandfather Mountain Marathon July 12. </div> <bR> <div> Organizers promise a beautiful and challenging route with 7,000 feet of climbing in 59 miles, including two miles of dirt road up the backside of Beech Mountain. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0aa2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>The Grizzly includes a portion of the "Valle Crucis Loop" and "Beech Ball" routes.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="3ddd49f0.jpg" border=0 width="212" height="159" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="11"></FONT><A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id42.htm"><U><B>H</b></U></A><A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id42.htm"><U><B>urt,</b></U></A><A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id42.htm"><U><B> Pain and Agony Metric Century</b></U></A><B>, </b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Traphill, N.C., Sat., July 26, 2008</b></FONT></div> <bR> <div> This 100 km. ride opens with a tough six-mile climb from the foothills to Roaring Gap at the top of the Blue Ridge. The route also includes two stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway and a short, steep double-digit grade at Mahogany Rock. A half-metric option includes the daunting opening climb and sweet descent to the finish line. The ride, presented by the <A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us"><U>Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club</U></A>, is an American Cancer Society Relay for Life benefit event.  <A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id91.htm"><U>Click here</U></A> to view photos of the 2007 ride.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0aa2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>The HP&A includes a portion of the "Fiddler's Run" route and all of the "Glade Valley: the Lost Province Loop" route.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="0a423140.png" border=0 width="35" height="20" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></b></FONT><A HREF="http://www.yourec.com/common/content.asp?PAGE=295" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yourec.com/common/content.asp"><U><B>Tour de Bamboo Gap</b></U></A><B>, Boone, N.C., Sat., May 3, 2008</b></div> <bR> <div> The Tour de Bamboo Gap is a fully supported metric century and half century. Both events begin at 9:00 a.m. at Mt.Vernon Baptist Church near the intersection of Bamboo Rd. and Deerfield Rd. in Boone. </div> <bR> <div> Riders will tackle some great roads in eastern Watauga County and western Ashe County, including Brown’s Chapel (ouch!), Cranberry, Liberty Grove, 194, Big Hill, Railroad Grade, Castle Ford, Ridge Road and more. The 66-mile route will have rest stops at mile 31 and mile 51, and the 32-mile route will have one at mile 19. </div> <bR> <div> Word is that there will be some prizes again for the first two men and first two women to finish the rides.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0ab2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>Parts of the Ride the Gap route are described in the "Snake Mountain Loop" and "Ramble on Railroad Grade Road" routes.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Ride Along the Blue Ridge</b><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>, Banner Elk, N.C., Sat., Aug. 9, 2008</b></FONT></div> <bR> <div> The Carolinas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation presents the Ride Along the Blue Ridge. The event offers riders a choice of two routes, a 60 mile route with about 4,500 feet of climbing and an 80 mile route with about 7,000 feet of climbing. The ride is based in Banner Elk on the campus of Lees McRae College. LMC cycling coach Doug Owen is event chair. Funds from the ride benefit the Arthritis Foundation. (800) 883-8806, Ext. 102.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/raw.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/raw.htm"><U><B>Rides Around Wilkes</b></U></A></FONT>, <B>North</b> <B>Wilkesboro, N.C., Sat., June 6, 2008</b> <IMG SRC="0a0a77c0.jpg" border=0 width="167" height="124" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="11"></div> <bR> <div> The <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us"><U>Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club</U></A></FONT> offers 25, 40 and 75-mile route options through the foothills of Wilkes and Alexander Counties.  The top elevation for the ride is only 2,200 feet, but the 70-mile RAW route features a stout 4,300 feet of climbing, making this ride a good warm up for summer's tougher mountain centuries. The 2008 event is paired up with the Seth Teague Memorial Bike Rodeo. <A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id89.htm"><U>Click here</U></A> to view photos of the 2007 ride.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0ab2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>Portions of the RAW route are described in </I><I>"The Moonshine and Wine Tour" and "A Bite of the Brushies:The Apple Country Loop".</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.bicycleinn.com/RoanMoanInfo05.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bicycleinn.com/RoanMoanInfo05"><U><B>Roan Moan</b></U></A></FONT>, <B>Bakersville, N.C., Sat., July 28, 2007</b></div> <bR> <div> Moan you will during the steep regular or metric century routes offered in this benefit ride.  The 100-mile route loops through the Unaka Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, with a memorable climb to Carver's Gap (elevation 5,512) near Roan Mountain.  Both routes finish with sweet descents back to Bakersville.  Make a weekend of it and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the <A HREF="http://www.bicycleinn.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bicycleinn.com"><U>Bicycle Inn</U></A>, a bicycle-themed B&B. (828) 688-9333.  </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0ac2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>"A Climb to Cloudland: The Roan Mountain Tour" follows the basic design of the Roan Moan metric route, but runs the route in the opposite direction for a smooth descent from Carver's Gap into Tennessee.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/rrr.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/rrr.htm"><U><B>Rollin' Round the River Ride</b></U></A><B>, Wilkesboro, N.C., Sat., September 20, 2008</b><B><IMG SRC="3d8dfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="11"></b></div> <bR> <div> Riders will trace the tracks of a pioneer, a patriot and a legendary murder mystery on this laid-back bike tour.  Daniel Boone, Revolutionary War General William Lenoir, and Tom Dula, of "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley" fame, are remembered at the ride's rest stops, located at living history sites in the valley.</div> <bR> <div> The Rollin' Round the River ride offers 20- and 50-mile out-and-back routes through rolling terrain.  The Rollin' Round the River Ride is the easiest ride listed on this page and the best choice for new or casual riders. <A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id92.htm"><U>Click here</U></A> to view photos of the 2007 ride. (336) 927-3168.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0ac2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>The Rollin' Round the River Ride follows the "Happy Valley Tour" route.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <A HREF="http://www.mshafoundation.org/events/snake-bicycle-ride" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/rrr.htm"><U><B>Rollin' Round the River Ride</b></U></A><B>, Wilkesboro, N.C., Sat., September 20, 2008</b><B><IMG SRC="3d8dfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="11"></b></div> <bR> <div> Riders will trace the tracks of a pioneer, a patriot and a legendary murder mystery on this laid-back bike tour.  Daniel Boone, Revolutionary War General William Lenoir, and Tom Dula, of "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley" fame, are remembered at the ride's rest stops, located at living history sites in the valley.</div> <bR> <div> The Rollin' Round the River ride offers 20- and 50-mile out-and-back routes through rolling terrain.  The Rollin' Round the River Ride is the easiest ride listed on this page and the best choice for new or casual riders. <A HREF="http://www.bmcc.us/id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bmcc.us/id92.htm"><U>Click here</U></A> to view photos of the 2007 ride. (336) 927-3168.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/roadcyclingtheblueridge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.blairpub.com/outdoortitles/ro"><U><IMG SRC="0ac2c3e0.png" border=0 width="44" height="62" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="11" VSPACE="0"></U></A><I>The Surviving the Snake Ride visits Shady Valley and Backbone Rock, described in the "Shady Valley Soujourn" route.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ymcawnc.org/pdf/2008TourdeLureflyer.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ymcawnc.org/pdf/2008TourdeLur"><U><B>Tour de Lure</b></U></A><B>, Marion, N.C., Sat., March, 29, 2008</b></div> <bR> <div> Organizers describe the Dewey Hughes Memorial Bike Ride as a challenging 65 miler over a rolling course. The route winds through farmland in McDowell County, climbs up Stone Mountain, eases along Lake Lure, and heads back through Chimney Rock before re-entering McDowell County via the Assault on Mt. Mitchell route. Organizers claim 5,900 feet of climbing. Replace those carbs you burn with a free spaghetti meal after the ride. The Tour de Lure benefits the YMCA of Western North Carolina. (828) 659-9622.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.alleghanywellnesscenter.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.alleghanywellnesscenter.com"><U><B>Tour de Mtns. 2007</b></U></A><B>, Sparta, N.C., 2008 Date TBA</b></div> <bR> <div> Organizers describe this event as "a challenging and scenic 50 mile loop ride in the mountains of Alleghany County, N.C." The ride begins and ends at the Alleghany Wellness Center in Sparta. Enjoy a shower and a free swim in the Wellness Center pool after your ride. (336) 372-2944.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bike Related Links"><U><B>Bike Related Links</b></U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>