ASM is Proud Sponsor of the "Rock the Blue Ridge" Bike Ride
America's Favorite Journey: a mountain road arrested in development 75 years ago. Pavement shrouded with lush natural foliage, no traffic signals, no turns, no commercial trucks, no commercial signs, a vehicle speed limit of 45 MPH, and protected scenescapes that hug the ridgelines of the gorgeous and rugged Blue Ridge Mountains of the Southern Appalachian range. And with this pristine mountainous terrain comes vigorous, worthwhile climbs and well-earned, sweet descents. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the single most accessed part of our National Park system, and arguably, the prettiest.
2010 marks the 75th Anniversary of this amazing road and we invite you to join us on 75 mile or 35 mile supported cycling rides celebrating and utilizing the Blue Ridge Parkway and gorgeous mountainous country roads of the North Carolina High Country. No better time exists to rock these remote, rugged, and stunning mountain roads on your bike than with full rest stop support.
Set for Sunday, August 29th, 2010, with temperature highs that average in the mid 70s for the entire month of August, it is undeniably one of the best places to be on your bike in the late summer. Or anytime.
Staging from Appalachian Ski Mtn. between Boone & Blowing Rock, NC, both rides lead west on the Parkway, traversing the world famous engineering marvel of the Linn Cove Viaduct and climbing to the base of Grandfather Mountain.
At the entrance of Grandfather, the 35 Mile ride loops back on Highway 221, a cyclist's dream for gorgeous, peaceful, mountain roads, and natural rock and water features.
The 75 Mile riders will continue on the Parkway from the foot of Grandfather to Linville Falls where they exit to enjoy a loop through gorgeous Avery County that includes 5 miles of flat roads following the Toe River and some short but steep climbs at up to an 11% grade. This longer ride loops back to Linville, NC and brings the riders home on Highway 221. Elevation gains for each ride are relatively forgiving at 2,450 feet and 4,700 feet respectively, and both routes offer over 40% of their pedaling on the Parkway.
All riders are treated to an after-ride party at Appalachian Ski Mtn, that includes a BBQ feed, entertainment, event Expo, and live bluegrass and mountain music played by The Corklickers.
Registration is $85 for a single rider before Aug. 1st. Four or more riders registering together is $75 per rider.
Ages for riding Rock the Blue Ridge start at 16 years, and a free Youth Bike Rodeo will be held for those between the ages of 2 - 18 on Saturday, August 28th at the Lees-McRae College campus from 3:00 - 6:00pm. The 9-time National Collegiate Championship Cycling Team will host youths and teens on their championship training grounds to offer guidance and skills to kids of all riding levels. Glide Bikes is also sending some of their patented learn-to-ride bikes for beginning riders.
Sponsors, affiliates, and beneficiaries of Rock the Blue Ridge Bike Ride include Appalachian Ski Mtn, Blowing Rock High Country Ale, ExploreBooneArea.com, The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Lees-McRae College, The Crossnore School & Gallery, Avery County Chamber of Commerce, Sweetgrass - A Mountain Lake Community, The Town of Blowing Rock, Old Hampton Store, Bistro Roca, Boone Bike & Touring, Cycle4Life Bike Shop, Magic Cycles, Glide Bikes, and Bike Your Ride.
To register or for more info about the rides, the schedule of events for the weekend, details on the Youth & Teen Bike Rodeo, or to order event merchandise, go to www.RockTheBlueRidge.com, email Ride@RockTheBlueRidge.com, or call 828.260.0534.