[TrinityParkCyclist]

Haywood County NC organized a terrific event, their first annual Blueridge Breakaway (http://www.blueridgebreakaway.com/ ). This one day tour gave riders four distance options on four fairly distinct routes. The Century option, ~105 miles, included the first 50 miles of excellent, challenging rolling hills, followed by a 3000 ft climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and more steep climbs and screaming downhills.

The support at the frequent rest stops was outstanding, the route (at least the one I rode) well-designed through beautiful country.

This year's inaugural ride was cut short for some riders by rain, fog, and dropping temperatures at the Blue Ridge Parkway -Rangers closed the road to traffic.

Very much looking forward to next year's 2nd Annual (Aug 20, 2011).

Andrew

 

[MB1]

Got any photos?

We always like pix!

 

[Slim Again Soon]

Dropping temperatures ... in August?

I need to spend more time in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 

[wncbiker]

The full century route included 33 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway including elevations of up to 6,000 feet. The rest stop at mile 62 on the route was located at the intersection of the Parkway with NC Highway 215 , which was the start of the 33 miles of parkway riding,at the elevation of around 5400 feet. As many as 20+ riders were stopped at this point because of heavy rain, fog & temps in the low 60's. The combination of the rain, temps and fatigue from covering 62 miles with around 6,000 feet of climbing led to several riders suffering from hyperthemia, one was transported to the local ER. Most of the riders were transported by volunteers back to the starting point of the ride.

All told about 300 people participated by riding one of the four routes 20,40,62,105 miles, and all got to enjoy some of best riding located in western North Carolina. Next year the evnt is planned for August 20th.