Cycling across the High Country

BY NATHAN HAM

As the weather begins to warm up in the spring and summer months, cyclists are out and about on curvy mountain roads across the High Country.

Whether riders are out for a joyride to get exercise, or competing in one of the area road races, cyclists are hardpressed to find an area with more challenging climbs and outstanding views as they will find in the High Country.

The most popular cycling event happens each year in Ashe County with the Blue Ridge Brutal. 2023 marks the 33rd year of the race, which is set to take place on Saturday, Aug. 19.

This year, there will be a few new additions to the race. The biggest change will be the new 25-mile route for riders wanting less of a challenge, but still one that will still give your muscles plenty of work across the scenic byways of Ashe County. The race will still include the 100-mile race, the 70-mile race and the 50-mile race as well as the strenuous “Assault on Mount Jefferson” that is there for someone that wants the ultimate elevation challenge. The climb up Mount Jefferson may only be 3.4 miles, but it is a grueling elevation climb of 1,476 feet with an average grade of about 8%.

Each of the 100, 70, 50, and 25-mile ride offers rest stops along the way to hydrate and take a breather if needed. The 100-mile race has six rest stops along the route while the 70-mile race has four rest stops. The 50-mile race features three rest stops and the 25-mile race features one rest stop. The only rest stop on the climb up Mount Jefferson is when you reach the top to ride the shuttle back down the mountain. Cyclists are not allowed to pedal back down Mount Jefferson.

In past years, the Blue Ridge Brutal has had approximately 400 participants, with the vast majority being visitors to the High Country. According to race organizers, the resulting economic impact of the 2021 ride on the region’s economy was more than $180,000 spent in local restaurants, accommodations, and other businesses by visiting riders and their families, making the Blue Ridge Brutal a significant boost to Ashe County’s annual tourism spending.

Those interested in riding in the Blue Ridge Brutal can save $20 on registration fees through July 15. The earlybird registration fee is $75. After July 15, the registration fee increases to $95. The ride is capped at 500 racers, so there is a chance that all registration spots get filled prior to race day.

Race info for the Blue Ridge Brutal can be found online at https://blueridgebrutal.org/

If you are just looking for a fun bike ride around the High Country, there are numerous locations that are popular for area cyclists. The Lansing Creeper Trail Park

Cycling

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 106 in Ashe County offers areas to ride. The Blue Ridge Parkway always has cyclists on the road, however with many road improvement plans scheduled for this summer on the parkway throughout the High Country, be sure to check the National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway website for road closures and traffic updates. Cyclists also ride along the Greenway Trail in Boone.

Boone Area Cyclists, a group of avid riders across Watauga County, offers a website full of information for local rides and races. You can find out more about Boone Area Cyclists at http:// booneareacyclists.org/