The Mountain Ride Comes to Brevard

Brevard, North Carolina, has been chosen as the host city for Cycle North Carolina’s 2019 Mountain Ride.

The Mountain Ride is one of three bicycle rides hosted each year by Cycle North Carolina. The events—the Coast Ride, the Mountains to Coast Ride, and the Mountain Ride—visit communities across the state each year, introducing scores of riders to regional towns while exploring the scenic beauty of the state. 

The rides are a part of North Carolina Amateur Sports, a non-profit organization that operates “with the goal of promoting health and wellness for all ages and skills through organizing best-in-class sporting events that enrich the quality of life and enhance economic well-being of North Carolina communities.” Bringing riders into these communities has a positive economic impact as bikers try out local restaurants and businesses.

The two-day mountain ride, occurring on the first weekend of August, will be home-based at Brevard College, located within a short walk to the restaurants and shops of downtown Brevard. Riders from over a dozen states will roll into the mountain town known for its scenery and more than 200 waterfalls, some of which they will pass on their riding routes. There is camping on site, along with lodging options in town.

The Cycle North Carolina Mountain Ride has a choice of routes ranging from 15-70 miles each day. Each route is supported with rest stops every 10 to 20 miles offering food to keep the riders fueled and help from experienced mechanics from local bike shops, stocked with plenty of supplies to make sure things roll smoothly. Routes will be patrolled by support staff to ensure that any needs are attended to, whether it’s helping fix a flat tire or provide an additional calorie boost for cresting a ridge in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Taylor Keaton, of High Point, North Carolina, has participated in Cycle NC events both as a rider and as a member of the support staff. 

“As a member of the support crew, the teamwork, camaraderie, and organizational support that we had to make the event happen was second-to-none,” he said. “We were able to help put on an event we were proud of, the participants had a great time, and we were able to take care of all of their needs both on and off of the bike. We always had everything we needed for any rider, and the Cycle NC staff that put on the event did such a good job of planning to make the day fantastic. It was one of the most well executed events I’ve been a part of.”

Taylor said the riding is unforgettable. “The routes that we rode were incredible and the scenery was unmatched. The option to choose from different length rides, and knowing that there was support along the way to help if there was a mechanical issue, made riding in a place that was not very familiar more about enjoying the scenery and time with my friends rather than worrying about the unplanned mechanical need, or running out of food,” he said.

After riding, participants will have a smorgasbord of options for an après ride snack, drink or additional activities. Brevard is home to renowned fly fishing, hiking, bird watching, rock climbing, canoeing and mountain biking. Then there’s always the breweries and the music. There are numerous outfitters and guides available to lead the way to the trail or fishing holes.

The Mountain Ride occurs August 3-4. For information or to register, visit  ncsports.org. On-site registration will be available on the weekend of the ride.