MURPHY, N.C. (December 19, 2023) – In a nod to the first town that hosted a Cycle North Carolina event back in 1999, the Mountain Ride is headed to Murphy, NC and Cherokee County, August 2-4, 2024. Cycle North Carolina kicked off its inaugural Mountains to Coast Tour in this beautiful mountain town during the first cross-state bicycle tour in North Carolina all those years ago. That original tour was held over 2 weeks and stretched from Murphy to Manteo. Twenty-five years later, the Mountain Ride, a weekend version of that same event, and Cycle North Carolina will once again roll into Murphy. Registration for the 2024 Mountain Ride is open at www.ncsports.org.
The Mountain Ride annually brings in over 350 cyclists to participate in a fully supported weekend of summer cycling along the scenic mountain back roads in the region. Lake Lure, Tryon, Brevard, Forest City, Marshall and Bryson City have all hosted the event in the past. This will be Murphy’s first time hosting the event. The cyclists typically hail from over 20 states and range in age from 13 to 80. The fun-filled weekend will offer two days of cycling, plus many off-the-bike activities and opportunities to explore the beautiful mountain town of Murphy and the neighboring Cherokee County towns.
Murphy Mayor Tim Radford stated, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Cycle North Carolina back to where it all began in 1999! Hosting the 2024 Mountain Ride brings not just hundreds of enthusiastic cyclists, but also their energy, camaraderie, and economic boost to our vibrant mountain town. Seeing Murphy’s streets buzzing with life, showcasing our stunning scenery and Southern hospitality, will be pure joy. We extend a warm Cherokee County welcome to every rider, and can’t wait to cheer them on as they explore our hidden gems and experience the magic of Murphy.”
Chip Hofler, Director of Cycle NC added, “the cyclists who participate in the Weekend Mountain Ride typically hail from over 20 states and love exploring new small mountain towns with unique character. Couple that with the 25th anniversary of our Mountains to Coast Tour and the amazing town support, and Murphy is the perfect setting for the Mountain Ride.”
The Cycle North Carolina Mountain Ride is a fully supported bicycle event with support vehicles available to aid cyclists who experience physical or mechanical breakdowns. Rest stops will be set up every 10-20 miles along each route for riders to get off their bikes and explore, while quenching their hunger and thirst. Indoor and outdoor camping areas with amenities will be provided at Konehete Park, on the banks of the Valley River and adjacent to the Murphy Riverwalk. The park is just a short bike ride on the Riverwalk from downtown Murphy. Participants will also fill the hotels, Bed and Breakfast Inns and vacation homes in Murphy and Cherokee County.
The Cycle North Carolina Mountain Ride is presented by Retire North Carolina. Partner organizations of Cycle North Carolina include: BODYARMOR, Truist, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Harris Teeter, New Belgium Brewing Company and the N.C. Department of Transportation. The event is also supported by the Town of Murphy, the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA), Cherokee County and the Cherokee County Chamber. For more information on the area, please visit https://www.townofmurphync.com/ or https://www.visitccnc.com/.
North Carolina Amateur Sports (NCAS) is a 501c(3) nonprofit charitable organization that annually organizes the BODYARMOR State Games and Cycle North Carolina. NCAS operates with the goal of promoting health and wellness for all ages and skill levels through organizing best-in-class sporting events that enrich the quality of life and enhance economic well-being of North Carolina communities. For more information on NCAS and its events, please access www.ncsports.org.
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