Cycle NC returns to Lake Lure

The rolling mountains of Lake Lure will again host around 450 bicyclists Aug. 1 and 2 when Cycle North Carolina's Mountain Ride returns to Lake Lure Aug. 1 and 2.

Cycle North Carolina, hosted by North Carolina Amateur sports, annually hosts a cross-state bicycle tour as well as smaller rides along the coast and in the mountains. Participants in the rides come from all 50 states and more than eight countries. More than 600 communities have been visited, including Lake Lure.

Lake Lure was first chosen as a stop on the organization's cross-state ride, Mountains to Coast, in 2012, and organizers said participants loved it so much that they considered adding a Mountain Ride as well.

"We felt Lake Lure would be a great location for a weekend ride," said Ragan Williams, director of Cycle North Carolina. "The location and setting couldn't be more perfect for a host town, and there were plenty of options for multiple routes. Plus, we knew we had some great people to work with that were really excited and wanted the event to come to Lake Lure."

One of those was Lake Lure Town Manager Chris Braund, who has participated in the ride in the past. As town manager, he works closely to ensure event organizers to meet their needs. But events like Cycle NC's Mountain Ride also appeal to the outdoorsman in him.

"I especially enjoy when these sports festival and competitions come to town because I get to meet people from all over, share our great facilities and push myself to go faster and farther on my 'home turf,'" he said.

Those who are participating in the ride will have variety of routes each day, Williams said, and can also soak up local culture. Attracting people to rural communities across the state and showcasing cultural diversity and the state's beauty and scenic attractions is part of Cycle North Carolina's mission.

"We like to call them 'off the bike activities,'" he said. "The can include music at camp, food trucks, bonfires with s'mores, shuttles into town for area attractions and more."

Those times off the bike in turn generate revenue for the area, Braund said.

"During the events participants stay in hotels, rent homes, eat in restaurants, shop, visit attractions .... Most people who live in Lake Lure now were once tourists who visited the area and fell in love with it," he explained. "These events plant that seed - and some of the athletes will return for vacation visits, to buy property, build homes and start businesses."

Rutherford County cyclists can still take part if they haven't already registered, Williams said. Walk-up registrations will be taken throughout the weekend. For more information, visit cnc.ncsports.org.