Every year, Portland, Ore. cycling company Chris King Precision Components and Chefs Chris DiMinno and Robert McSpadden ask the public to join fellow cyclists “for a day of food and riding from five beautiful locations around the world.”
This year, one event is being hosted in Asheville.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be hosting our first event in the picturesque town of Asheville,” says Bob Scales, marketing manager of King Cycle Group.
The event, the Gourmet Century Ride, invites cyclists on a “pleasantly challenging” 100 kilometer group ride and a whole day worth of West Coast-meets-local food.
“Starting and finishing at Taylor Ranch right outside of Asheville, we have created a picturesque yet challenging route near Lake Lure that is sure to impress,” reads the event site.
The two West Coast chefs will join local chefs Jacob Sessoms of Table, Patrick O’Cain of Gan Shan Station, Jason Roy of Biscuit Head, Frank Charles of Parkway Bistro, Karen Donatelli of the Karen Donatelli Bakery and Café, and breads by Chris Bennett “to create a menu to truly showcase the summer offerings of the South Atlantic.”
Gourmetcentury.com recommends riders “bring a capable road or touring bike. The route will have many climbing sections where a wide selection of gears will be helpful. Bring your essential riding gear: shoes, helmet, shorts, etc. … Sunglasses and sunscreen is highly recommended. We recommend that you ride with at least two full water bottles or a full hydration pack and bring the necessary materials needed for common ride mechanicals.”
Also, it mentions, “Riders should bring a change of clothes for dinner, so you can be comfortable and casual during your meal.”
The local event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, with registration closing at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The all-day event and bike ride costs $200, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with check-in. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m., and riders will be on the road by 9:30 a.m.
“From there,” Scales explains, “the riders will encounter three food stops along the way: morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack,” finishing the evening out with dinner.
“Food is a huge part of bike culture,” he continues. “The main thing about bringing food and cycling together is to remind people to have fun on their bikes. Cycling can get very competitive even in a casual setting, but you will see that, at our event, it is all about good cycling, great food and just having a great day with a community of like-minded people.”
To learn more, click here and to register, email gourmetcentury@chrisking.com. The event will be held at Taylor Ranch, 1005 Cane Creek Road, in Fletcher.
“We look forward to an amazing maiden voyage in Asheville that we will be able to build on when we come back next year,” writes Scales.
Eat to Live, Live to Bike, Bike to Work, Work to Eat.