A bicycle ride or a race? Gran Fondo Asheville is little bit of both

Photo courtesy of Anna Lee Zanetti.
Photo courtesy of Anna Lee Zanetti.

August 30, Borg Warner Turbo Systems and Duke Energy will present the bicycle ride/race, Gran Fondo Asheville, as a part of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series.

The ride begins in downtown Pack Square and then quickly transitions to winding roads in pastoral countryside and up to mountain ridge vistas. The ride is designed for cyclists at varying skill levels with courses covering 30, 60 and 100 mile journeys.

“Cycling in these mountains is challenging but rewarding,”  GFNCS President Reuben Kline said. “In true Gran Fondo style, we have created a festive atmosphere along the route and at the finish.”

“Last year’s ride was exhilarating with beautiful views throughout the whole course,”said board director Meridith Powell. “I enjoyed riding down into the city and being welcomed by friends and family at the finish line. The best part is supporting a great organization like Friends of the Smokies.”

Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Smokies, a nonprofit organization which raises funds to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Press Release from  Anna Lee Zanetti:

ASHEVILLE, NC – Is it a bicycle ride or a race? A little bit of both but definitely a party! Experience Gran Fondo Asheville presented by Borg Warner Turbo Systems and Duke Energy on August 30, 2015. The only cycling ride that starts and ends downtown and includes timed sections. Cyclists will take in the natural beauty of Western North Carolina as they cruise along a well-marked course, with the option to push themselves for brief timed periods, competing to win.

The ride begins in funky art deco downtown Pack Square and quickly transitions to winding roads in pastoral countryside and up to mountain ridge vistas. Beginners and avid cyclists alike will find challenging rides to meet their individual goals. Gran Fondo Asheville is a part of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series (GFNCS) and benefits Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The ride is designed for cyclists at varying skill levels with courses covering 30, 60 and 100 mile journeys. “Cycling in these mountains is challenging but rewarding. In true Gran Fondo style, we have created a festive atmosphere along the route and at the finish,” said Reuben Kline GFNCS President.

At the end of the ride cyclists will descend into the heart of Asheville where they will be afforded a spectacular cityscape view and greeted by Organicfest. Riders and families can enjoy the festivities of Organicfest: music, vendors, massage therapists, kids zone, and of course organic food and beer.

“Last year’s ride was exhilarating with beautiful views throughout the whole course. I enjoyed riding down into the city and being welcomed by friends and family at the finish line. The best part is supporting a great organization like Friends of the Smokies,” said board director Meridith Powell. Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Smokies, a nonprofit organization which raises funds to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gran Fondo Asheville features four timed sections, mechanic support, fully-stocked aid stations along the route, food and beverage at the finish, a cash purse, and prizes for overall and age-group winners.

There is a 500-person field limit to ensure safe riding conditions for all participants. Register at www.gfncs.com.

About Gran Fondo National Championship Series
Gran Fondo National Championship Series, established in 2012, is comprised of eight rides across the United States and is nationally sponsored by Specialized Bicycles, Feedback Sports, Peaks Coaching Group, Bertucci Performance Field Watches, Rudy Project, Pactimo, Hammer Nutrition, ProGold, Polar Bottle, Bicycling Magazine, and SeaSucker Bike Racks. President Reuben Kline has over 23 years of experience in the bicycle industry, including five years as a professional mountain bike rider. For more information visit www.gfncs.com

About Friends of the Smokies
Friends of the Smokies seeks to protect and preserve Great Smoky Mountains National Park so all generations have the opportunity to experience the Smokies at its best. Friends of the Smokies has raised over $47 million since 1993 through donations to help maintain the Smokies as a crown jewel of the national park system. For information and to make a gift to benefit park projects, visitwww.friendsofthesmokies.org. Local sponsors for Gran Fondo Asheville presented by Borg Warner Turbo Systems and Duke Energy includes The Glass Foundation, Webb Investments, Asheville Dental Care, Roberts and Stevens, 98.1 the River and ESPN Radio Asheville, Beverly-Hanks, Fletcher Warehousing, Dixon Hughes Goodman, and Biltmore Restorative Medicine.

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About Jane Morrell
My name is Jane Morrell and I am a student from Troy University in Alabama. I am working as an intern for the Mountain Xpress over the summer. Follow me on Twitter @JaneMorrell2 Follow me @JaneMorrell2

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