Siler City, NC — Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC, announced today that the 2019 Cycle North Carolina “Mountains to Coast” Route with up to 1,100 cyclists will cross Chatham County, making an overnight stop in Siler City on October 1, 2019. The tour starts in Blowing Rock on September 28 and ends at the coast on October 5.
Cycle North Carolina reports that the event draws cyclists from around the nation and even some from other countries. It is considered an annual highlight for cyclists in the United States.
“During the tour stops, cyclists and others involved with the event visit local restaurants, shops and attractions in places that are a bit off the beaten path,” said Dan LaMontagne, interim Chatham County manager. “I know that Neha Shah with the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau will be busy promoting visitor locations throughout the county for this popular event, just as we did when the tour stopped in Pittsboro for lunch.”
Siler City Mayor John Grimes was excited by the announcement. “Siler City offers much to our variety of guests with an interest in nature, music, art, food, and more. We are pleased to participate and know that the cyclists will particularly enjoy this leisurely fall ride.”
Bryan Thompson, Siler City town manager, said, “We always enjoy showcasing Siler City and look forward to making sure everyone has a grand time.”
The event also helps local recreation leaders promote healthy exercise. “The Mountains to Coast Tour coming to the area gives us a chance to show that cycling can be fun and educational. Biking is one of the most heart-healthy activities,” said Tracy Burnett, director of Chatham County Parks & Recreation.
Siler City Recreation Director Joseph Keel added, “We have many scenic miles and parks throughout our area. I hope that this will encourage local folks to get outdoors and enjoy biking, walking and running.”
The Cycle North Carolina “Mountains to Coast” Tour is the state’s only cross-state, fully-supported ride created in 1999 in partnership with the N.C. Division of Tourism, Capitol Broadcasting Company, the N.C. Department of Transportation and North Carolina Amateur Sports as founding partners. Cycle North Carolina was developed to promote North Carolina’s scenic beauty, heritage tourism, visitor attractions, historic sites, state parks, fitness, healthy lifestyles and the benefits of bicycling to individuals and our state. During the past 20 years, Cycle North Carolina has stopped overnight in more than 100 North Carolina towns and visited over 700 North Carolina communities.
Online registration is open at www.ncsports.org. Cycle North Carolina will be capping registration at 1,100 riders, so interested riders are encouraged to register early, to avoid missing out on the highlight of the year for bicycling in North Carolina.
Cycle North Carolina is presented by Retire NC. Partner organizations of Cycle North Carolina include: Powerade, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, BB&T, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Harris Teeter, Morningstar Law Group, the N.C. Department of Transportation and Cycling Spoken Here.