Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
July 3, 2008 issue
Event Raises Funds for Local Domestic Abuse Shelters
The second annual Black & Blue Double Century Relay will take place on Saturday, July 19.
As the only cycling event of its kind in the contiguous United States, the double century—200-mile—relay will showcase the demanding mountain roads and notable rivers of southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina. Named for its difficulty and to reflect the Black Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains through which the course traverses, The Black & Blue is sure to be a bike challenge like no other.
The Black & Blue consists of 1- to 8-person teams that rotate through 1 to 8 stages as they cover the 200-mile distance and 21,758 feet of elevation change. Riders will complete anywhere from 25 miles to 200 miles.
The Black & Blue is one of eight relays in the United States—and the only cycling relay—that is part of the Avon Foundation Need for Speed Against Domestic Violence series. Each Black and Blue team raises money for local domestic abuse shelters, including OASIS in Boone and A Safe Home for Everyone in West Jefferson. Each year, up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence, and money raised will help end the abuse cycle so these children don’t become victims or abusers in the future. Click to www.blackandbluerelay.com for more information on donating.
The Black & Blue starts at Grayson Highlands State Park in Grayson County, Va. near the base of Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. The course primarily follows scenic, country roads as it winds its way through North Carolina’s High Country to the finish in Asheville. The course features some of the region’s most spectacular scenery including the balds of Grayson Highlands State Park, the New River, Toe River, Cane River and Grandfather Mountain.
Late registration closes Friday, July 18. To take part, volunteer or learn more about this event, click to www.blackandbluerelay.com, call 336-877-8888 or pick up a brochure at Magic Cycles, Boone Bike & Touring, Biking Buddies or Footsloggers.
Gum Ridge Mill & Flying Pig Furniture, Stick Boy Bread Company, Earth Fare, Mellow Mushroom of Asheville, SweeTea, Omega Tees and Grayson Highlands State Park sponsor the event.