The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club hosts the annual Fletcher Flyer bicycle ride on Sunday, June 5, 2011 starting at 8:00 a.m. at Fletcher Community Park. Fletcher Flyer winds through the river valleys south of Asheville and has been developed to be the least hilly bicycle event in Western North Carolina, but it has plenty of rolling hills to keep all riders interested. There is terrific mountain scenery without the long mountain climbs.
“The event appeals to a wide variety of riders,” says Robbie Sweetser, the event’s director. “It is a great course for first time event riders on every route option. It is also a fast ride for more experienced riders who want to do a century ride without spending all day.”
The bicycle event offers routes of 50, 62 and a century ride of 100 miles. The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club has developed this ride to “encourage bicyclists to attempt and successfully complete their first century,” says Sweetser. “A large portion of the ride follows the French Broad and Mills River through very beautiful areas. Many past riders comment that this has been one of their best rides ever.” New this year is a 30 mile Fletcher Lite option for riders wanting to experience a multi-rider event.
Blue Ridge Bicycle Club obtained a not-for-profit status in 2010 to better promote bicycle advocacy and development in western North Carolina through its mission of “Healthy and Fun Lifestyles through Cycling.” Proceeds from this event support the bike club’s programs that include bicycle safety rodeos for children, high school drivers education classes that teach teenagers how to safely approach bicyclists, adult beginner-bike rides, bike and pedestrian support, and greenway development.
For more information, visit the bike club’s website, http://www.Blue RidgeBicyclClub.org or contact the ride director Robbie Sweetser at [email protected] or call 274-5979.
