The Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Blue Ridge Breakaway was recently named the 2011 Ride of the Year by blogger Aaron West of SteepClimbs.com. The cycling event which brought over 400 riders to Haywood County last August for an adrenaline pumping ride through the mountains placed first for overall enjoyment. 

According to West, “(the Blue Ridge Breakaway) was exciting and the long descents down the Blue Ridge Parkway and then Maggie Valley were exhilarating and the best single experiences I’ve had on a bike this year.” West went on to comment, “Not to mention this was probably the most organized ride I participated all year.” 

The event featured a Century (105 miles), Metric Century (65 miles), 40 mile and a 24 mile ride. Riders explored the mountain valleys near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and in the shadow of Cold Mountain. The Century ride included over 30 miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,600 ft. 

Aaron West is an avid road cyclist with an interest in cycling through the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia to name a few. Note the blog name “SteepClimbs.com”. According to West, “ The bigger the hill (or better yet, mountain), the better.” 

The 2012 Blue Ridge Breakaway is scheduled for August 18, 2012. Registration opens March 31^st and riders are encouraged to take advantage of early registration discounts to secure their spot in the 2012 Blue Ridge Breakaway. Visit www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com for Additional route descriptions, maps, and cue sheets.