The Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the third annual Blue Ridge Breakaway, scheduled for August 18, 2012. The cycling event which brought over 400 riders to Haywood County last August is now open. Riders are encouraged to take advantage of early registration discounts and secure their spot in the 2012 Blue Ridge Breakaway.

According to a review from a 2011 participant, "I have been riding over 25 years; this was certainly one of the best centuries that I have participated in. The ride included beautiful scenery, with the best stocked rest stops maintained by some of the nicest volunteers that one could meet."

The event will feature a Century (105 miles), Metric Century (65 miles), 40 miles and a 24 mile ride. All routes will begin at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center which is conveniently located off of Interstate 40 and Highway 23/74. Riders will explore the mountain valleys near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and in the shadow of Cold Mountain. The Century ride will also include 30 miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,600 ft.

The Breakaway was also named the 2011 Ride of the Year by blogger Aaron West of SteepClimbs.com. 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.”

Riders are encouraged to take advantage of early registration discounts and secure their spot in the 2012 Blue Ridge Breakaway. Registration fees for the Century, Metric Century and 40 mile ride are $34 through June 1, $44 through August 3, and $54 thereafter. The registration fee for the 24 mile ride is $29 through August 3 and $35 thereafter. Riders may pre-register online at www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com.  Additional route descriptions, maps, and cue sheets are also available online.