Cycle North Carolina kicks off a week-long ride from the mountains to the coast on Oct. 3, with hundreds of cyclists traveling through the Butner/Creedmoor area as part of their journey through the state’s scenic back roads. Participants representing 41 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Costa Rica and Canada, will leave from Allegheny High School in Sparta and are set to arrive in North Topsail Beach Town Park on Oct. 9, biking an average of 65 miles per day.
The cyclists’ scheduled stop in Granville County is planned for the fourth day of the trek on Oct. 6, with an itinerary that includes tours of Cedar Creek Gallery, the Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena, Camp Butner Museum, Butner Town Hall, High Rock Farms and the Stem Fire Department.
From 12 until 4 p.m., cyclists can enjoy lunch from area food trucks on the grounds of the Creedmoor Recreation Center. The Granville County Tourism Development Authority will also host a welcome tent where local maps and area information will be available.
The day will conclude at the Butner Gazebo Park for “Alive After Five,” sponsored by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, where cyclists will meet area residents and enjoy live music by the Band of Oz. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and food trucks will be on site.
The “Mountains to the Coast” Tour is the state’s only fully-supported ride. Luggage is transported in vehicles from one overnight host community to the next. Rider support vehicles are also available to aid cyclists who experience physical or mechanical issues. Outdoor camping areas are set up for interested participants, with rest stops available every 15 to 20 miles along the route.
The stop in Granville County includes an overnight stay at a temporary campsite on the grounds of the Creedmoor Recreation Center, with reservations at local hotels for those who prefer additional amenities. Overnight stays for the 2021 tour are also scheduled for Mount Airy, Reidsville, Roxboro, Smithfield and Wallace, with the route passing through many other towns and communities along the way.
Over the past 21 years, Cycle North Carolina participants have made overnight stops in more than 100 North Carolina towns and have visited 700 communities while promoting heritage tourism, visitor attractions and state parks, as well as the benefits of bicycling and a healthy lifestyle.
Volunteers are needed to assist on the day of arrival, Oct. 6, and will be assigned to distribute information at the welcome tent, transfer luggage, and handle other duties. Shifts are scheduled from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., 1 until 3 p.m., 3 until 5 p.m. and 5 until 7 p.m. For more information about volunteering or to sign up, please contact Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.
Drivers should be aware that groups of cyclists will be on Granville County roads on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. Please drive carefully and pass with caution.
Visit https://ncsports.org/event/cyclenc_mountainstocoast_ride to learn more about the “Mountains to the Coast” cycling tour.