Natural Travels

On the Blue Ridge Parkway near Balsam, NC

SYLVA, N.C. – The Tour de Tuck Bike Challenge, which derives its name from the nearby Tuckasegee River, returns for its third edition on Sept. 20.

In its first two years, the Tour de Tuck established a reputation for its fierce beauty and fierce ride. The trek includes more than 40 miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway and features a cumulative elevation gain of 11,000 feet. The course crests at Richland Balsam, the highest point on the Parkway at 6,047 feet above sea level.

“There are two things that stick out in my mind: It’s arguably the most scenic of any event around, and it has the most elevation gain of any other century cycling events,” says Scott Baker, the event’s webmaster and a regular participant. “I’ve done them all, and to me, the Tour de Tuck is the hardest.”

Last year’s event drew a total of 210 cyclists, a 20 percent increase from the first year. 
 
The Tour de Tuck offers two options – the 105-mile century ride, as well as a shorter, 60-mile metric century ride for intermediate cyclists.

Both rides start and finish in a city park in Sylva’s picturesque downtown. Participants receive goody bags and catered post-race meals from Annie’s Naturally Café.

“Our numbers have grown each year and the word is out that we have an event that’s extremely challenging,” Baker said. “A lot of riders come just to see if they can finish.”

The 2008 Tour de Tuck begins at 7:30 a.m. and will be fully-supported with SAG vehicles and seven aid stations. The challenge is sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers are provided by the Sylva Rotary Club.

Entry fee is $45 through July 31, and $55 afterward. Registration is only available online at www.tourdetuck.com. For additional information, call (800) 962-1911.

– thanks to Craig Distl for the heads-up on this annual outdoor event!