The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: The 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Breakaway Bike Ride

Online registration began this week for the 2nd annual Blue Ridge Breakaway bike ride, which is scheduled for August 20th this year. The cycling event brought more than 300 riders to Haywood County last year.

This year's ride will feature four routes:

* Hawk (Century - 105 miles)

* Trout (Metric Century - 66 miles)

* Panther (40 miles)

* Rabbit (24 miles)

All routes will begin and end at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, located off Interstate 40 and U.S. 23/74. Riders will have the opportunity to explore the mountain valleys near 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.

Rest areas with refreshments and facilities are conveniently located on all four routes.

For more information, please click here.