Our Carolina Foothills has teamed with Cycle North Carolina to bring the fifth annual Mountain Ride to the Foothills next month, with Tryon being the host town and Harmon Field being the home base. 

Over 300 people from 10 states have already signed up, and about 400 visitors and cyclists are anticipated to pass through the Foothills’ towns.

Several events are planned around the community to highlight the area during the event.

As registrants begin to arrive Friday morning, Aug. 3, Our Carolina Foothills will host a tourism tent to guide riders into the towns’ businesses and attractions. A kick-off tea will be held at Greenlife Inn at the Mimosa that afternoon, and a welcome reception for riders and sponsors will be held at Rogers Park.

The Tryon Bottle will also offer wine tastings and will welcome the crowd at the reception. Guests will be encouraged to stay for the Summer Tracks concert.

On Saturday morning, Foothills Mountain BBQ and Java Up will serve breakfast and coffee to riders.

The ride will offer many route options for cyclists of all levels. Rest stops will be at Arrowhead Farm, Overmountain Vineyards, Stearns Park, Caitlyn Farms and Saluda Park, sites selected to highlight the area’s beauty and terrain, organizers said.

After the ride, a Saturday evening social will be held at Harmon Field for cyclists, sponsors and volunteers. The event will feature a meal with local food from farms and restaurants, served “Farm to Table” style. Local musician Noah Stockdale and his band will entertain the group.

Sunday will begin early again with food by Foothills Mountain BBQ. Rest stops for Sunday include Orchard Lake campground, Green River Fire & Rescue, Bob’s Creek Station, Skytop Orchard, Saluda Park and Tuxedo Park.

Volunteers interested in helping out with the event may contact Mindy Wiener at 323-228-4959 or mindy@ourcarolnafoothills.com.

-Submitted by

Mindy Wiener