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The Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association and town started work in 2010 on Piney Knob Trails, located on 700-plus acres in the Murphy watershed on Fain Mountain, which has led to 13.5 miles of trails being open to the public. The entry road has also been paved, allowing easy access for more vehicles and helping grow the sport of mountain biking.
Murphy – In a nod to the first town that hosted a Cycle North Carolina event in 1999, the Mountain Ride is headed to Cherokee County from Aug. 2-4, 2024, according to a release.
Cycle North Carolina kicked off its inaugural Mountains to Coast Tour during the first cross-state bicycle tour in North Carolina. That original tour was held over two weeks and stretched from Murphy to Manteo.
Twenty-five years later, the Mountain Ride, a weekend version of that same event, and Cycle North Carolina will once again roll into Murphy. Registration for the 2024 Mountain Ride is open at ncsports.org.
The Mountain Ride annually brings in more than 350 cyclists to participate in a fully supported weekend of summer cycling along the scenic mountain back roads in the region. Lake Lure, Tryon, Brevard, Forest City, Marshall and Bryson City have all hosted the event in the past; this will be Murphy’s first time hosting the event.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Cycle North Carolina back to where it all began in 1999! Hosting the 2024 Mountain Ride brings not just hundreds of enthusiastic cyclists, but also their energy, camaraderie and economic boost to our vibrant mountain town,” Murphy Mayor Tim Radford said.
“Seeing Murphy’s streets buzzing with life, showcasing our stunning scenery and Southern hospitality, will be pure joy. We extend a warm Cherokee County welcome to every rider, and can’t wait to cheer them on as they explore our hidden gems and experience the magic of Murphy.”
Chip Hofler, director of Cycle NC, added, “The cyclists who participate in the Weekend Mountain Ride typically hail from over 20 states and love exploring new small mountain towns with unique character. Couple that with the 25th anniversary of our Mountains to Coast Tour and amazing town support, and Murphy is the perfect setting for the Mountain Ride.”
The Cycle North Carolina Mountain Ride brings in cyclists ranging in age from 13-80 to the event, with support vehicles available to aid cyclists who experience physical or mechanical breakdowns. Rest stops will be set up every 10-20 miles along each route for riders to get off their bikes and explore, while quenching their hunger and thirst.
Indoor and outdoor camping areas with amenities will be provided at Konehete Park, on the banks of the Valley River and adjacent to the Murphy Riverwalk. The park is just a short bike ride on the River Walk from downtown Murphy. Participants will also fill rooms and homes countywide.
The event is also supported by the Town of Murphy, the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association, Cherokee County and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.