There are many reasons that people are attracted to cycling and they are as varied as we, the riders, are. Perhaps two of the most common reasons are the freedom our bicycle grants us to roam the countryside and the camaraderie of our fellow cyclists. At first, you may ride just for fun, but then you start looking for more challenges. One of the more daunting challenges in cycling is the “century,” or 100-mile bike ride.
The Lake Norman Excursion can provide just that challenge. The Lake Norman Excursion cycling event has a long tradition among North Carolina cyclists. Started by Dwight Calloway in the mid-1980s, the ride ran from Denver, N.C., along the beautiful shores of Lake Norman. The ride was discontinued in the early ’90s when Calloway retired. Cool Breeze Cyclery, The Trek Bicycle Store of Charlotte, Cool Breeze Coaching and Lowes teamed up with the American Red Cross to re-create this unique cycling experience and use the proceeds from the supported ride as a fundraiser for the Red Cross.
The Lake Norman Excursion is a “supported century.” Support includes vehicles providing mechanical or other assistance and rest stops placed regularly along the route with food, drink, toilet facilities, basic first-aid supplies and a free post-ride lunch. Organized centuries are great fun to participate in. Lots of people from all walks of life out on the road, riding together, talking and sharing the day make for a very enjoyable ride.
The Lake Norman Excursion now offers a 5k run option so you can choose to ride 36, 65 or 100 miles and add a 5k run as a warm-up. You could also choose to do a century ride while your family walks or runs the 5k course and then does a Family Fun Ride.
The Lake Norman Excursion is on Saturday, July 13, 2013. The ride starts and finishes at Lowe’s headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. The ride leaves Mooresville and heads out into the scenic countryside through Catawba County and back with several crossings of Lake Norman. The course is challenging, with nonstop rollers throughout the course. If you need a mid-summer challenge, check out the Lake Norman Excursion. The Lake Norman Excursion also offers less challenging venues, including the Family Fun Ride, a 36-mile, a 65-mile and the 5K run. For more information, visit www.lakenormanexcursion.com.
