The 3rd Annual Discover Anson Bike Ride, presented by Anson County Chamber of Commerce & Anson County Tourism Development Authority, will take place on November 8th. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m and the ride will begin at 9:00 a.m. starting at Ansonville Elementary School. Cyclists will have a choice of a 30-mile, 50-mile or 70-mile ride. All routes will be marked and will be patrolled by event staffers in automobiles or a SAG Wagon. Bike ride staff members will be equipped with cellphones. *Riders must wear a helmet and follow all North Carolina traffic laws* Rest stops will be available to all cyclists.

The registration fee is $25 per rider ($20 if registered prior to Oct. 19). The event will be held rain or shine; and there will be no refund of the registration fee.

Bicyclists will embark on a picturesque tour of Anson County's northwestern section, which is adjacent to the Uwharrie Mountains and has many Piedmont features of North Carolina's mountain foothills. Cyclists also will have a breath-taking tour of historic Anson County that is dominated by dense pine and hardwood forests, open fields and rolling hills in the shadow of the Uwharrie Mountain Range. One section of the route follows the North Carolina Scenic Byways through the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.

Main points of interest along the routes include a panoramic view of Morrow Mountain; Concord Church cemetery, established in 1805; Fountain Hill Church, built in 1813; and a natural spring (located on private property) that, as legend goes, has healing powers. Bike riders will visit communities with the names of Cedar Hill, Eggtown, Burnsville, Fountain Hill and Kikers. These communities, once thriving during the early history of the county, are now dominated by a long-established church, a country store or, perhaps, just a crossroads sign. The northwestern area of the bike ride is the most challenging -- highlighted by moderate-to-steep rolling terrain, which offers several heart-pumping mountain climbs.

Following the bike ride, cyclists are invited to enjoy the crafts and entertainment at the Ansonville Homecoming Celebration; savor pit-cooked barbecue offered by the Ansonville Volunteer Fire Department; and watch the annual Homecoming parade that begins at 3:00 p.m.

For more information including how to register and directions to the Town of Ansonville, click here

Calling all cyclists! The 14th annual "Rolling in Randolph Century" bike ride will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2008. Sponsored by the City of Asheboro Parks and Recreation, the ride will begin and end at Asheboro's Memorial Park. Offering a 25, 50 and 100-mile route, riders will get a glimpse of rural Randolph County passing points of interest like the Pisgah Covered Bridge and the NC ZOO.

If the scenery alone hasn't completely sold you this rider's dream, such "perks" as rest stops providing various refreshments along this well marked course every 10-15 miles including a 6" Subway sandwich (with chips) at the completion of your ride might sound good to you. So let's recap: various routes (CHECK), incredible rolling hills and scenery (CHECK), rest stops and refreshments (CHECK). Did I mention that there will even be facilities available for YOU to refresh after your ride is over? That's right...a nice hot shower (bring your own towels and soap though)! That's it..I'm sold!

Registration is $20 per a person in advance and $25 per a person on the day of the ride. For more information about the "Rolling in Randolph Century" bike ride including how to register,click here.

July 11-13 will bring the Piedmont Triad Omnium to streets and roads throughout Davidson County. Jo Ellen Edwards, Executive Director of Tourism Recreation Investment Partnership for Davidson County, says that, "The Omnium will bring a cycling event and race experience reminiscent of the Tour Du Pont which passed through the Piedmont in the mid 1990's. It will give local residents an opportunity to watch and experience cycling events that typically occur in larger cities."

What is an Omnium? It is a series of race events that will include a criterium, a road race and a time trial. The Piedmont Triad Omnium is also a USA Cycling Sanctioned event.

A criterium is a fast paced, short circuit race that is designed to use the sharp turns and short distances of a downtown area. Speeds range from 25-35 mph, so this will not be a leisurely paced ride! The criterium will be held in Uptown Lexington on Friday, July 11th from 6:00-10:00 pm. The technical .9 mile rectangular shaped course winds through the southern portion of Uptown Lexington between West Center and West Fourth Avenue and South Main and South State Streets. The route provides for several great spots for folks to sit and watch the night's four races: the lawn at Arts United, on the square, while eating dinner at Café 35, and any of the church or bank parking lots along State Street.

The Road Races will begin at DCCC on Saturday at 8 am and wind through the rolling countryside going past Lake Thom-A-Lex and ending back at DCCC. The course will challenge all levels of riders and includes rolling terrain, several attention getting upturns (600ft/lap) and a 3.4 mile flat finish. Climbers will try to keep the sprinters at bay on this challenging 11.6 mile loop that is just off of Business I-85. Again, spectators are welcomed to watch the race unfold at both DCCC and Lake Thom-A-Lex.

The Sunday Time Trial will be in downtown Thomasville. A Time Trial is also known as The Race of Truth. Riders race against the clock in this 10 mile course throughout Thomasville. Beginning at 8 am, riders will leave one minute apart. The route will also provide several spots for folks to watch the cyclists.

The event also has a component for younger cyclists to participate. Sponsored by cyclesafe.org, youngsters can ride the Criterium course in Uptown Lexington. Children 5 and under will ride for 200 meters, 6-8 for 400 meters and 9-12 will ride 2 laps. Participation for children is free.

Cyclists and spectators can find more information about routes, prizes, and registration for the Piedmont Triad Omnium on their website.

Proceeds from the event will fund $8,000 in cash prizes for racers and the remaining amount will be split between the Central Carolina Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and TRIP for Davidson County Foundation.