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Mountain Biking
Tour Du Pont Memories
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Bike Ride Schedule
Lance Armstrong
It's Not About The Bike
"Boone was high in the Appalachians on the route of the old Tour Du
Pont,
and I had fond memories
of it. I had won the
Tour Du Pont twice there,
and I had spent many afternoons cycling
and suffering on its biggest peak, Beech Mountain, which was the crucial
climbing stage of the race."

A 5 mile Running Road Race
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Welcome
to Beech Mountain, eastern America's highest town (elevation 5506 feet),
where you can follow the route of Lance Armstrong and the Tour Du Pont or
enjoy 50 miles of great riding on the town's road bike routes. Beech is a
bikers mountain offering something for everyone.
Annually, hundreds of
bikers ascend the south side of the mountain from Banner Elk to the site
of the Tour Du Pont finish line. A climb in elevation of 1400 feet in
three and half miles, the Beech Mountain Parkway offers a great route most
of the year.
Once on Beech, a variety
of great biking awaits you with the town's 51.20 miles of paved bike routes.
All routes begin at the visitors center, adjacent to the town hall.
You will retrace routes
used by Lance Armstrong when he trained on the mountain. While most routes
are through residential neighborhoods, others will take you by Buckeye
Lake and the town's new recreation center. Traffic is usually minimal and
Beech's 25 mph speed limit is a positive for cyclists.
If you live close by and
can ride up for a day, Beech can offer cool summertime temperatures (72
degrees is our usual high in June through August), beautiful views and
great riding.
If you would like to come
up for a weekend or more, the Chamber of Commerce (828-387-9283 or www.beechmtn.com)
can help you plan overnight accommodations and dining suggestions.
For a short ride, a great
hill climb, or a weekend of biking . . . Come on up to Beech! Ride
Beech Mountain 2008 Bike Schedule
| May 17 |
Route #1—Around the
Block |
7.55 miles |
| June 21 |
Route #3—Buckeye
Lake/St. Andrews Loop |
13.94 miles |
| July 19 |
Routes #1, 2, 3—Includes
St. Andrews Loop |
approx. 15 miles |
| August 16 |
Route #4—Pinnacle Ridge
Loop |
11.30 miles |
| September 20 |
Route #2—St. Andrews
Loop |
7.94 miles |
| October 18 |
Route #3—Visitors Center
to Buckeye Lake |
13.94 miles |
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Take a Tour of Beech
Mountain Routes

Around the Block
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