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

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

Take a Tour of Beech Mountain Routes

Around the Block

St. Andrews Road Loop

Buckeye Recreation Area to St. Andrews Road to the Top

Pinnacle Ridge Road Loop

Pinnacle Ridge to Oz