We made camp at Rock Park, a town recreation center. After pitching my tent and readying my bike, I rode into town to a Pizza Hut. CNC had an optional meal plan, but I did not take it.

Sunday, Day One: With a cool morning start, about 275 riders left Murphy and headed to Franklin. I joined with 3 other riders as we enjoyed the mountain scenery on a rolling stretch into Andrews. From there we began climbing. The route climbed Junaluka gap, rounded Nantalaha Lake, and climbed to Wayah Gap. This covered two severe climbs. A rest stop at Wayah Gap provided lunch. CNC has rest stops every 15-20 miles including a lunch stop. After topping the gap, we were rewarded with a long fast descent. The first day’s ride ended at a rec center in Franklin after 50+ miles. Restaurants were within walking distance. The weather forecast was rain beginning around noon the next day, but it arrived early. I was awakened at 4 am. with the sound of rain hitting my tent.

Monday, Day Two: By 8 am. it was lightning and the rain was pouring down. We had 70 miles ahead of us. Some people were looking for alternate means of transportation to the next stop. After packing I joined another rider and hit the road in the rain. The rain eased a little as we started a 12 mile climb to Walnut Gap. Maybe it was the rain, but I thought this was the toughest climb on the ride. There were a lot of pushers on this climb. When we reached the top the rain stopped, but it was a cold and dreary day. We pedaled onward through Cashiers and to Brevard. A Street Fair was planned for us in Brevard, but was canceled due to weather. We spent the night at a boy’s camp at the end of a two-mile gravel road. It reminded me of one that you would see in an old horror film. We got into camp fairly early. We grabbed a cabin (primitive) for the night to keep from dealing with the mud & light mist that was falling. CNC provided shuttle service into town, but I decided to purchase the meal at the camp lodge. It was an excellent meal and the lodge had a roaring fire in the fireplace.

Tuesday, Day Three: The rain stopped and we are headed to Swannanoa. We took route 276 and climbed to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of the most scenic days on the ride. As we pedal through the Pisgah National Forest, we passed waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The climb ended at 4954 ft. on Mt. Pisgah. From here it was downhill to Asheville. The long tunnels on the Blue Ridge provide some excitement, since I didn’t have lights. The day’s ride ended at a 4-H camp in Black Mountain. This camp is like a resort. It has cabins with lights and bathrooms, but I was back to my tent. A campfire and band ended a perfect day.

Wednesday, Day Four: We headed out of the mountains today on our way to Forest City. Today was a first for me as cars were pulling off the road to let bikes pass as we descended to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Chimney Rock Park was providing a reduced rate to see the park, but I didn’t take the tour. The scenery changed to rolling countryside as we fought a headwind into Forest City. We spent the night at a gymnasium. I walked into town to a street festival, which was the entertainment for the night.

Thursday, Day Five: Today’s ride led us into the town of Lincolnton. The route was mostly rolling countryside and was not as spectacular as the mountain routes. We spent the night at a rec center about 1.5 miles from downtown. I took a walking tour of the town, which has a lot of old historic houses. I spent the rest of the evening in town at an "Alive after Five" celebration. They had an excellent band, which played music from the 70’s to the present.

Friday, Day Six: This was a 50+-mile day that ended at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord (new name for Charlotte Motor Speedway). The route was flat and was a day to ride and chat with other riders. We camped at the speedway camping area. It was Friday and races were scheduled for the weekend. We passed miles of campgrounds with campers and motor homes. We met at camp and rode our bikes to the speedway. The cars were on the track practicing and we watched from the infield. Earnhardt, Labonte, and others were practicing. As the cars finished we were given the track for one hour to ride. I never realized those curves were banked so steep until I rode my bike on them. I caught a free shuttle bus to the mall to eat.

Saturday, Day Seven: This 80+ day ride included a stop at Reed Gold Mine, a State Historic Site. It was the site of the first documented gold find in the U.S.. I toured the museum, but did not want to wait an hour for the mine to open. The rest of the day was mostly a race to finish the ride and beat the rain. I arrived in Asheboro with a light mist falling. I finished my week, but the ride would take a rest day and continue to the Outer Banks.

Editor’s Note: The dates for Cycle North Carolina 2000 will be October 7-14. CNC will pedal from "Boone to the Beach" averaging about 55 miles per day. This tour will include visits to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Uwharrie National Forest, Moores Creek National Battlefield and the beautiful Sandhills Region of North Carolina before ending in Wilmington. There will be indoor and outdoor camping available as well as a hotel option for non-campers. For more info contact: