The third annual Tour de Mountains bicycle classic will be held in Sparta Saturday, June 8, 2013.
The optional 25, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mile routes promise challenging hills and spectacular views. The routes wind through the valleys and along ridges of the pastoral landscape of Blue Ridge Mountains in Alleghany County.
Portions of some routes cross into Ashe County, North Carolina, and Grayson County, Virginia, as riders follow the New River.
“Riders will be on our highways and back roads throughout most of the day,” said ride coordinator Debbie Brady. “We ask all drivers to be extra watchful for cyclists and we ask dog owners to keep their pets penned or tethered the day of the ride. A collision between a bicyclist and small animal or dog, even a friendly dog, can have disastrous consequences for rider and animal.”
“Riders are cautioned that while this is intended to be a ride, not a race, any ride in these mountains is challenging regardless of the distance,” Brady said. “Riders should contact a physician if they have any question about whether their physical conditioning is adequate for such a challenge.”
Maps of the routes, as well as applications and other information, are available on the Web at www.tourdemountains.com or by calling 336-372-2944. All routes follow paved roads that are suitable for road bikes; wide-tired, off-road bicycles are not necessary nor advised.
Funds raised by the ride go toward purchasing more exercise equipment for the Alleghany Wellness Center.
Registration and check-in begin at 7 a.m. at the Alleghany Wellness Center, 508 Collins Road. Riders leave at 8:30.
Sag support and rest stops will be provided every 10-15 miles. Early registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt. Registration the day of the ride is $35.
The impetus and planning for the ride has come from the Center’s spin class led by Leigh Kostoryz and now in its ninth year.

















