Surry Business

Up to 1,200 bicyclists and hundreds of their supporters will arrive in Elkin on Sunday, Sept. 30, after completing the first leg of the annual Cycle North Carolina ride from the mountains to the coast.

The riders and support teams will assemble Saturday night and Sunday morning in West Jefferson and then ride a little more than 55 miles to Elkin while dropping nearly a half-mile in elevation.

They’ll camp Sunday at the Elkin Municipal Park and Recreation Center or stay in local motels and B&B’s. There will be live entertainment in the park. Elkin is the home of the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival, now entering its seventh year, and the town will host a mini wine festival just for Cycle North Carolina participants.

On Monday, the riders will push on to Greensboro for an overnight stop at Bur-Mil Park. The week-long CNC ride will end Oct. 6 at Currituck/Knotts Island.

Now in its ninth year, CNC is a tour of North Carolina on two wheels. It is fully supported with trucks to haul riders’ gear and rest stops every 15 to 18 miles. Basic registration costs $195. Transportation to the start and from the finish and meals are optional.

Cyclists also may sign up to ride for one day ($45) or three days ($115). Visit the web site for registration forms and more information or go here to register online.