Paul Teague

Paul Teague

pteague@newstopic.net

One week after the Bridge to Bridge cycling event rolled through, Caldwell County will play host to another group of bicycling enthusiasts this weekend.

The Cycling North Carolina "Mountains to the Coast" ride will begin in Blowing Rock today and continue across the state before reaching its end point Saturday, Oct. 3 in Surf City.

The second day of the event will take the cyclists to Lenoir, where they are scheduled to stay the evening.

Organized by North Carolina Amateur Sports, a nonprofit organization, the first Cycle North Carolina event was held 10 years ago. Sponsored by the North Carolina News Network, the event is aimed at promoting physical fitness and health, along with providing an economic impact to rural communities across the state. Additional sponsors include the N.C. Department of Transportation and the N.C. Department of Commerce's Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.

Last year's event attracted more than 1,000 cyclists, and organizers are anticipating a larger turnout this year. In order to capitalize on the increased traffic flow, several Lenoir businesses are planning to be open on Sunday.

"There's a good number of us that will be open during this event," Abigail's Gifts owner Cynthia Hicks said. "And if I catch 30 customers, I've had a good day. The whole city has a good opportunity."

Last year's cycling event featured overnight stays in Morganton, Lincolnton and Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord. The route this year will take cyclists to Lenoir, Statesville, Thomasville, Sanford, Dunn and Kenansville.