Jan. 15, 2013. The “Hell of the High Country” returns Saturday, April 20 for the fourth year. Cyclists from across the U.S. will descend upon the North Carolina High Country to test themselves on a unique route featuring unpaved roads, stunning mountain vistas, and unmatched hospitality. Thanks to the generous support of Performance Bike this year will feature both the age-based Race competition as well as a Gran Fondo for riders who want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery at a casual pace. Registration is only $35 until January 27, and includes a chance to win a $275 Selle San Marco saddle. Boone-Roubaix will again benefit Wine To Water, a Boone-based 501(c)3 non-profit aid organization focused on providing clean drinking water to needy people around the world.
Boone-Roubaix is a unique opportunity for recreational cyclists and weekend warriors to participate in a Spring Classic. At races like the the “Hell of the North” Paris-Roubaix, professional racers face endless miles of cobble stone pavé in the midst of the brutal northern European spring. The Hell of the High Country has gained renown in the Southeast and beyond as a rare chance to test your mettle in a similar challenge. Boone-Roubaix consists of a 50 mile route along the New River and through the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the course cyclists have to cover 10 miles of unpaved roads, and surmount a series of challenging climbs. The most notorious section, dubbed “the Koppenberg of the High Country” after the infamous hill in the Tour of Flanders, consists of a pair of quarter mile climbs with 20% grades on a mile stretch of dirt road.
The North Carolina High Country is a magnet for cyclists of all stripes thanks to its unmatched beauty, quiet country roads, and extensive trails. With the addition of the Gran Fondo to the extremely popular race, Boone-Roubaix will offer recreational riders a chance to enjoy our incredible roads and warm southern hospitality. Gran Fondo participants will benefit from well stocked rest stops and full support along the route from the Performance Bike Spin Doctors, Hammer Nutrition, and Perform Pain Relief, as well as the free post-race party hosted by Blowing Rock Ale.
Total participation is capped at 250 for the Race, and 100 for the Gran Fondo, so cyclists are encouraged to register soon at www.bikereg.com/Net/18048 to guarantee a spot. Cyclists can register for the Race or Gran Fondo on BikeReg.com for only $35 through January 27. As an added incentive, everyone who registers by the 27th will be entered into a drawing for a $275 Selle San Marco Aspide Carbon FX Saddle provided by Performance Bike. On January 28, registration rates increase to $40, but everyone who signs up by February 28 will be entered to a second drawing for a set of Look Keo Max 2 Carbon Limited Edition Pedals also from Performance Bike. On April 1, registration increases to $50 and goes up to $60 on race day, so cyclists who register early can save – and win – big. No racing licenses are required for any category.
For additional information, email info@pirateraceproductions.com, visit the event website at http://www.booneroubaix.com or the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/booneroubaix.
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