Last Updated on June 19, 2018 6:20 pm
High Country motorists should be alert for increased vehicle and bike traffic as the 20th annual Blood Sweat and Gears (BSG) takes place on Saturday June 23. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, especially in Valle Crucis, as bikes will be more noticeable on some local roads all this week.
There is a 52 mile route and the return of the full 100 mile route. Ride director Scott Nelson tells WataugaOnline.com that 570 riders are registered for the 100 mile and 595 in the 52 mile.
Money raised through BSG benefits local organizations and causes. This winter $33 thousand dollars was donated to the Winter Warmer Project to help keep people warm thru the winter months. BSG is also donating $18 thousand dollars to local organizations that help with the event, which include local fire departments, Ashe and Watauga Rescue Squads, Watauga High School football and baseball teams just to name a few. On Friday the announcement of this year’s grant recipients for a total of $50 thousand dollars will be named.
Nelson also tells WataugaOnline.com, ” Additionally, 14 veterans are riding as our guests thru a project we named Valor in the Valle. Rdders have donated their entries for them, their riding clothing was donated by Hincapie Sportwear, helmets donated by KASK, and Friday’s dinner provided by Panera Bread of Boone. BSG is paying for room and other meals. Several BSG riders have donated additional monies to defray their travel to and from BSG.”
Nelson also noted that AMB is brewing a lager beer named the 2nd Revolution. All sales of the 2nd Revolution on ride day, June 23rd will be donated to BSG. A post ride celebration will be held from 6pm to 9pm and everyone is invited to stop by and support the fund raising effort.
On the day of the ride which starts and ends at Valle Crucis School:
5:45am Parking Starts
– 5:45am to 7:00am Packet Pick Up
– 7:20am Pre-ride announcements and ceremony
– 7:30am 100 mile start
– 7:45am 50 mile start
– 6:30pm – Post Ride Celebration at AMB in Boone
For more information on the exact routes visit the BSG website.
