A Local Perspective:
Blood, Sweat and Gears Bicycle Race 2007

All photos and illustrations by Pat Johns ©2007
All Rights Reserved
See links to article references at the end of the article.

June, 2007

" A demanding route, which showcases the mountain communities of Watauga County, North Carolina, requires over 13,000 feet of total climbing. Highlights of the route include a 21 mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous climb over the 4,500 foot gap at Snake Mountain, and a 10 mile "flat" on old US 421.

A 50 mile "Half Century" is available for those who prefer the sanity of a challenging, but shorter route. Both rides are fully supported with aide stations and SAG support."

- www.bloodsweatandgears.org (see link below)

The Blood Sweat and Gears Century (100 mile) and Half Century (50 mile) routes attract over 1000 bicyclists from throughout the southeastern U.S. But for some lucky Sugar Grove, North Carolina residents the event has a very local flavor. The photos on this page are from one short stretch of a road in Sugar Grove where the Century route bicyclists pass by.

At this point, they have cycled over 80 miles including the climb over Snake Mountain (4500' elevation.) However, they have just finished the flattest part of the, Old Highway 421 before arriving at this point and are mentally preparing for the ride through Bethel and back to Valle Crucis.

" Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Jeremy Dale Fisher Fund and The Russell Fund, established by the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross , which provides assistance to local families that are displaced by fire, flood or similar disasters. "
- www.bloodsweatandgears.org (see link below)

"The Russell Fund honors the memory of Leo Russell Keene III, who died in the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York City on September 11, 2001. Russ was a security analyst for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods covering the e-brokerage sector. He had an MBA in Finance from the University of Tampa and was 33 years old. He died a "hero" helping other people get out of the elevator in which they were trapped.
Russell & Lynn Keene, in conjunction with the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross, established the LEO RUSSELL KEENE III MEMORIAL FUND for the purpose of:
Giving victims in Avery County immediate relief for fire and other natural disasters.
Providing resources for fire protection, education and assistance.
To serve as a reminder that Russ Keene loved life, his country, his family and the mountains and golf courses of Avery County and to honor Russ forever."
- RussellFund.org (see link below)

Long after the front-runners passed the finish line in Valle Crucis, bicyclists passed by this point in Sugar Grove with several tough climbs remaining. It left the spectators with great respect for those who take hours longer to complete the run than the leaders and who must take home with them a felling of great pride at finishing this demanding course.

Links to references in this article and to sites related to the Watauga lake Boat Parade:

• Blood Sweat and Gears website
• Century and Half-Century route maps
• Blood Sweat and Gears 2007 Results
• Watauga County Red Cross
• RussellFund.org