Blood, Sweat and Gears

to take on Snake Mtn.
By Melanie Marshall
 
Cyclists from the across the country will gather in Valle Crucis this weekend for the 11th annual Blood, Sweat and Gears (BSG) ride.

The event is the largest fundraiser for the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

BSG consists of two rides (called rides instead of races, since the cyclists ride with cars in traffic).

This first is a grueling 100-mile Century ride with a cumulative 13,000 feet in climbing elevation.

The Century climbs the gap at Snake Mountain, which reaches a 10 to 20 percent grade near the top.

The Century is limited to 750 riders, each paying a $50 registration fee.

The Century sold out of slots in early April, the fastest sellout in BSG history.

The Half Century 50-mile ride does still have openings available.

The ride is open for 500 riders, and Red Cross director Sonny Sweet said as of Wednesday, an estimated 400 riders were signed up.

The Half Century route is mostly separate from the Century, with less uphill (5,800 in cumulative elevation) and two downhill sections.

The last day for registration for the Half Century is Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Valle Crucis Elementary.

Preregistration is required, and there will be no day-of registration.

Both routes are equipped with aid stations, with food, beverages and toilets. There are six aid stations on the Century and two on the Half Century.

Shower stations will be available at the end of the ride. Riders must bring a towel.

Last year’s BSG had 1,237 riders and raised $44,000 for the Watauga Red Cross. Sweet expects this year to meet that goal this time around the loop.

“We have increased the number of riders every year. So, even if we get 1,238, we continue our record,” Sweet joked.

All of the funds raised by the event are split between two local funds – the Jeremy Dale Fisher Fund, in memory of a young man who died in a Boone apartment fire, and the Russell Fund, in honor of Russell Keene III, who died in the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Those funds are used to support and assist local families displaced by fire, flood or other disasters.
The event is entirely staffed with volunteers.

Sweet said it takes approximately 160 volunteers for the event. He said more volunteers are always needed.
Call Sweet at (828) 264-8226 to volunteer or for more information.

Detailed maps of the routes, created by Appalachian State University, are available on the Web at www.bloodsweatandgears.org.