All routes will begin and end at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Riders will explore the mountain valleys near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah National Forest and in the shadow of Cold Mountain. The Century ride also includes 30 miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,600 feet.
This is the third year the Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce has held the Blue Ridge Breakaway. The ride has become popular among cyclists for its scenic routes and for the quality of the support and rest stops. The Breakaway was named the 2011 Ride of the Year by blogger Aaron West of SteepClimbs.com.