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Archived Outdoors

Ruby Ride and Run showcases best Macon County scenery

The  annual Ruby Ride & Run will be held Saturday, May 21, in Franklin.

There will be a 5K and 10K run and three bike rides of varying lengths: 24 miles, 64 miles and 100 miles.

Last  year, 75 bicyclists and 93 runners  participated.

The runs begin at the Tassee Bridge on the Little Tennessee River Greenway and follow a relatively flat path that parallels the river.

The rides traverse scenic roads through pastoral valleys and mountainous national forest territory

• The  24-mile bike ride will traverse the Burningtown Community with 2,200 feet of climbing. A fully-stocked rest stop will be available at mile 10 and include an optional “bailout” route reducing the ride to 16 miles.

• The  63-mile option offers 4,000 feet of climbing through the Cowee Community  following the celebrated Little Tennessee River into the  Burningtown area. Two fully-stocked rest stops.

• Over 8,000 feet of climbing will challenge cyclists on the 100-mile route which  includes ascending  both Standing Indian and Wayah Mountains. Three fully stocked rest stops. SAG vehicles and/or motorcycles will be on all routes to assist  riders with any needs.

The race is sponsored by Franklin Daybreak Rotary. All proceeds go to “Stop Hunger Now” and the  Franklin High School Interact Club.

The cost is $30 per rider now or $40 after May 14. Runners are $20 for the 5K and $25 for the 10K, with an extra $5 after May 14.

Runs start at 8:30  a.m. and bike rides at 9 a.m. from the Franklin High School parking  lot.

www.therubyride.com or call Smoky Mountain Bicycles at  828.369.2881.