Take your passion for cycling to a new level during the Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Blue Ridge Breakaway. The first annual Blue Ridge Breakaway, presented by MedWest, will take place August 21, 2010. Slated to be an annual cycling event in support of the initiatives of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Ridge Breakaway offers four routes specifically designed for riders of all skill levels.

The event will feature a Century (105 miles), Metric Century (65 miles) and 40-mile and a 24-mile rides. All routes will begin at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center which is conveniently located off of Interstate 40 and Highway 23/74. Riders will explore the mountain valleys near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah National Forest and the shadow of Cold Mountain. The Century ride will also include 30 miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,600 ft.

“The Blue Ridge Breakaway showcases the best of Haywood County,” said Committee Chairman Ken Howle of Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. “Riders will travel from 24 to 105 miles on our scenic roads and have the unique opportunity to also experience Haywood County’s famous mountain hospitality. It will be a fun event for participants and spectators alike.”

Cyclists are encouraged to register by the Early Registration Deadline, Aug. 16 for the opportunity to win a Whitewater Adventure courtesy of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. One lucky registrant will win their choice between a 2-day, all-inclusive whitewater kayaking course, a Cheoah rafting trip for four people or a Chattaooga Section III rafting trip for six people. Riders may pre-register online at www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com.  Additional route descriptions, maps and cue sheets are also available online.

Event sponsored by MedWest Health System, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Clif Bar, Insight Marketing, Animal Hospital of Waynesville, WNCW, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Evergreen Packaging, Wells Funeral Home, Keller Williams Realty, Creekside Realty, Waynesville Parks and Recreations, Old Town Bank, Sunburst Trout Company, Champion Supply and the NC Cooperative Extension Service.