Marion Hosts the 8th Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride

March  31  8th Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride Two rides, one for the "hard core" cyclist and one just for fun. The Dewey Hughes Memorial Ride is a challenging one beginning at Marion's YMCA traveling through rolling farmlands, up Stone Mountain, around Lake Lure, through Chimney Rock and returning to Marion for a total of 67 miles.

The Fun Ride begins at the same time and place (same fees), but takes you on an exciting 25 mile course through rolling hillsides and farmlands. Applications available online or at the Corpening YMCA in Marion. Free Spaghetti meal after the ride.

Get more local information on the Marion NC Visitor Guide

Mountain Biking News

Bryson City Bycycles  is offering huge price reductions on the  rental fleet bikes! Stop by and see what is in stock at great prices.  And, if you want new bikes, ALL 2011 hardtails are on sale for 10% off and full suspensions for 15% off. The remaining stock of Kona Kahunas, Big Kahunas, and the 2+2, along with Marin Pioneer Trails, Pine Mountains, and Nail Trails are SUPER CHEAP. Don't expect them to last long.

Saturday, October 1st, from 7 AM - 1 PM  Bryson City Bicycle  hosts the 3rd annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Deep Creek. Call or come by to register your 6-16 year  The National Park Service will again host the event and help with rules of the park.

The event is FREE! There is a maximum of 25 spaces available, so participation will be on a first come first serve basis. Pre-registration is required. Event schedule:

9:00 am - 10:00 Check-in, helmet fitting, safety check on bikes

10:00 am - 12:00 Ride Deep Creek Trail

12:00 - 1:00:Refreshments and bicycle skill-building games

1:00Event concludes. Parents pick up participants

All participants get snacks, beverages, a goody bag and their name entered into a drawing for prizes.

Hot Springs Hosts the 14th Annual French Broad River Festival

April 29 - May 1  The 14th Annual French Broad River festival   takes place where the French Broad River meets the Appalachian Trail at the Hot Springs Campground & Spa, just 35 minutes north of Asheville. Musical acts include Great American Taxi, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Sol Driven Train, James Justin and Co., WSNB and more.

Festival activities include River clean-up, kids' village, Asheville hoops, Paddle with the Pros, 7th Annual French Broad River Mountain Bike Race  and 14th Annual French Broad River Raft Race.

The popular festival is a benefit for American Whitewater, The Mountain Area Child & Family Center and Hot Springs Community Learning Center.