Boone-Roubaix: Spring Classic Bicycle Race & Gran Fondo

The Hell of the High Country returns April 20 for the fourth year.

Cyclists from across the U.S. will descend upon the North Carolina High Country to test themselves on a unique route, featuring unpaved roads, stunning mountain vistas and unmatched hospitality, said organizers for the event.

Thanks to the generous support of Performance Bike, this year will feature both the age-based race competition, as well as a Gran Fondo for riders who want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery at a casual pace, they said.

Boone-Roubaix will again benefit Wine to Water, a Boone-based nonprofit aid organization focused on providing clean drinking water to needy people around the world.

Boone-Roubaix is a unique opportunity for recreational cyclists and weekend warriors to participate in a spring classic, organizers said.

“At races, such as the ‘Hell of the North’ Paris-Roubaix, professional racers face endless miles of cobble stone pavé in the midst of the brutal northern European spring. The Hell of the High Country has gained renown in the Southeast and beyond as a rare chance to test your mettle in a similar challenge,” officials said.

Boone-Roubaix consists of a 50-mile route along the New River and through the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the course, cyclists have to cover 10 miles of unpaved roads and surmount a series of challenging climbs.

The most notorious section, dubbed "the Koppenberg of the High Country" after the infamous hill in the Tour of Flanders, consists of a pair of quarter-mile climbs with 20-percent grades on a mile stretch of dirt road.

The North Carolina High Country is a magnet for cyclists of all stripes thanks to its unmatched beauty, quiet country roads and extensive trails, event organizers said. With the addition of the Gran Fondo to the extremely popular race, Boone-Roubaix will offer recreational riders a chance to enjoy incredible roads and warm Southern hospitality.

Gran Fondo participants will benefit from well-stocked rest stops and full support along the route from the Performance Bike Spin Doctors, Hammer Nutrition, and Perform Pain Relief, as well as the free post-race party hosted by Blowing Rock Ale.

Total participation is capped at 250 for the race, and 100 for the Gran Fondo, so cyclists are encouraged to register soon at http://www.bikereg.com/Net/18048 to guarantee a spot.

Cyclists can register for the race or Gran Fondo on BikeReg.com for $35 through Jan. 27. As an added incentive, everyone who registers by Jan. 27 will be entered into a drawing for a $275 Selle San Marco Aspide Carbon FX Saddle provided by Performance Bike.

On Jan. 28, registration rates increase to $40, but everyone who signs up by Feb. 28 will be entered to a second drawing for a set of Look Keo Max 2 Carbon Limited Edition Pedals, also from Performance Bike. On April 1, registration increases to $50 and goes up to $60 on race day.
No racing licenses are required for any category.

For more information, email (info@pirateraceproductions.com) , or visit http://www.booneroubaix.com or http://www.facebook.com/booneroubaix.