"The Mountains are our true home." - John Muir

The Sacred Summits Cycling Tour is a two-day cycling adventure through the mountains of western North Carolina. Except for entry and exit points, the entire ride is on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a cyclist's dream. Imagine a nice rural road. Now eliminate the big rigs and slow the traffic down. Take out the flashing signs, convenience stores, utility lines and other signs of "civilization". Add breathtaking views from the roadway, from strategically located scenic overlooks and from parks up to 6,000 acres in size. Throw in challenging climbs and dramatic descents and you've got the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most beautiful road in America. The Parkway is internationally acclaimed for its design, and there's no better way to experience it than from a bike.

What can you expect on the Sacred Summits Tour?

Inspiration.
On the 2006 Sacred Summits Cycling Tour, you'll pedal your way to the rooftop of Eastern America. The 130-mile route includes about 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a road famed for its bold views and design in tune with the landscape. Pristine lakes, wildflowers, dense forests and massive mountains will surround you on this magical route.

Exhilaration.
Sacred Summits will fill your need for speed. Soar down two ten-mile descents, spin through more than a dozen dark tunnels and wind through curve after curve. You'll pedal harder and fly faster than you ever thought possible.

Perspiration.
Expect a challenge. Over the course of two days, you'll climb more than 10,000 feet and reach heights up to 5,600 feet above sea level. Ascents up to six miles long will push you to the limit. But you won't go it alone. Sacred Summits provides attentive support, including frequent aid stations and a fleet of support vehicles linked by amateur radio operators. A 175-rider limit assures personal attention.

Rejuvenation.
Think "mini-vacation". Sacred Summits visits some of the best getaway spots in the N.C. mountains. The ride starts in Spruce Pine, a quiet resort town north of Asheville. Friday evening, enjoy swimming, hiking, camping and live bluegrass music at scenic Lake Powhatan. Get back to nature in the beautiful gardens of the adjacent N.C. Arboretum. Saturday, unwind at the festive finish line cookout at Lake Logan, a true mountain gem.