Grandfather Mountain, Nature on a Whole Different Level

AN INCREDIBLE CHALLENGE UP GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

Brittaney Anderson & Lucas LivermonGRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, NC - The Bridge-to-Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride brought over 400 cyclists from 20 states and two different countries on a 101-mile journey from Lenoir, N.C. to Grandfather Mountain on Sunday, September 19. This marks the 22nd year for the ride, which began as a fundraiser and tourism initiative for the region by the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce.

"Having the opportunity to ride up Grandfather Mountain is what makes Bridge-to-Bridge unique," said Deborah Ashley of the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce. "It draws a lot of people from outside the area."

Lucas LivermonThe cyclists, ranging from age 15-72, departed downtown Lenoir at 8 a.m. following a course that wound through three counties and rose over 4,000 feet in elevation.

Beautiful weather made it a great day for Lucas Livermon, the first male finisher, with a time of 5:0:22. Livermon, 27, from Greenville, N.C. said this was his sixth or seventh Bridge-to-Bridge. Though he had to superglue his shoe to stay together before the ride, it was the last two miles at Grandfather Mountain that gave him the biggest challenge.

Brittaney Anderson, 38, hopes to be an inspiration for mothers.

Brittaney AndersonAnderson, who finished with a time of 5:43:23, was the first female finisher and just recently started racing again after having four kids. "The Grandfather section was definitely the hardest," said Anderson. "This was my goal for the year."

The Bridge-to-Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride was the grand finale for a weekend-long Healthy Living Festival which kicked-off in Lenoir on Friday night. The festival is a partnership between the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce and several other local non-profit organizations.

"Health issues are a growing concern in our community and across the nation," said Ashley. "It's all about getting kids to move."

The Healthy Living Festival continued in MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain on Sunday afternoon for cyclists and their families. The hope is for the festival to continue to grow with new activities open to the public every year.

"It's such an exciting event to be a part of," said Ashley. "To have the public come and experience it is just wonderful."

For more information on the Bridge-to-Bridge Bike Ride visit www.caldwellcochamber.org

Grandfather Mountain is a scenic travel attraction and nature preserve located near Linville, NC on US Highway 221, one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. For more information phone 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com.

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