Special to IFN
More than 900 cyclists are expected to stop over in Statesville on October 7 during the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast ride.
The Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Statesville, Downtown Statesville Development Corporation and Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce invite the community to help welcome the cyclists.
Statesville has been selected as the third overnight stop for the annual ride from Spruce Pine to Ocean Isle Beach.
The cyclist will arrive at the Purple Heart Homes property on October 7 after a 55-mile ride from Lenoir. The Statesville-based nonprofit will host roughly 200 to 300 tents as well as 15 to 20 RVs.
“Purple Heart Homes is the perfect location for the overnight stop in Statesville. Its proximity to downtown and expansive footprint will allow cyclists to experience the wonderful downtown area and also get a peaceful night’s sleep in the quiet grassy area on-site. We are very thankful to Purple Heart Homes for hosting Cycle NC and can’t wait for a wonderful visit to the City of Statesville on October 7,” said Chip Hofler, ride director for Cycle NC.
Many of the participants will stay in three pre-booked area hotels. This influx of visitors presents a unique opportunity for community engagement and local businesses to showcase what Statesville has to offer.
There will be a large welcome reception at Purple Heart Homes followed by bus tours to Southern Distilling, Rescue Ranch and Downtown Statesville. Downtown businesses are encouraged to remain open until at least 8 p.m. to welcome guests on Monday night. Balloon glows throughout Downtown Statesville will be planned at the end of the evening for the public to attend.
“This event is a great opportunity to showcase what a vibrant downtown we have. I would love to see all of our shops open, live music everywhere, our restaurants full to capacity and the sidewalks filled with people enjoying our beautiful streetscape,” said Liz Petree, community engagement manager for the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation.
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For more information or to get involved, call the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 704-682-7756, or email cindy@statesvillenc.com