From a snow day party in 2014 to a beautiful mild fall day of riding last year, the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo is rapidly growing into an established weekend of two-wheeled fun in Western North Carolina.
The addition of the “Binge Tune-Up” – a special VIP event the day before the Oct. 29 ride – promises to make the Bookwalter Binge even more successful in its third year. Asheville, North Carolina residents, pro cyclists and Binge founders Brent and Jamie Bookwalter said they marvel at how far the event has come in such a short time.
“It has been a pleasure connecting the pro cycling world to our hometown friends and meeting so many amazing new people along the way,” Jamie said. “The Binge showcases our favorite cycling roads during the beautiful fall leaf season while raising money and support for a truly worthy cause.
“Everything people have grown to love about the Binge will be back for 2016,” Brent said, “and we have a couple of fun additions to add to the weekend as well.”
Complementing the main event in Black Mountain, North Carolina, is the new “Binge Tune-Up” on Friday, Oct. 28. This intimate, all-access ride in Asheville proper will be followed by gourmet lunch. Limited to 35 participants, Tune-Up participants will spend quality time on and off the bike with some of their favorite pro cyclists. The ride will be two hours at an easy pace, with beers and a locally-sourced lunch at The Junction, an innovative restaurant in the River Arts District in downtown Asheville. Transportation to and from the Princess Ann Hotel in Montford and The Junction is included in the $140 price. (Or $110 for non-riding participants).
The weekend’s main event, the Bookwalter Binge Grand Fondo, rolls out the next morning from Pisgah Brewing. Three courses of 82, 63, and 30 miles wind cyclists through scenic roads of Black Mountain and Swannanoa Valley. Each ride will include well-marked routes, follow vehicles, aid stations, and timed segments for those who wish to compete against the stacked list of professional cyclists. Depending on ride distance and registration date, prices range from $80 to $120. Significant discounts are available to riders ages 20 and under.
Both the Binge and the Binge Tune-Up will benefit the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC), one of the country’s oldest, and most respected land trusts.
“The Binge’s partnership with SAHC for 2015 was a perfect fit and we are proud to continue supporting the efforts of this unique organization in 2016,” Brent said. “Everyone who has participated in the Binge can see the beauty and charm of the mountains, rivers, forests, and farms that make Western North Carolina the natural wonderland that it is. Whether it is riding a bike, hiking on a trail, fishing in a river, or simply admiring a majestic mountain view – all of us benefit from the work SAHC does to protect these natural wonders.”
A 12-year veteran of professional cycling, Brent has raced with the BMC Racing Team the past nine seasons. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native is a nine-time collegiate national champion and past Under 23 national champion. In 2011, Brent was part of the Tour de France-winning team, helping Cadel Evans ride to the overall victory. Last year, he was part of the overall and team classification victory at the USA Pro Challenge, while winning the second stage and finishing runner-up overall.
Notable cyclists who have joined the Bookwalter Binge in the past include: Matthew Busche, Jonny Clarke, Lauren Hall, George Hincapie, Lauren Komanski, Ty Magner, John Murphy, Joey Rosskopf, Ally Stacher, Christian Vande Velde, Tejay and Jessica van Garderen, Larry Warbasse, David William and Mary Zider.
