Across the rolling hills of Gaston and York counties, from paved streets to mountaintops, the 3rd Annual Four Peaks Challenge will test cyclists across distances of 25, 63 and 100 miles on Saturday, Oct. 10. The three routes provide riders with varying abilities the chance to participate in the day’s events, which also include post-race activities at the South Main Cycles start/finish line in Belmont.
From 12 to 5 p.m., as cyclists finish their routes and return to downtown Belmont, guests are invited to Main Street for live music with Caleb David, food and beverage features from Rocky Top BBQ Co. and craft beer from Rivermen Brewing Company.
“Annually, this event presents an opportunity to local, regional and traveling cyclists who seek a distance-riding experience across varying terrains and elevations,” said Adrian Miller, Belmont’s Assistant City Manager, who will participate in the event’s 25-mile challenge. “Four Peaks also provides a day for friends and neighbors to enjoy festivities and fellowship while also raising money for a valuable and vital area nonprofit.”
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit The Shelter of Gaston County: A Battered Women’s Residence and Resource Center. The organization, founded in 1982, offers a wide variety of community services – support groups, training, a 24-hour crisis line and a shelter – focused on domestic violence victims.
“Every mile, from the first to the 100th, will help The Shelter significantly,” added Steve Pepitone, owner of South Main Cycles in Belmont and the founding sponsor of this annual Challenge. “We look forward to bringing cyclists to these scenic routes in October.”
The Four Peaks Challenge kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with rider check-in and registration at South Main Cycles, 4 N. Main St. in Belmont. Cyclists must get on their marks for a mass start among all three race distances at 9 a.m. For more details, including online registration, visit fourpeakschallenge.org.
