North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Entry Fee $30

To register online click here

To mail in a registration click here

Grueling climbs, thrilling descents and beautiful back roads await you Saturday May 7th 2011 as the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club presents the 18th annual Rides Around Wilkes (RAW) road cycling event.

The 18th annual RAW includes 25, 40 and 65 mile routes through the foothills of Northwest North Carolina. The 40 and 65 mile routes include challenging climbs through the Brushy Mountains south of Wilkesboro. With three routes of varying length and difficulty, there's a ride just right for you.

The 25 mile route loops through the rolling hills south and east of Wilkesboro, offering views of the Brushy Mountains and the Blue Ridge. No long climbs, but there are plenty of shorter hills to test your mettle. The 25 mile route has a rest stop midway.

The 40 mile route is a loop with a scenic out-and-back section midway. Test your early season form on two challenging climbs to Windy Gap, the route's high point. Fill your need for speed with two daring descents. The RAW 40 features two rest stops: one at the foot of the Windy Gap climb and a second at the turn-around point at the Old Jarvis Store.

For the 2011 edition of the RAW we will use the same route as 2010. The 65 miler winds through the fields, forests and orchard country of rural Wilkes, Iredell and Alexander Counties while still climbing the two marqee climbs, Windy Gap and Brushy Mtn Road..

The RAW 65 crosses the spine of the Brushy Mountain range twice, putting you to the test on two tough climbs:

The climb to the crest of the Little Brushies at Windy Gap has a steep hairpin curve and double-digit grades.

The ascent into the heart of orchard country is almost seven miles long, with several steep stretches.

Between the two big climbs, you'll tackle wave after wave of rolling hills, with 4,000 feet of climbing overall.

But the RAW 65 isn't all torture. Grind your way to the top of the Brushies and your reward is a long, winding descent into Wilkesboro. You'll rush into the valley on smooth asphalt at speeds of 40 m.p.h. and more. What a way to end a ride!

2011 RAW will begin at the Express YMCA in Wesk Park North Wilkesboro

The 2011 RAW returns to the YMCA Express facility at West Park, just off U.S. 421 Business in North Wilkesboro. The YMCA Express offers plenty of parking, hot showers and a riverside location for the post-ride meal. Click here for directions.