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week of 4/10/02 | ||
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Knob
Scorcher bike race returns to Tsali SMN More than 1,000 mountian bikers are expected to attend the Subaru/NOC Knob Scorcher Mountain Bike Race and Festival held at Tsali Recreation Area April 19-21. The Tsali Recreation Area, known internationally for its superb network of 40 miles of single track trails, sits along the shores of Fontana Lake, making it one of Graham County’s outdoor hotspots. Mile markers, miles of new trails and a campground add to the simplicity of riding at Tsali. The Knob Scorcher, one of the largest mountain bike races in the Southeast, begins on Friday, April 19, with registration and a racer’s clinic geared toward beginners. Local pros will share their racing expertise at 4 p.m. Young juniors aged 6 and under kick off the racing on Saturday at 9 a.m. and the Expert Master Men aged 40 and over close the day with their race starting it 3:30 p.m. Women, semi-pro men and the Junior Olympic riders race in between. Saturday night, NOC hosts a free party and awards ceremony where a Litespeed Titanium bike frame valued at $1,000 will be raffled off. Sunday racing begins at 10 a.m. as Sport Senior Men test their skills as the Clydesdales (over 200 pounds) prepare for the final race at 1 p.m. Horseback riders and boaters should be aware that during the Knob Scorcher, Tsali will be extremely congested due to the volume of mountain bikers. The Nantahala Outdoor Center provides free permits for boaters to launch from the Almond Boat Dock during the event, and equestrians can contact Frank Findley, assistant ranger, at the Nantahala National Forest Cheoah Ranger District (828.479.6431). For more information on the Subaru/NOC Knob Scorcher, contact NOC at 800.232.7238, ext. 600, e-mail at programs@noc.com or visit the website at www.noc.com. |