THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602220143
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA
STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Long : 113 lines
RICHARD LAWRENCE has faced some uphill battles when it comes to his favorite avocation.
One of the toughest has to be the 102-mile bike ride from Spartanburg, S.C., to the Blue Ridge Parkway's Mount Mitchell. The 69-year-old Lawrence has done it eight times.
Next to that ride, Elizabeth City's Tarwheel Century each April must feel like a breeze. That's one reason it's becoming so popular with Lawrence and other recreational cyclists throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
``It's not a tough ride because it is flat. So, I think a lot of people can do 100 miles,'' said Lawrence, who runs the First Colony Inn bed and breakfast in Nags Head and also lives in Lexington, N.C.
The ride from Elizabeth City to Edenton, now in its third year, is one of the few supported centuries available in the spring in this part of North Carolina.
``It comes at a good time,'' said Manteo High School teacher Joe Huddleston, 46.
For residents of the Outer Banks or Virginia's densely populated Hampton Roads cities, the Tarwheel Century also offers a change of scenery.
``For me, living at the beach, it's pretty much sand and sand dunes,'' Huddleston said. ``It's different to see green and country.''
Those from rural Albemarle may benefit from a change, too - a lot more fellow cyclists on the roads. Between 300 and 350 people are expected to sign up this year.
``We plan on the ride growing to 500 within two years,'' said Steve Fyffe, a self-professed dreamer and the president of the River City Cycling Club, which puts on the annual event.
One reason attendance doubled from 97 the first year to more than 200 the next is because the sport itself is gaining popularity here and across the country.
``Cycling is becoming big. It's something you can do as a family,'' Fyffe said.
Part of the renewed interest in cycling may also be attributed to the health care community's emphasis on prevention, such as aerobic exercise to help ward off heart disease and other major illnesses.
``At my age, I do a lot of cycling really to stay healthy and fit,'' said Lawrence, whose cycling helps him control high cholesterol.
Even if you or your bike aren't up to the full 100-mile century, the third annual Tarwheel Century may still be manageable. The April 20 ride also includes a 33- and 62-mile course, with plenty of roving support vans in case you break down.
All the rides begin with a mandatory riders meeting at 7:30 a.m. at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. The meeting is followed by a mass start, and all riders must be out by 9 a.m.
The third-century (33 miles) tours Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, while the metric (62 miles) carries riders into the Hertford area. Those going the full century also get a glimpse of historic Edenton.
To those like Lawrence and Huddleston, who've done the ride before, the support offered by members of the River City Cycling Club helps rank it high on their lists of favorite rides.
``It's well-supported, and the people are there to protect you,'' Huddleston said.
This year's ride will not disappoint. Fyffe said both the quality and quantity of sag stops has been improved.
Two more rest areas have been added, for a total of five places to replenish and relax. Foods at each will include homemade cookies and more fresh fruit and vegetables.
``We're going to try and make it a rolling foodfest,'' Fyffe said.
Musical entertainment, such as bagpipers and fiddlers, also will give riders something to look forward to at each stop. And the event will culminate this year with a post-ride party on the outdoor deck of Mulligan's Waterfront Grille in downtown Elizabeth City.
Eventually, Fyffe and other bike club members hope the Tarwheel Century will make Elizabeth City and surrounding areas a mini-vacation destination, with more people staying the entire weekend instead of a day.
The ride costs $20, and all riders registered by April 4 will receive a short-sleeved T-shirt.
Proceeds benefit local charities. Past recipients include Special Olympics and the local chapters of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Red Cross.
The club, which includes about 48 active members, also donates new bikes to needy children at Christmas.
``We encourage anybody that has a bike to come out and do it,'' Fyffe said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
Richard Lawrence, 69, says one of the toughest rides is from
Spartanburg, S.C., to Mount Mitchell - 102 miles.
ABOUT THE RIDE
What: 3rd Annual Tarwheel Century.
Where: The 33-, 62- and 100-mile bike rides all begin and end at
Knobbs Creek Recreation Center in Elizabeth City.
When: Saturday, April 20. The ride begins with a mandatory
meeting at 7:30 a.m., followed by a mass start.
How Much: Those preregistered by April 4 pay $20 and receive a
T-shirt; a $2 late fee is added after the 4th, and T-shirts are not
guaranteed.
Other Aspects: Five sag stops featuring homemade cookies, fresh
fruit and vegetables and musical entertainment. Mobile support for
riders needing first aid or minor bike repairs. Helmets required.
Showers available after the ride.
Small children are discouraged from entering because of the
distances.
More Information: Registration pamphlets are available at cycling
shops and sporting goods stores throughout the area. For more
information, call 338-1698 or the Cycle Gallery at 338-1559.
by CNB