The roads winding through the mountains and valleys between Greenville and Asheville are a cyclist’s dream, and it’s no wonder cycling enthusiasts from around the country—including 17-time Tour de France finisher and The Cliffs’ Director of Cycling George Hincapie—are flocking to the Blue Ridge, and many of them are calling The Cliffs home.
George Hincapie recently took more than a dozen Cliffs cyclists on a ride they won’t soon forget, traversing the winding mountain roads around The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards as a part of his signature cycling series at The Cliffs.
Riders both novice and expert—and every level in between—participated in a 15- or 35-mile ride, pedaled off from the Lakehouse at Keowee Vineyards with members of The Cliffs’ wellness team guiding and encouraging riders along the way. After completing the ride along the scenic roads surrounding Lake Keowee, riders met back up at the Lakehouse for a healthy brunch and the opportunity to talk with George about his 19-year cycling career.
After the ride, we spoke with Kris Bierbaum, a Cliffs Valley resident and avid cyclist, about his experience during this ride with George. He says he always looks forward to The Cliffs’ rides with George Hincapie and his family—George’s son is following in his father’s footsteps—and appreciates the opportunities for all levels of riders to participate. This ride, in particular, got some new, lake-based riders on the trail and exposed some of the mountain communities’ riders to new roads around Lake Keowee. And, as always, he says, the food afterward was great.
Want to give cycling a go but don’t know where to start? Join us Wednesday, July 20 for a Cycling Open House at the The Cliffs Valley Wellness Center. You’ll hear from fellow Cliffs members both new to cycling and with years of experience, learn about equipment basics, demo bikes and more! From rails to trails to road and mountain biking, The Cliffs’ cycling program offers the perfect way for you to get rolling on two wheels.
