APtravelnews-News Release from Waynesville, N.C-3/12/15—When Anna Smathers, Communications Manager for beautiful Haywood County, N.C. to tell me about her joy in having, after months of behind the scenes planning and coordinating, the North Carolina Amateur Sports organization and Cycle North Carolina recently announced that the Town of Waynesville has been named as the starting host town for the 2015 “Mountains to Coast” Bicycle Tour in September.  The organization made the official announcement on Sunday, March 8 at the opening reception of the North Carolina Governors Conference on Tourism in Pinehurst, NC. All participating municipalities and communities were announced and Waynesville received the distinguished title as the starting host town for the ride. “We are honored and excited to be selected as the host/start city for the event this year.  The tour will allow the 1000+ participants and their families to enjoy the mountains and scenic beauty of the area, and while they are here, gives Waynesville the opportunity to showcase its hospitality and charm,” said Marcy O’Neil, Town Manager for Waynesville.

Waynesville will serve as base camp for the initial kick-off and starting point for the cross state ride.  Participants are planned to arrive Saturday, September 26 or even earlier and will have free time to enjoy the local area.  They will begin their journey on Sunday, September 27 and travel 55 miles to neighboring Hendersonville, where they will spend the night before continuing on to Shelby.The “Mountains to Coast” ride provides participants with just enough introductions to each community to entice them to bring their families back for longer visits including vacations.

This event will bring One to two-night stays from 900+ participants, plus more than 4.6 million media/print impressions. ($250,000 value) benefits to the many communities that this event will be an Introduction of communities to participants throughout North Carolina, the U.S. and other countries. Additional revenues from concessions, catering, hotel stays, dining, shopping, attraction visits, etc. will accrue to participating businesses in this area of N.C.

The “Mountains to Coast” tour is major step in the right direction to grow this specific tourism market in Haywood County,” said Lynn Collins, Executive Director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information on the event, visit  http://cnc.ncsports.org/.
 Along with its picturesque beauty, Haywood County and its five towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton and Clyde offer year round activities and events centered around food, heritage, music, art and the outdoors. No matter what experience you choose, N.C. guarantees you will always experience Authentic Appalachian, Pure & Simple! For more information visit  www.visitncsmokies.com  or contact the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority at 800-334-9036. Note* Barb and I spent a week in this area and it was the best trip ever!!!!

To download a PDF click here: 2015 Cycle North Carolina “Mountains to Coast” Ride Announces Waynesville as the Starting Host Town