Date: 6/20/2023 – The following email message was sent to all registered riders at 10pm.

Dear BSG Participants,

It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the 23rd Annual Blood Sweat and Gears Ride. The decision has been made due to the heavy rains and flooding in the Valle Crucis area. Both Ashe and Watauga counties remain under a flood watch through Thursday.

While the Saturday forecast looks better, current flooding has rendered our parking facilities unusable. Our elementary school venue is already dealing with water intrusion, and the community park is flooded. Couple this with the impossible task of keeping the course clean, and you can understand our concern for the safety of all participants.

The decision by our board to cancel was not made easily. We understand the disappointment and frustration this cancellation may bring, especially considering the anticipation and preparation many of you have put into this event. However, our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our riders, volunteers, and staff.

While we cannot reschedule the event for this year, we are committed to making the 24th Annual BSG an even more memorable and successful experience. As a registered rider, your registration will be automatically deferred to the 2024 ride. If you purchased a 2023 custom jersey or kit, those items will be mailed to you free of charge within the next two weeks.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the riders, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who have shown tremendous enthusiasm and dedication to BSG. Your continued support is invaluable to us.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our event organizers at info@bloodsweatandgears.org. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Thank you again for your understanding, and stay safe.

Sincerely,

BSG Board of Directors

From humble beginnings, BSG has grown into the North Carolina High Country’s premier cycling event. Starting and finishing in historic Valle Crucis, home of the Mast General Store, BSG offers incredibly scenic views, epic climbs, and some of the best cycling that North Carolina has to offer.

BSG showcases the mountain communities of Watauga and Ashe counties. The ride consists of two routes. A very challenging 95-mile route and a 45-mile route that is shorter on mileage but still big on the challenge. Both routes include epic area climbs but the signature climb of BSG, Snake Mountain, awaits only the strongest riders that accept the challenge of our 95-mile route.