This event is the primary annual fundraiser for the Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee and proceeds will support the Town Council approved phase two of the new walking path in Cragmont Park. Phase two will connect Lake Tomahawk to sidewalks at US 70 through Cragmont Park, and will require considerable expenditure on engineering for the crossing at Tomahawk Branch.

The race will begin and end in the parking lot across from the Town of Black Mountain Recreation and Parks Department building on Terry Estate Drive. The *NEW* course uses Terry Estate Drive and Vance Avenue to access several of Black Mountain’s greenways.

The route is the same for both the 5K and the 10K with runners who choose the longer distance completing the course 2 times. The course is a low traffic scenic course which will utilize the Oaks Trail, Garden Greenway, and the natural surface path around Veteran’s Park. Age group and overall awards will be given. A virtual option will also be offered.

Race registration and the results celebration will be held at the WNC Outdoor Collective on Black Mountain Avenue. We are planning on having some fun activities so spread the word! Sign up for the run can be found here:http://www.runsignup.com/blackmountaingreenwaychallenge

VOLUNTEERS are needed and signing up to help is easy. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/BlackMountain/BlackMountainGreenwayChallenge5K10K and sign up today.

Please spread the word to all runners that you know.

The post Black Mountain Greenway Challenge Saturday April 9th appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

The City of Asheville is in the midst of a large project to update the City’s Greenway Plan (G), ADA Transition Plan* (A), and Pedestrian Plan (P) (*By ADA transition we are specifically looking at accessibility improvements within the rights-of-way on our street network).

The planning process, known as the Close the GAP, will identify a network of the pedestrian, greenway, and accessibility networks for our community as well as programs and policies to support it. We combined these plans because the pedestrian network will be a stronger one if the three aspects:  greenways, ADA transitions, and pedestrian networks are planned at the same time.

August 25, 6 -7:30 p.m. Meeting Link or Call 1-314-730-2010 PIN 869860161#

August 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Meeting link or Call 1-413-398-0574 PIN 431952069#

In 2020 Connect Buncombe gave a $7,000 mini-grant to the City of Asheville for photography and videography to support the awareness campaign for the City’s Greenway, Pedestrian and ADA Accessibility Master Plan (Close the GAP). That Video is now finished!

Close the Gap

The post Close the Gap Public Meeting and New Video appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

Grand Prizes:

• French Broad Outfitters four-person-pack of Biltmore Tour (incl. lunch)
• Home Ground Coffee Bar and Deli breakfast or lunch for 2
• New Belgium Fat Tire red bicycle
• Plēb Urban Winery complimentary tour for up to 6 people
• Smoky Park Supper Club $150 dinner certificate
• Summit Coffee $100 gift certificate
• Wai Mauna Asheville 4-mile paddle board tour

There are lots of small prizes given out all day long:

• Sun glass retainer
• Stainless steel cup
• Large brim lifeguard straw hat
• Baseball cap
• Silicon pint glass
• Tube trips for 2 people, free shuttle
• Half day beach cruiser bicycle rental. Ride the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.
• Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie
• Plēb cheese & charcuterie box
• New Belgium $150 goodie bag that we divide
• Smoky Park burger and beverage up to $20
• Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Week 4 Winners:

Day 29
Adam Harvey has won a New Belgium goodie bag.
Maggie Henderson has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Julie Ruch has won a FBO sun glass retainer.
insipidlight@gmail.com has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Angela Payne has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Day 28
insipidlight@gmail.com has won a New Belgium goodie bag.
Adam Harvey has won a FBO half day beach cruiser bicycle rental.
Callie Wolhart has won a FBO silicon pint glass.
Alex Yarmosky has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Rachel Cutshall has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Day 27

Elisabeth Schulz has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate
Chloe has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
racwl9@yahoo.com has won a FBO baseball cap.
Emma Parker has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Bryn has won a plēb cheese & charcuterie box.

Day 26

Tina G. has won a FBO tube trip for 2 people with a free shuttle.
Patti F. has won a FBO sun glass retainer.
Angela P. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Michelle B. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 25

Leslie has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Dennis has won a FBO silicon pint glass.
Jason G. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 24

Suzie P. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Teresa I. has won a FBO large brim lifeguard straw hat.
John W. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Jenny M. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 23
Michelle B. has won a FBO sun glass retainer.
Jessica has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Day 22
Aimee has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Bryn has won a FBO silicon pint glass.
Megan has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Rebecca W. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Winners for Week 3:

Day 21
Kim has won a FBO silicon pint glass.
Paul P. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 20
Gretchen M. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Ann has won a FBO sun glass retainer.
Dan W. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Thom has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 19
Don W. has won a FBO baseball cap.
Josi H. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 18
David K. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Matt M. has won a FBO sun glass retainer.
tbayless@beverly-grant.com has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 17
Corinne D. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.
Sara G. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Greg has won a FBO sun glass retainer.

Day 16
Kathryn W. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Tamra D. has won a FBO silicon pint glass.
Brendan O’D.has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Amanda S. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 15
Elizabeth B. has won a FBO baseball cap.
Amy F. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.
Lydia R. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.

Prizes have been provided by Connect Buncombe sponsors listed below: 

French Broad Outfitters: stores at either end of the Greenway; 230 Hominy Creek Rd or 704 Riverside Dr. (828) 505-7371

Smoky Park Supper Club:  350 Riverside Drive. Simply call 828-350-0315 to place an order and go by to pick up. Ride by on a bike and enjoy a meal sitting along the new Wilma Dykeman Greenway.

Home Ground Coffee Bar and Deli: 219 Amboy Rd, (828) 793-0031

New Belgium: 21 Craven St, (828) 333-6900

Wai Mauna Asheville: 192 Riverside Dr, (828) 808-9038

Plēb Urban Winery: 289 Lyman St, (828) 774-5062

Summit Coffee café: 4 Foundry St, #20, (828) 705-8071

The post It’s Week 4, the Final Week of the Challenge along the new Wilma Dykeman Greenway. New Quiz locations and new Prizes added. Celebrate Wilma’s birthday with us and win big through May 21st. appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

In the upcoming years, FCNC will transfer the property to McDowell County for the construction of about half a mile of greenway trail that will connect to McDowell County’s Catawba River Park and serve as part of the Fonta Flora State Trail.

On May 5, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina purchased a 12.7-acre property on the Catawba River in McDowell County for the purpose of adding onto Marion’s Catawba River Greenway. Once constructed, the trail will cross Highway 70 and connect the greenway to the McDowell County Catawba River Park. The section of greenway will also serve as part of the Fonta Flora State Trail, a planned 90-mile trail that will connect Morganton to Asheville.

Plans to purchase the tract began in early 2021, when Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail, or F3ST, approached Foothills Conservancy to assist in acquiring the property. The conservancy then received a conservation loan from a private donor to purchase the parcel from landowner Ford Miller. Now that it is in the hands of the conservancy, the land trust plans to sell the property to McDowell County in the near future for the development of approximately half a mile of greenway trail.“Foothills Conservancy is very grateful for this opportunity to secure this acreage in partnership with Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail and McDowell County,” said Tom Kenney, land protection director at Foothills Conservancy. “We look forward to the future completion of the Catawba River Greenway, from City of Marion property to McDowell County’s Catawba River Park, and also to routing the Fonta Flora Trail west to Old Fort.”

The property acquisition ensures protection of approximately 0.3 miles of the Catawba River and its forested streambank. Once the trail and public parking area are constructed, it will provide opportunities for public river access and paddling, as well as for walking and biking. “The acquisition of this property greatly enhances the planned connection between the Catawba Greenway and the McDowell Greenway,” said Bob Hunter, president of F3ST’s board of directors. “It will provide much needed parking, a better trail location and better access. I want to thank Ford for making this property available for purchase and Foothills Conservancy and McDowell County for working with the Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail to complete this section of trail, connecting Morganton to Asheville by way of Marion and Old Fort.”

Beth Heile, executive director of F3ST, also commented on the importance of collaboration in trail projects: “Partnerships are key for Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail to reach our goal of completing the trail in 10 years,” she said. “This transaction is a prime example of how a private land owner, Foothills Conservancy, F3ST and McDowell County can come together to significantly move the trail forward for the benefit of our region.”

Landowner Ford Miller also added: “I am glad that I was able to make this property available for purchase to enhance the Fonta Flora State Trail. I love McDowell County and am always glad to help whenever possible.” Not only is this acquisition a win for the Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail, it is also a win for all in the area — from Marion and McDowell County residents to those living in or visiting the entire foothills region, from Old Fort to Morganton to Asheville.

“McDowell County is excited that Foothills Conservancy has purchased property that will allow for the connection of two popular greenway segments,” said McDowell County Manager Ashley Wooten. “The connection of these segments will further the goal of extending the Fonta Flora State Trail across the county.”

The post Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina purchases future Catawba River Greenway property in McDowell County appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

BFF Asheville #2 is presenting an international selection of the most important short films from the BFF collection. A diverse curation of film-making styles: narratives, documentaries, international award-winning filmmakers, and emerging directors all share equal billing. See an authentic and raw glimpse into:

• A relationship in 3 minutes
• Cycling as a response to knife crime epidemic in London
• A love between a father and his young BMX-rider son (produced by Lebron James)
• A brief history of the bicycle
• The incredibly stunning and thrilling view of the annual Tour De Rwanda
• The story of Julian Molina, the beloved, full throttle one-legged cyclist
• First female BMX competition at a major sporting event
• A portrait of Bike Rides for Black Lives
• The story of Leo Rodgers
• Access to education is opened up to young female students in Kenya after receiving bicycles

How does the virtual Bicycle Film Festival Asheville #2 work? A ticket allows you to view the 90-minute short film format from Friday, June 4 at 6:00pm ET through Monday, June 14 at 11:59pm ET streamed to your computer, tablet, or smart TV by simply clicking on the link provided by email 15 minutes before opening date and time. Ticket prices are “sliding scale” $10, $15, $20 so all ticket prices entitle you to the same content. You may view BFF in one sitting, or as you will, from the comfort and safety of your home.

Bicycle Film Festival has been celebrating bicycles through art, film and music the last 20 years. The physical BFF spanned the world in over 90 cities worldwide to an audience of over one million people. The festival has an incredible history of working with the most important artists, filmmakers, venues, and institutions around the world.

Website: www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bicyclefilmfestival/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BicycleFilmFestival

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bffworld

The post The “Bicycle Film Festival” is Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary, and Asheville on Bikes is Taking It Virtual. appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47OWWvWKZjM

Explore the new Wilma Dykeman Greenway in the River Arts District, or maybe you’ve been wondering about the greenways in Black Mountain or another nearby place. – Linda Glitz

The post Strive Beyond Webnar: Moving Western North Carolina beyond the car. appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

As a board member with the Asheville-Buncombe Sports Commission and Connect Buncombe, Greg believes greenways have something for everyone. To quote him; “We are blessed to live in a beautiful area that offers an abundance of recreational activities and opportunities.  One of these is our ever-expanding network of greenways, trails and paths that provide something for everyone. For the bike-commuter, they provide a traffic-free avenue to work or play; to the stay-at-home parent they offer a respite from home life while also providing a way for the kids to burn off energy; for the runner it’s flat miles along a river; it’s a place to catch up with old friends; and for some, it’s a safe place to get to back to doing what they love.”

Karen Chavez has been the long-time Outdoors Editor and now the Investigations Editor of the Asheville-Citizen Times. To hear her interview, follow the link below.

Karen outdoors on the job at Graveyard Fields holding a Brook Trout./ http://darbycommunications.com/

Click here to listen

The post “Left Side of the Road” is a new podcast launching this month. Karen Chavez, Outdoor Editor for the Asheville Citizen Times and advocate for Greenways is the first interview. appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

Over the past two decades Mike Sule has done just about everything within his power to integrate cycling into Asheville’s urban infrastructure. The founder of Asheville on Bikes likely has his imprint on any piece of cycle-friendly concrete, metal, or paint that’s made a smarter and safer cycling system in Asheville.

Now he’s looking to extend Asheville’s vibrant urban cycling culture beyond the asphalt. The initiative is called Asheville Unpaved. The vision – along with several initial funding partners that include the City of Asheville, the Friends of Connect Buncombe, and the Pisgah Area SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) – is to create a network of inner-city cycling trails.

Click here to read more

The post Asheville Unpaved initiative aims to create inner-city system of natural surface biking trails. appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

The Winners continue! More gift announced today- See below.

Connect Buncombe is hosting a contest to celebrate Asheville’s newest greenway beginning with Earth Day April 22 continuing to Wilma Dykeman’s 101st birthday May 21. Test your knowledge of local history, the French Broad River, and the River Arts District by answering trivia questions as you travel along the new Wilma Dykeman greenway, and its western connection, the French Broad River Greenway along Amboy Road. Look for the “Challenge” signs and use your smartphone to win prizes! The more questions answered, the more opportunities for prizes.

Grand Prizes:

• French Broad Outfitters four-person-pack of Biltmore Tour (incl. lunch)
• Home Ground Coffee Bar and Deli breakfast or lunch for 2
• New Belgium Fat Tire red bicycle
• Plēb Urban Winery complimentary tour for up to 6 people
• Smoky Park Supper Club $150 dinner certificate
• Summit Coffee $100 gift certificate
• Wai Mauna Asheville 4-mile paddle board tour

There are lots of small prizes given out all day long:

• Sun glass retainer
• Stainless steel cup
• Large brim lifeguard straw hat
• Baseball cap
• Silicon pint glass
• Tube trips for 2 people, free shuttle
• Half day beach cruiser bicycle rental. Ride the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.
• Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie
• Plēb cheese & charcuterie box
• New Belgium $150 goodie bag that we divide
• Smoky Park burger and beverage up to $20
• Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Here are the winners for Week 2:

Day 8 Winners
Chandler W. won a cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie at Home Ground Coffee
zjohnson888 has won a FBO sun glass retainer at French Broad Outfitters
Maria F. has won a FBO stainless steel cup at French Broad Outfitters
Kristy won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate at Summit Coffee café

Day 9 Winners
Lee has won a FBO large brim lifeguard straw hat.
Sandra W. has won a FBO stainless steel cup at French Broad Outfitters
Susan has won a New Belgium goodie bag.
mcgussie has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Day 10 Winners
Cordelia A. has won a plēb cheese & charcuterie box
Stockton H. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie
Adam H. has won a FBO silicon pint glass at the French Broad Outfitters
Jada B. has won a FBO stainless steel cup at the French Broad Outfitters

Day 11 Winners
Jessica Z. has won a New Belgium goodie bag.
Lauren has won a FBO sun glass retainer at French Broad Outfitters
Kyle E. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate

Day 12 Winners
Keely K. has won a New Belgium goodie bag.
Brian C. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Jessica B. has won a FBO baseball cap.
Brotherhug B. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
David E. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 13 Winners
Stoner G. has won a New Belgium goodie bag
Chloe R. has won a Home Ground cup of coffee with a muffin/cookie.
Lynn P. has won a FBO silicon pint glass.
Marlaina M. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

Day 14 Winners
Nadine C. has won a New Belgium goodie bag.
Richie P. has won a FBO half day beach cruiser bicycle rental.
Doug H. has won a FBO sun glass retainer.
Lydia R. has won a FBO stainless steel cup.
Chelsea B. has won a Summit Coffee free drink certificate.

The post It’s Week 2 of the Challenge along the new Wilma Dykeman Greenway. Celebrate Earth Day and Wilma Dykeman’s birthday with Connect Buncombe through May 21st and Win Big Prizes! appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.

After a year of forced changes and subsequent adaptations, Earth Day 2021 can be a time to reflect on how people have impacted the environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Asheville environmentalists say.

Allison Glackin from Connect Buncombe, a nonprofit organization that promotes greenways, also reported extreme growth in bike traffic on Asheville greenways.

Traffic is tracked at greenway in North Asheville and the River District. At North Asheville, biking in 2020 was up 72% over 2019. At the River District, it was up 124%.

“As much as we’re sad for all the negative things that have happened, the use of greenways, people getting outside, has increased for recreation,” Glackin said. “Things like the greenways and streets and sidewalks have become community centers.”

Read Full Article Here

The post Earth Day 2021: the pandemic’s effect on the environment; biking up over 100% but so is garbage appeared first on Buncombe County Greenways | Connect Buncombe.