BLUE RIDGE BRUTAL…YOU TALK, WE LISTEN

The BRUTAL

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO Y’ALL!

We hope everyone has had a fantastic Christmas break and you are looking forward to some great cycling in 2018. We sure are!

We want you to know the Brutal committee is already in full swing and we’re well on the way to getting things in place for our 2018 event which will be on Saturday, August 11.

REGISTRATION OPENSMARCH 1 at

SAVE THE DATEand BE READY TO REGISTER EARLY.

If you were one of the lucky people who took part in the Brutal last year you already know that the NEW ROUTES ARE FANTASTIC. We genuinely believe the Brutal is the BEST ROAD CYCLING EVENT IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

However, we also know that we need to keep improving what we offer. So, as usual, we first want to thank those of you who took the time to complete the Brutal 2017 Survey and, as in previous years, we want to let you know what we are working on to make further improvements for 2018. We want you to know that the Brutal team istotally committed to continuousimprovement and PARAMOUNT IN OUR MINDS IS SAFETY.

We want you all to have the BEST RIDEpossible and to get back SAFELY.

So, in no particular order, here’s what we’re doing:

NEW ROUTES

Well, clearly you loved them. (96% positive feedback!). So, we’re not changing anything for 2018 except on the 55-mile route where we plan to revert back to the old finish along Frank Dillard Road for both scenic and safety reasons. The new routes are on our website, linked to where they may be exported to a GPS device if you have one.

ROUTE DIFFERENTIATION

We are working on a plan to provide different colored stickers for each ride length to place on your backs so as individual riders can easily determine which riders or groups they may want to pace themselves with.

SIGNAGE

Generally, all comments were complimentaryabout the extensive and clear signs we put out. However, perhaps especially as last year was our first using our new routes, we will work more closely with the teams who place the signs to ensure we make the improvements you suggested. (Note – DOT rules prevent us using painted road markings). We will also work within our community to attract more volunteers to place at key points on the routes. DOT rules prevent us stopping traffic, but we will train our volunteers on hand signals to ensure all Brutal riders feel confident and safe throughout their ride. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS IN THIS IMPORTANT CATEGORY

FAST PACK – WATER BOTTLE HAND OUT

Again, the vast majority of riders who want water without stopping were very grateful and complimentary that the Brutal offers this feature. However, we also understand that how and where these handouts occur can be improved. Please note that we will be taking extra time to work with our volunteers to makeimprovements in 2018.

RESTROOM FACILITIES

We will work to ensure adequate facilities are at the Civic Center and all Rest Stops. In some cases, this may be simply a case of better signage.

ASSAULT ON MOUNT JEFFERSON

For those of you who are up for it we plan to make it clearer what needs to be done at the end of your ride so you can continue up Mount Jefferson while ensuring your chip timing is robust. Watch out for future updates in our regular e-blasts.

COMMUNICATION

Commencing this year, we will broadcasta recorded announcement several timesprior to the ride start. This message will focus on key points such as safety issues and important reminders. We urge everyone to make an effort to listen carefully.

POST RIDE MEAL AND ENTERTAINMENT

Again, the vast majority (95%!) of the feedback is great. Love the food, love the beer, love the music……and so on. However, there are still a few things we continue to try to improve and these include ensuring there is enough veggie food for everyone who requested veggie food when registering as well as ensuring there is food and a beer available to the last riders to return. After all, they may be the ones who need nourishment the most.

OK, we think we’ve got enough to work on and hope you agree. However, if you have any further comments or ideas on how we can improve the Brutal and/or grow the event, we would love to hear from you. Your feedback is always welcome. Please send your comments to

Now, all that’s left is to remind you that there is a wealth of information on our website including:

  • Fabulous Training Ride Maps and Cue Sheets
  • Great places to stay and eat in Ashe County
  • Calendar of Events in Ashe County Through 2018
  • Fun Things to do around the area including cycling, hiking, kayaking etc.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU HERE IN ASHE COUNTY THROUGHOUT 2018 BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY AT THIS YEAR’S BRUTAL ON AUGUST 11.

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1 at