In 2003 members of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club decided an organized ride was needed in Western North Carolina that was flatter than the other rides held in the region but still retained the flavor of a mountain cycling event. Hence, the The WNC Flyer was born. Since its conception the event has grown from 216 riders to over 1,000 but the flavor of the event remains the same, one in which every level of cyclist can participate.
Since its conception, the Fletcher Flyer (now WNC Flyer) has raised approximately $225,000. Profits go toward supporting cycling advocacy and education in Western North Carolina. Some examples include $48,000 to the Western North Carolina Bicycle Dealers Association for advocacy, $19,000 to Western North Carolina Alliance mainly for clean air projects, $10,000 for the Hominy Creek purchase, $10,000 to the Asheville Parks and Greenways Foundation, $10,000 to Henderson and Transylvania Counties for the promotion of the Ecusta Trail, and $4,000 to Black Mountain Greenways. Funds have also gone to purchase bicycle fix-it stations in Brevard, Fletcher, and Hendersonville, toward coordinating the bicycle rodeo program for Healthy Buncombe and toward bicycle education programs in local schools. To be considered as a 2019 non-profit partner, contact us by email.
With its tradition and loyal following among regional cyclists, The Flyer provides one of best sponsorship opportunities in Western North Carolina. 68% of the 2016 field came from North Carolina with 46% living within 50 miles of Asheville. 18% came from Georgia and South Carolina. The 2017 Flyer was voted the Best Road Cycling event in Western North Carolina by Mountain Express.
The Flyer is also unique in the world of endurance athletic sports. 64% of the riders were male and 36% female and its largest segment of riders comes from the older age groups. In 2017, the 40 to 59 age group represented 56% of the riders. There were more riders 60 and over than there were under 40, which gives you a good idea of how The Flyer differs from some of the more challenging cycling events in the area.
This strong population of older adults with disposable income provides great opportunity for companies in the region looking to not only increase their sales but broaden their market. The sponsorship levels below are designed to include businesses of all levels in this fabulous event. We look forward to working with and making you a part of our thirteenth anniversary celebration.
Please email Jim Lewis at jlewis7350@msn.com for WNC Flyer sponsorship information.
The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization.