Helene's Scars: Riding Through Resilience in Western North Carolina
It's Christmas Eve 2024, and I find myself in Western North Carolina, a region still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While I wasn't present to witness the storm's fury, its impact is undeniable. Cracked roads, washed-out bridges, and boarded-up windows serve as constant reminders of nature's power. But amidst the wreckage, a different kind of force is evident: the unwavering spirit of a community determined to rebuild.
I saw the aftermath of Helene while completing the Rapha Festive 500. This annual cycling challenge requires riders to cover 500 kilometers between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. This year it wasn't just about the miles; it was about witnessing the resilience of these communities, experiencing their strength firsthand, and contributing in my own small way by supporting local businesses bouncing back from months of turmoil.
My Festive 500 route took me through the picturesque towns of Asheville, Riceville, Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Montreat, and Old Fort. Each town bore the scars of the hurricane in its own way, with landslides, detours, and impassable roads adding an unexpected layer of challenge to the ride.
I managed to complete the Festive 500 outside and off the trainer. Some days were warm enough to wear a short sleeve jersey and bibs, but most were chilly and rainy. On one ride, battling near-freezing temperatures and relentless rain, I pushed through 50 miles before my toes even thought about getting cold.My trusty Castelli gear for making that possible (Unlimited Puffy Jacket, Velocissimo bib tight, Perfetto RoS gloves, and Estremo shoe covers.
Off the bike - I visited with local shops, restaurants, and breweries who were happy to be returning to business after the hurricane left most without power for 2+ weeks and potable water for over 2 months. While some areas were still a long way from recovery, a lot of progress had been made. It was great to see businesses open and people back visiting the beautiful area.
Interested in donating to the area?
Black Mountain Home: this home supporting children received a lot of storm damage from water run-off. I rode through their campus cottages on a number of my rides and they have a number of buildings that will need to be rebult
Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa: the Swannanoa down-town and surrounding homes were inundated with water and debris, this area needs help to rebuild
Bounty & Soul: helping to provide food to nourish those who have been impacted
