Grand Depart – Bikepacking is scheduled for October 24, 2020 at the Breaks Interstate Park. Presented by Oveja Negra, this free bikepacking adventure will begin at the Breaks Interstate Park, with meet up at the picnic shelter across from the lodge, and roll-out at sunrise (8:00 a.m.). A get-together is also scheduled the Friday night before, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Meet up at the Picnic Shelter across from the Lodge and we’ll all say howdy.
This route explores the vastness of the Pine Mountain region starting at Breaks Interstate Park and heading off west towards the sunset and the infamous Wardaddy Loop. Traversing the Grand Canyon of the South, it is a showcase of the best these rugged and historic Appalachian Mountains has to offer. Superb mountain-line scenery tracing the Kentucky/Virginia border and a tradition of pure, hard adventure – this course is truly breathtaking (literally and metaphorically).
Photo taken by Mary Reed Runyon near Nolan WV at the Martin County/Pike County, KY border.
Given our current situation in dealing with COVID-19,
community members and visitors are becoming increasingly more afraid of going
outside, let alone traveling. While Kentucky governor Andy Beshear has been
adamant that Kentuckians and our visitors take the utmost precautions in
limiting contact with others, small groups gatherings, and so forth, he, along
with the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism also realize the potential
ramifications of total seclusion. Complete quarantine (locking yourself in your
house) is not advisable for those who show no signs of illness, and can, in
fact, have negative mental health consequences.
So what can you do for recreation while also being
responsible? Here are five suggestions for “social distancing” friendly things
to do in Pikeville/Pike County, Kentucky. Keep in mind that these suggestions
are subject to any mandates made by the local, state and federal government concerning
COVID-19.
Way back in the day, Crusin’ was a highlight for families on
a Sunday afternoon, or love birds who just wanted to enjoy some alone time
together. With gas prices being at an all-time low, it’s time to load up the
family, or take your special someone on a cruise through the winding, beautiful
mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Just about anywhere you go in Pike County, there
is roads that go through breathtaking scenery. Parks such as Breaks Interstate
Park, Jenny Wiley State Park, or Grants Branch Park in Stone, Kentucky make
perfect stopping points for lunch or dinner.
2) Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Our Lakes and Parks
Photo by Chuck Summers
Speaking of Lakes and Parks, the great outdoors gives you plenty of social distancing and alone time to gather your thoughts. There are a wealth of stress relieving activities that you can do in our beautiful parks, such as hiking, biking, fishing, sight-seeing and more. As mentioned above, Breaks Interstate Park, Jenny Wiley State Park, and Grants Branch Park are all excellent choices for going on an adventure.
3) Take A Stroll Down Historic Downtown Pikeville
Sometimes you just need to take a calm, peaceful walk. Historic Downtown Pikeville is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, featuring the Pikeville City Park, the Pikeville Lake (also a perfect spot for fishing), a swinging bridge, and several mom-and-pop restaurants that offer take out and curb-side. While in the City Park, remember to practice social distancing (6 feet), and take the opportunity to wash your hands thoroughly in the restroom facilities. Downtown Pikeville and the nearby bypass road are very popular locations for 5k runs, so instead of barring yourself in your house, maybe some exercise is just what you need.
Fallen Officers Memorial, Downtown Pikeville, KY
4) Dine out with Curb Side & Carry Out
During this difficult time, it is important that we support
our locally owned restaurants. It can be easy to get caught up in all these
headlines and forget to support the businesses that enrich our community. Many
of our locally owned restaurants offer take-out and curb side delivery of lunch
and dinner. Our mom-and-pops are counting on us, and who doesn’t love the
unique and delicious flavor they bring?
5) Horseback Riding at the Pike County Horse Trail
Pike County Horse Trail in Lick Creek, KY
Have a horse? We have the trail for you. Located in Lick Creek, the Pike County Horse Trail provides you all the social distancing you need with a relaxing ride through the ruggedly gorgeous mountains of Pike County. With a rustic camping area for parking your hauler, as well as a public restroom for keeping those hands washed, the Pike County Horse Trail has everything that you need to enjoy a ride through the Appalachian mountains.
We here at Pike County Tourism CVB are optimistic that the
COVID-19 pandemic will pass, and many of our cancelled events will be
rescheduled for a later date. In the meantime, we encourage you to do all you
can to be safe and responsible, and to be sure to get the exercise your mind,
body and soul needs during this stressful time.
Note: Please follow local, state and federal guidelines for travel before participating in any of the above suggested activities.
Sponsored by the Pike County Fiscal Court, the Pike County Horse Trail Ride at Lick Creek is held June 1st and Sept. 14, 2019 at the South Lake Horse Trail system. This is a free event for horse enthusiasts who wish to enjoy a scenic ride through some of America’s most beautiful back country. Featuring 68 miles of individual trails, and 1800 acres.
Directions
Take KY. Highway 1373 off US 460 and proceed 2.7 miles to marked campground and parking.
Ride Schedule
Trail ride begins @ 8:00 a.m.
Dinner is served @ 3:00 p.m.
Trail System Details
No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails at any time.
Limited traditional and primitive camping is available at Grapevine and Lick Creek area (first come, first serve). Visitors can occupy campgrounds for up to 14 days. Once 30 days have passed, visitors may again occupy the campgrounds.
Come join us for Hatfield McCoy Motor Sports Spring Ride the Ridge event on May 4th, 2019. Enjoy the hospitality, big savings and prizes.
Ride Details
The ride will be leaving the HMMS Complex, located just off KY US 119 in Belfry, KY at 10:00 a.m. on the morning of 5/4/19 and return back there at 3:00 p.m. for lunch, prizes and some giveaways.
Last year’s event featured a great turnout and excellent riding. Be sure to show up for this great event!
The Breakdown Adventure Race it’s on for 2019! We’re back at the Grand Canyon of the South for a 12 and 24 hour race. This IS the wildest race we put on – a real favorite.
Race Facts
WHAT: The Breakdown Adventure Race
LENGTH: 12 OR 24 Hours
DISCIPLINES: BIKING | TREKKING | FLAT-WATER PADDLING (Bring your own canoe or kayak or we have boats available to rent. Just choose an option when you register)
WHERE: Breaks Interstate Park, VA. Map
WHEN: April 13, 2019
WHO: Solos & teams of 2, 3, or 4
THE COURSE: The Breakdown has a reputation for a reason. “It ain’t supposed to be easy”… But, it will be fun! We’ve got new trails to play on and steep cliffs to take your breath away.
REGISTRATION:
Extra Early: Dec 5 – Jan 31 $200 (24hr) / $100 (12hr)
Early: Feb 1 – Feb 28 $220 (24hr)/$110 (12hr)
Regular: Mar 1 – Apr 6 $240 (24hr) / $120 (12hr)
Additional Info
Schedule (tentative): The Racer Communication, released the week before the event, will have full details.
— Friday, April 12 —
Gear Staging — 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Race Check In — 6:00pm – 7:45pm
Pre Race Meeting/Maps — 8:00pm
— Saturday, April 13 —
Race Start — 7:00am
Race Cutoff — 12HR, 7:00pm Saturday 24HR, 7am Sunday
Post race party/food (on us) — shortly after the cutoff(s), Presented By: Haysi Partners!
Accommodations: As always, Breaks Interstate Park is graciously hooking us up with some excellent discounts! Call the Park directly at (276) 865-4413 and mention The Breakdown to reserve rooms at The Lodge, a cabin, or a campsite.
Meals: You’ll definitely earn the BBQ or Breakfast, thanks to Haysi Partners! For the pre-race eats, you can visit Break’s Park’s Rhododendron Restaurant for their delicious southern cooking.
Facebook: This one is SO cool it has it’s own Facebook page. Check out The Breakdown on Facebook for updates, tid-bits and race coverage.
