Book-signing June 14 at Mast Store

Authors Ole Gade and Roni Ellis will sign their recently released book Biking the Country Roads of Watauga County at the Mast Store Annex on Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

This book details more than 250 miles of rural bike routes along 21 carefully selected routes. These routes meander through some of the most historic communities in Watauga County, including Valle Crucis, Todd and Sugar Grove. Not only does the book point out interesting landmarks along the ride, it also provides information on basic bicycling considerations in the mountains like the selection of proper clothing, bicycle/auto etiquette, and pointers that will make for a more enjoyable ride.

The book is not intended for just cyclists. The information on the history of Watauga County, its weather, and the flora and fauna to be enjoyed along the country backroads is also of interest to those touring in cars.

The compilation of this book is the culmination of the urging of Gade, a retired professor of geography at Appalachian State University, to get his friends to experience the wonderful resources available to bikers in the High Country area, instead of just “spinning at the gym.”

Ellis, a homemaker, is the co-author. She was part of a core group of friends that enjoyed “spinning” for more than a decade and finally gave in to Gade’s urging. After discovering that his maps and research made the rides more interesting, she urged him to write the book. It turned into a collaborative effort with contributions from Shaw Brown, Ane Gade, Karen Gade-Pulido, Anne Hardin and Sara Mayhew.

For more information, call Bob Ryan or Eron Schell at the Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis at (828) 963-6511.