Grueling climbs, thrilling descents and beautiful back roads await cyclists Saturday May 5th, 2007 as the Brushy Mountain Cyclists Club stages the 14th annual Rides Around Wilkes (RAW) road cycling event.

The 14th annual RAW includes 25, 40 and 75 mile routes through the foothills of northwest North Carolina. The 40 and 70 mile routes include challenging climbs through the Brushy Mountains south of Wilkesboro. With three routes of varying length and difficulty, everyone from novice cyclists to hard-core riders can have fun.

The 25 mile route loops through the rolling hills east of Wilkesboro, offering views of the Brushy Mountains and the Blue Ridge. This route has no major climbs and has a rest stop at the halfway point.

The 40 mile route is a loop with a scenic out-and-back section midway. It includes two strenuous climbs and two fast descents as it traverses the Little Brushy Mountains at Windy Gap (elevation 1,646). The route features two rest stops: one at the foot of the Windy Gap climb and a second at the turn-around point at the Old Jarvis Store. The descent from Windy Gap is faster than ever, thanks to major road improvements completed during 2002.

The 75 miler meanders through the fields, forests and orchard country of rural Wilkes, Iredell and Alexander Counties.

The RAW 75 crosses the spine of the Brushy Mountain range twice, putting riders to the test on two tough climbs:

The climb to the crest of the Little Brushies at Windy Gap features a steep hairpin curve and double-digit grades.

The climb into the heart of orchard country is four miles long, with several steep stretches.

In between the two big climbs are wave after wave of rolling hills, with 4,300 feet of climbing overall.

But the RAW 75 isn't all torture. The reward for the ride's longest climb is a long, curvy descent into Wilkesboro. Riders will rush into the valley over smooth asphalt at speeds of 40 m.p.h. and more. What a way to end a ride!

The 75 mile route is the most popular RAW option. For some riders, the RAW is a warm-up for the famed Assault on Mount Mitchell ride, which comes two weeks after the RAW. For others, the goal is just being able to finish the hilly course.

The 2007 RAW will roll from the Wellness Center of Wilkes Regional Medical Center at West Park in North Wilkesboro. The Wellness Center offers more parking, better facilities and a riverside location for the post-ride meal.

All riders will be timed with results posted online next day. And the 2007 RAW offers online registration through Active.com.

All RAW routes are patrolled by SAG vehicles to provide assistance to any cyclists who need it.