The 13th annual Blood, Sweat, & Gears rolled off right on time at 7:30 this morning from Valle Crucis School, with hundreds of cyclists taking the challenge on the 100-mile or 50-mile rides.  Much of the event will take place on rural roads,

but there is a trek across the Blue Ridge Parkway and across US 421 heading into Todd before circling back to Valle Crucis for the finale, so be aware as you’re traveling today.  The event is a fund-raiser for the local Red Cross chapter.