If you are a local to me (Charlotte/Lake Norman, NC) then you should know about the dedication event of the Lake Norman Bicycle Route. The route is planned to circle Lake Norman on marked roads, greenways, and showing points of interest. The route is 3/4 of the way marked and mapped! Read more about it or view the map here. 

This Saturday is the event to kick things off, including a bike ride!

Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Troutman Depot 
137 South Main Street, Troutman, NC 
Starts at 10am

Description of the Troutman Loop to be ridden after the ceremony Saturday

Begin at Downtown Troutman’s landmark Old Depot at US 21/NC 115 (Main St.) and Wagner Rd.  Careful crossing US 21 to start your ride south on Wagner.  After 1.5 miles, veer right onto State Park Rd.  The scenery becomes more rural and wooded approaching Lake Norman State Park.   Past the first bridge, see a parking area at Park Lake.  Boats can be rented here during summer.  The building provides restrooms and drinking fountain (mid-March to November).  A Porta-John is located at the north entrance of the parking lot by the Itusi Mountain Bike Trail entrance.  A mile further on State Park Rd., turn right after the Park’s west gate.  St. John’s Rd. ends at E. Monbo Rd.  Turn right, and in a ¼-mile, veer right to stay on E. Monbo and the Loop.  E. Monbo stretches another 4 miles through hilly, rural horse country before reaching Old Mountain Rd.  (To visit Daveste’ Vineyards, divert right onto Talley St., past Hicks Creek Rd., and another right onto Lytton Farm.) Continue to Troutman, turning right on Old Mountain Rd. to reach US 21/NC 115.  At the light, turn right.  After a ¼ mile, turn left at Old Murdock, then right onto Eastway.  Notice the “Richardson Greenway” path across from Town Hall.  In ¾-mile return to the Depot.  If you’re hungry, enjoy one of the several restaurants you just passed along Main St.