Do Good

Fletcher Flyer
The Flyer, hosted for the first time by Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard on June 1, blends cycling­­­, bluegrass, and barbecue for worthy pursuits. The ride raises funds for Trips for Kids WNC, an organization that provides mountain bike excursions for youth without easy access to wilderness adventures. The second beneficiary is Friends of the Ecusta Trail, a group working to complete a rail trail connecting Hendersonville and Brevard. Route selections are the Fletcher Lite (30 miles), Half-Century (50 miles), Metric Century (62 miles), and Century (100 miles). Despite its new starting point, this course is still one of the flattest rides around, so newbies need not fear The Flyer. For more: fletcherflyer.com

 Mad Mountain Mud Run
On May 31, teams of four will run, crawl, clamor, and likely laugh their way through a muddy, three-mile obstacle course during this annual race held in Hendersonville. Live music, brews, and food keep spectators and participants entertained throughout the day, and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Hands On!, a nonprofit children’s learning museum. For more: (828) 697-8333; madmountainmudrun.com
 

New River Canoe Race
On June 1, Friends of High Country State Parks is raising money for the maintenance projects at New River, Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain, and Elk Knob parks with its annual paddling race. Divisions include novice, expert, special, and championship, allowing for a wide range of competitors to paddle five miles from the town of Jefferson to New River State Park, where fun, food, music, and door and raffle prizes await. For more: (336) 877-5550; friendsofhcsp.wordpress.com    
                                          
—Rita Larkin & Kelly Spong