April 15, 2009
Media Release by Craig Distl:
In the spring of 1998, Lance Armstrong came to Beech Mountain to train for the first of his seven-straight Tour de France victories. This spring, cycling aficionados can put themselves to the test on the same curvy mountain ascent that inspired Armstrong.
The first annual Beech Mountain “Beest” Cycling Time Trial Weekend is May 23-24. The event includes a host of activities for participants and their families, highlighted by Saturday’s time trial from Banner Elk up Hwy. 184 to the top of Beech Mountain.
The Beech Mountain Beest was created by David Klein of Charlotte, a 42-year-old cyclist who also owns Charlotte Health & Fitness Magazine.
“It is geared toward all avid cyclists,” Klein said. “We welcome racers, but it is not necessarily for racers. It’s for working guys like me who like to get out and stay athletic. We might not fly up the mountain, but we’ll get up there.”
Klein has put together a weekend agenda that includes a post-ride dinner & awards ceremony on Saturday evening at the new Beech Mountain Recreation Center, followed by several road rides and a variety of family activities on Sunday. Discount lodging is available for the weekend at several places on Beech Mountain.
“Endurance athletic events don’t always have a family component. We specifically designed this for families – spouses and children,” said Klein. “There are so many amenities on Beech Mountain for family members to enjoy. And for the cyclists, it’s pretty cool to be able to ride the same road that motivated Lance’s comeback.”
Registration fee is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. The entry fee includes a goody bag, t-shirt and dinner. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each age group, male and female. All participants are entered into a drawing for door prizes.
For info on the time trial weekend, call (704) 333-5697 or visit: http://www.chfmag.com/.
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Note also that you may obtain lodging, restaurant, shopping, hiking and other information from the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce by calling Peggy or Mike at 828-387-9283 or visiting the Chamber's website at http://www.beechmountainchamber.com/.
Welcome to Beech Mountain....at 5,506' in elevation, we are the highest incorporated town east of the Rocky Mountains. Imagine living here - we can make it happen!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Town Selects New Town Manager
April 1, 2009
Randy Feierabend has been named town manager for the Town of Beech Mountain.
Feierabend comes to Beech Mountain after eight years as planning services director for Caldwell County. Prior to that, he was with York County, S.C., for 11 years as planning and development services manager.
Mayor Rick Owen said Feierabend was selected from a pool of more than 40 applicants. He impressed the town council with his management experience and background in planning.
“Randy is a positive, energetic guy and I think he’s going to be a good fit,” said Owen. “We have a lot of infrastructure needs right now and his experience working with county governments, EDCs and planning boards will allow him to pull different factions together and work for common goals.”
In addition to being certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, Feierabend will soon complete an extensive city-county administrative course conducted by the UNC School of Government.
“The council members have the best interest of Beech Mountain in mind and I liked what they had to say,” Feierabend said. “They want to move forward progressively and positively.”
Feierabend doesn’t expect to make major changes as he addresses pressing needs.
“We’ll develop a plan to make sure our infrastructure is there for future generations. I want to get a feel for people who live there and what they want, as well as the people who make it home for part of the year. Then we’ll come up with a vision that meets the needs of everybody.”
Feierabend is proud of his record in government, particularly the commitment he makes to the communities he serves. This is only his third job change in 28 years.
“If you’re in government, serving is your reward and I try to serve the citizens of the community,” he said. “Government can sometimes have a black eye with the people. I don’t want that to be the case locally.”
Feierabend is a native of Louisiana and a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His wife, Kathryn, is a watercolor artist. They have a 32-year-old daughter, Megan, who lives in Apex, and a 26-year-old son, Evan, who lives in Fort Mill, S.C.
story and photo provided by Craig Distl
Randy Feierabend has been named town manager for the Town of Beech Mountain.Feierabend comes to Beech Mountain after eight years as planning services director for Caldwell County. Prior to that, he was with York County, S.C., for 11 years as planning and development services manager.
Mayor Rick Owen said Feierabend was selected from a pool of more than 40 applicants. He impressed the town council with his management experience and background in planning.
“Randy is a positive, energetic guy and I think he’s going to be a good fit,” said Owen. “We have a lot of infrastructure needs right now and his experience working with county governments, EDCs and planning boards will allow him to pull different factions together and work for common goals.”
In addition to being certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, Feierabend will soon complete an extensive city-county administrative course conducted by the UNC School of Government.
“The council members have the best interest of Beech Mountain in mind and I liked what they had to say,” Feierabend said. “They want to move forward progressively and positively.”
Feierabend doesn’t expect to make major changes as he addresses pressing needs.
“We’ll develop a plan to make sure our infrastructure is there for future generations. I want to get a feel for people who live there and what they want, as well as the people who make it home for part of the year. Then we’ll come up with a vision that meets the needs of everybody.”
Feierabend is proud of his record in government, particularly the commitment he makes to the communities he serves. This is only his third job change in 28 years.
“If you’re in government, serving is your reward and I try to serve the citizens of the community,” he said. “Government can sometimes have a black eye with the people. I don’t want that to be the case locally.”
Feierabend is a native of Louisiana and a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His wife, Kathryn, is a watercolor artist. They have a 32-year-old daughter, Megan, who lives in Apex, and a 26-year-old son, Evan, who lives in Fort Mill, S.C.
story and photo provided by Craig Distl
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Spring Is In The Air
March 26, 2009
Though it is always with much hesitation that we claim winter is over and spring is in the air, we are looking forward to another change in our seasons and welcoming back our summer friends, visitors and newcomers. It really doesn't matter what season we have enjoyed, I am constantly reminded why I live here: the gorgeous long range view, cool breezes in summer, friendly people, relaxed way of life and small town charm that are only a few of the positive adjectives that describe this wonderful mountain community.
Now we will be looking for those first daffodils to bloom, the tulips in front of Fred's General Mercantile, the flower barrels to seemingly burst with new flowers overnight (thanks to Susie K.), what's new at the Brick Oven (Jim is always improving, adding, recreating) and checking out the new webcam that The Beech Alpen Inn has added to show mountains, the grazing deer and weather patterns that keep us coming up or have claimed us as year 'round residents.
Easter is just around the corner and there are lots of bunnies around for the occasion. Many Easter Sunrise services are available for us to enjoy and we thank God that we were chosen to be keepers of this beautiful land.
So we welcome those who have come back early, hello again to those who have braved the winter with us and invite those who have not yet come back or decided whether or not they should make the trip this year... come on up...we're waiting for you!
Though it is always with much hesitation that we claim winter is over and spring is in the air, we are looking forward to another change in our seasons and welcoming back our summer friends, visitors and newcomers. It really doesn't matter what season we have enjoyed, I am constantly reminded why I live here: the gorgeous long range view, cool breezes in summer, friendly people, relaxed way of life and small town charm that are only a few of the positive adjectives that describe this wonderful mountain community. 
Now we will be looking for those first daffodils to bloom, the tulips in front of Fred's General Mercantile, the flower barrels to seemingly burst with new flowers overnight (thanks to Susie K.), what's new at the Brick Oven (Jim is always improving, adding, recreating) and checking out the new webcam that The Beech Alpen Inn has added to show mountains, the grazing deer and weather patterns that keep us coming up or have claimed us as year 'round residents.
Easter is just around the corner and there are lots of bunnies around for the occasion. Many Easter Sunrise services are available for us to enjoy and we thank God that we were chosen to be keepers of this beautiful land.
So we welcome those who have come back early, hello again to those who have braved the winter with us and invite those who have not yet come back or decided whether or not they should make the trip this year... come on up...we're waiting for you!Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March 1st Snowfall
March 2, 2009
March 1st brought us between 15" and 18" of snow. It would be quite a challenge to play tennis at the Beech Mountain Club courts in this...
...let alone trying to swim in it! Maybe we should have a Beech Mountain Polar Plunge!?!
Road view of tennis facilities, fitness and administration offices for Beech Mountain Club.
Our road on the 1st. Some of our neighbors were out for a visit.
Same road after the town cleared a path.
At least if we decide to stay in we have plenty of company to entertain us.
The views are unbelievably gorgeous when the snow defines the dips and valleys and the skies are crystal clear.
This little lady has a bad leg so she's been hanging around for some handouts of corn. Seems to be surviving very well for the temperatures, snowfall and winds we've had. It dropped below zero last night and is 12 degrees today but the 35 mph wind gusts have died down and the sun is out.
March 1st brought us between 15" and 18" of snow. It would be quite a challenge to play tennis at the Beech Mountain Club courts in this...
...let alone trying to swim in it! Maybe we should have a Beech Mountain Polar Plunge!?!
Road view of tennis facilities, fitness and administration offices for Beech Mountain Club.
Our road on the 1st. Some of our neighbors were out for a visit.
Same road after the town cleared a path.
At least if we decide to stay in we have plenty of company to entertain us.
The views are unbelievably gorgeous when the snow defines the dips and valleys and the skies are crystal clear.
This little lady has a bad leg so she's been hanging around for some handouts of corn. Seems to be surviving very well for the temperatures, snowfall and winds we've had. It dropped below zero last night and is 12 degrees today but the 35 mph wind gusts have died down and the sun is out.Monday, January 12, 2009
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
January 12, 2009
The snow accumulation on the trees was amazing today. We did not get that much but there was virtually no wind so it all stayed on the branches and made for a spectacular winter wonderland. At 25 degrees and sunny, it was a great day for skiing...
...and sledding at the Town's free sledding hill.
Welcome to Beech Mountain...eastern America's highest town east of the Rocky Mountains at 5,506' in elevation.
Astonishing branches created by Mother Nature.
The snow accumulation on the trees was amazing today. We did not get that much but there was virtually no wind so it all stayed on the branches and made for a spectacular winter wonderland. At 25 degrees and sunny, it was a great day for skiing...
...and sledding at the Town's free sledding hill.
Welcome to Beech Mountain...eastern America's highest town east of the Rocky Mountains at 5,506' in elevation.
Astonishing branches created by Mother Nature.
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