Asheville’s 2nd Joyride to honor Laurey Masterton

ASHEVILLE – Founded by local entrepreneur, chef and activist Laurey Masterton, this year’s second annual Joyride on May 17 will honor her memory, as well as benefiting the Livestrong program at the YMCA.

Masteron died Feb. 18, just shy of her 60th birthday. According to her sister, Heather Masterton, “a huge factor in Laurey’s treatment cycle, her emotional and personal courage and perseverance, was the great gift that she received from Livestrong at the YMCA.”

The ride begins at 1 p.m. May 17 at Carrier Park. Registration opens at 10 a.m., and the festivities will include food, fun, music and more.

“This is a family-friendly Asheville-area cycling event created by Laurey to raise scholarship funds to enable individuals to participate in Livestrong at the YMCA,” said Rachel Dudasik, program coordinator.

There will be a Fun Ride for children, led by Olympic silver medalist Lauren Tamayo, along with rides of 25 and 50 miles and 125 kilometers (77.7 miles), in honor of the 125th anniversary of the YMCA of Western North Carolina.

Fees are $5.15 for the Fun Ride, $51.50 for any of the longer rides. Registration includes a Joyride T-shirt. Registration fees reflect the theme of $515, the cost of sending one person through Livestrong at the YMCA.

The Livestrong program is offered at five locations throughout Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell counties. It is a free 12-week program for small groups, led by staff specially trained in the physical and emotional needs of cancer survivors.

The event is designed for bikers of all ages and abilities. All routes begin and end at Carrier Park and follow the French Broad River. To learn more, contact Rachel Dudasik at rdudasik@ymcawnc.org or 210-9607 or visit www.ywcawnc.org.