David Freeze

By David Freeze

In August of 2022, I planned the Mississippi River final day’s ride from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on to New Orleans. Without any real concerns, I had heard about a chance of showers in the afternoon with some heavy thunderstorms in the area. The ride was just over 80 miles and there were no real hills. I even expected to finish with some time to walk around the city.

I started early, as usual. The roads were often in poor repair and had lots of metal in the form of screws, nails, wire and lots of glass. All are big concerns to a cyclist. The rain came early in the afternoon with big winds and heavy downpours. Just afterwards, I had the first flat tire of the whole trip just over halfway to New Orleans. Then I had two more and all my tubes were used up. Darkness wasn’t far away. Very fortunate to have an option, I called David Bourg, a resident of nearby Paulina who I had just met when he stopped to help on the last tube replacement. David drove me into the city, a round trip of over 80 miles for him. All he wanted was for me to pay it forward! I did not complete what amounted to 36 miles on the bicycle along the river. I had a train to catch to Salisbury so finishing this had been on my mind for the better part of 15 months.

I envisioned 3-4 days to fix this. I included cycling north of Laplace to a Marathon convenience store, exactly where David picked me up after the final flat. Then most of another day to ride on into New Orleans to Jackson Square to complete the ride with several photos to prove it. And I wanted to visit David and Lynne Bourg, especially after their invitation to stay with them. David is an engineer for Valero’s refinery in Norco, very near to LaPlace.

My drive to LaPlace got off to a slow start on Friday, Oct. 20, due to wind, rain and hail in China Grove and interstate slowdowns due to several major wrecks in the area. I left just after 4 p.m. and only made 100 miles in the first three hours, but then the pace picked up. I slept a few hours in two different rest areas and arrived just past noon on Saturday after changing to the Central Time Zone. I quickly rode to the Marathon store, had the same grumpy cashier from a year ago, and returned to Laplace. Fourteen miles done and two photos taken!

With a room at the Days Inn, I ran in the dark on Sunday morning, then hopped on the bike during one of the heaviest fogs I have ever experienced. My red light was working, and I had plenty of shoulder to ride on. With not a real hill in sight, I rode south into the gradually lifting fog. Choices of riding on the levee into New Orleans to avoid the city, or not, were on my mind. I decided to take the city head-on.

Following my old friend, U.S. Highway 61, I went straight into the city where 61 is also called Tulane Avenue. I made a few turns to ride through the French Quarter. Jammed with people and too many cars, I tried to follow what was supposed to be a bike lane. Cars were just parked on top of it, and nobody seemed to follow traffic lights or signs prohibiting turns. Lots of people who appeared just a tad odd were on display.

I rode right up to extremely crowded Jackson Square, what I consider the center of town. The Mississippi is beautiful here, the steamboats are moored nearby with street performers and vendors everywhere. Horse drawn carriages and beignets are close also. I took an hour to watch the river with a few massive ships and plenty of smaller vessels going by. I saw two steamboats depart on their tours. Most remarkable was a military jet flyover to commemorate my ride completion!

The ride back over the same road was uneventful, except for the first time I saw all the massive refineries along the river without fog or darkness. One after another. They are even more spectacular when seen at night, with all the lights and a few fires burning from smokestacks.

I visited David and Lynne, had some wonderful ice cream and fought a few mosquitoes, before leaving at almost dark. We had recapped our meeting the year before and how much he helped me out of a tight spot. They hope to vacation in North Carolina.

My drive home was anything but uneventful, I suddenly lost power in my truck just north of Montgomery, Alabama. A part called a MAF sensor went bad and got me a wonderful AAA ride on Brian Martin’s rollback and excellent service at Son’s Ford in Auburn. Alabama. The part arrived the next day, and with Veronica in customer service’s help, I was on the road again by noon. I did get to run through Auburn University and saw the spectacular football stadium.

Friday night through Tuesday night, 1,551 driving miles, two time zones and 74 cycling miles all needed to complete the Mississippi River. I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it! Thanks for riding along, once again! I am already wondering what’s next.

By David Freeze

This weekend is the last one off for the next month. We’ve got races in a bunch of places, and one of them is an exciting new one. In what has evolved as the busiest time of the year, look for eight races in the next seven weeks. Here is more information on the first five.

Two great Halloween choices are first up. The St. Matthews 5K and Fun Run is the first race on Saturday morning, Oct. 28. The race is on a fast rural course that benefits church members who are battling serious illness.

The Rowan Rotary has the Spooky Sprint 5K and Fun Run at Catawba College on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 29. This race is known for its costume contests, including kids and adults, all for extra fun. The track finish concludes another fast course.

The new race for our area is the Donuts for Dollars 5K presented by GNC. This race benefits the Salisbury Police Foundation, providing for the needs of officers and staff that are not funded by the City of Salisbury. Packet pickup for the races, including a kid’s fun run, will be at the GNC store on Nov. 3. The race will use the Tinseltown parking lot and proceed out to Bendix Drive. It’s a two-loop course so spectators will get plenty of opportunities to see their runners.

The following week, on Nov. 11, has the Clean Water 5K and Fun Run at Grace Lutheran Church. The race supports the Lutheran Church’s global clean water ministry. The Clean Water 5K is the only local race with freshly made hush puppies at the end.

And finally, on the next day, Nov. 12, the Girls on the Run will have close to 1,000 runners participate in the GOTR Celebration 5K, commemorating the completion of the fall series of classes. Each graduate has a running buddy, and there is a competitive 5K for community runners. All this happens at Salisbury Community Park, starting at 2 p.m.

Ahead are Salisbury’s largest 5K, The Forum’s Butterball 5K on Thanksgiving morning. Then comes the Freeze Your Buns 5K on Dec. 2 in Spencer and Santa’s Run for Hunger 5K at Sloan Park on Dec. 9.

Over the last few weeks, several world records have been set in international marathon races. Part of the equation concerns me. Adidas has produced a shoe in competition with the Nike Alpha Fly, the carbon fiber shoes that are extremely expensive.

Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa wore Adidas Adizero shoes to set a new women’s marathon world record in Berlin on Sept. 23, and they are on sale now. Adidas, Nike and other sports brands have been locked in a “supershoe” war for the last few years. These running shoes contain a thick, shock-absorbing foam and carbon fiber plate helping athletes run more efficiently using secret rocker technology.

At $500 a pair, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 costs $225 more than Nike’s equivalent Alphafly 2, raising the question of how many amateur runners will pay the higher prices. The Adizero shoe is only good for one 26.2-mile race and only weighs 5 ounces. Assefa broke the women’s record by more than 2 minutes, an incredible drop in overall time. The shoe costs more than $19 per mile run.

At the men’s marathon international level, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum broke the men’s marathon world record in Chicago on Sunday Oct. 8, becoming the first person to record a time faster than 2:01:00, crossing the line in 2:00:35. The 23-year-old shaved 34 seconds off the previous world record, again using super shoes.

“But many argue that super shoes obviously significantly aid performance given the marked improvements in times in recent years,” said Runner’s World. And former Olympic runner Tim Hutchings said, “Record-setting is now a devalued currency because of the big differences made by shoe tech. The current trend is unsustainable and to me world records now are meaningless.” We’ll see where this debate goes, but the shoes will keep coming.

Look for all the upcoming races at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

By David Freeze

I started Wednesday morning, Sept. 27 in Manteo, another town that I had visited recently on a cycling tour of the Inner and Outer banks and my run across the state. Manteo has lots to see, but I was focused on the old town waterfront area.

The town is named for a Croatan Indian. Manteo traveled with the English to London in 1584 where he and another Indian, Wanchese, learned to become liaisons between the Roanoke Colony settlers and the Indians. Manteo was named the seat of government for Dare County in 1870 and was incorporated in 1899. By then it was a busy center for trade. The Dare County Courthouse was built in 1904.

Early morning was peaceful but with a strong wind blowing along the boardwalk around the Manteo Marina. Notable from the marina was the sight of the Elizabeth II, a replica wooden ship similar to those from the 16th century. I toured the ship previously and learned that it is used officially several times a year and has tours almost daily.

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, replaced the original light in 1955. It has an automated light on a short tower and a screw pile design, meaning that the lighthouse is screwed into the ground of the bay. The earlier lighthouse began service in 1857.

The Manteo Weather Tower was also erected in 1904. Its signal flags and lights telling mariners and residents of wind shifts and approaching storms. The Manteo tower is one of five still in use and the only one with all of its signal lights still attached.

My next stop wasn’t an easy find. I asked Siri for directions to Currituck, and it didn’t work. The 50-plus mile ride north on N.C. 158 included a stop for the famous Duck Donuts. Best was blueberry with lemonade stripes. I eventually got directions from two county workers, and only one of them knew where I wanted to go and even he wasn’t sure. I found several very old buildings near the state ferry.

Established in 1668, Currituck was one of the original N.C. counties and one of five ports. Named for an Algonquin Indian term, “Land of the Wild Goose,” the area is full of waters, woods and marshes. The current Currituck County Courthouse was built in 1842 and remodeled in 1898. The jail is believed to have been constructed in 1820, but construction could have been as early as 1767, The courthouse and jail are two of the oldest county buildings in N.C.

Currituck has a rich Revolutionary War and Civil War history. The courthouse area was a recruiting center for the Confederate army but was later captured by Union troops. Many records were carried off by the Union troops, but some were returned in 1976. I found three very old houses, at least one of which was occupied, and a very old store no longer in use. All of this was next to or across from the courthouse, which is still very much in use.

A free state ferry between Currituck and Knott’s Island made for a nice round-trip on a chilly and windy day. Currituck, never incorporated, is the smallest town that I visited across the state, but still very interesting.

My final stop for the day was Elizabeth City, the Pasquotank County seat that I missed when visiting Camden. I drove right through it without realizing that I needed to stop. Elizabeth City was founded in 1794 and named for a tavern owner who donated most of the town’s land. I found it to be one of the most interesting cities in the state.

After the battle of Roanoke Island, Union forces controlled Elizabeth City for the remainder of the war. On the Pasquotank River, the city has one of the largest Coast Guard bases in the nation. World War II reinvigorated Elizabeth City’s industries, particularly in shipbuilding, textiles and aeronautics. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City was established in 1940 and Navy Air Station Weeksville in 1941 to provide valuable surveillance by seaplane and dirigible of German U-boats operating in U.S. waters, Additionally from 1942 to 1944, the Elizabeth City Shipyard supported the war effort with much of its production, including 30 111-foot subchasers, four tugboats and six 104-foot quick supply boats.

Elizabeth City has one of the few remaining airship, or blimp, makers. It also has the Museum of the Albemarle, a huge building that is part of the N.C. Museum of History, depicting the second oldest Colonial inhabited area.

The Pasquotank County Courthouse was built in 1882, after Union forces burned the prior one. Records were hidden in a barn by local residents. Tired of violence and destruction, town residents petitioned both Union and Confederate generals to allow them to “secede from the secession.” The plan failed.

The Christ Church Episcopal, built in 1856, is still in use, its doors were open for prayer, and I took advantage of it. The nine-story Virginia Dare Hotel, for 40 years the center of local society, was built in 1927 and has transitioned to affordable senior housing.

The waterside parks and drawbridge were favorites, along with the significant historical district featuring many well-kept older homes.

With 99 county seats visited, I’ve had a wonderful journey touring them all on my feet. One remains, our own city of Salisbury. I will return soon with that visit and a recap of all we’ve done so far.

By David Freeze

I remember when I started running that a watch was the last thing I cared about. I just wanted to make the next block and was so happy to make the first mile. I measured that mile with a vehicle odometer, remembering how happy I was as the tenths ticked off while driving. The odometer was the best measure we had at the time, so we were happy with it.

Garmin introduced the first satellite watches for outdoor enthusiasts in the early 1990s. Runners, walkers and hikers were ecstatic to get their distance measured while doing the workout. Just the basics, including distance, pace and total time. Those are still the things that serious runners and walkers want to know, and they want the information to be accurate.

Fitbits and Apple watches entered the market, but I have never left Garmin, still rated as the industry standard for accuracy in distance, pace and total time. I kept some of the old watches, but never go back to them. However, maybe I do hold onto them too long before trying something new. I have had at least three models of the 310 XT, a Garmin watch capable of measuring heart rate and accurate cycling, outdoor swimming and running stats.

As I got older, the screen became harder to see on the watches, especially in the dark. The 310XT was a little bulky, but I could read the screen fine. About three months ago, the start/stop button started to have problems and the watch required constant checks to make sure it was running. Disappointed to find out that the 310XT was finally discontinued, I began the search for something new.

I tried a refurbished 910XT, a slightly newer version of the same 310XT. It came in damaged, but the screen and backlighting weren’t as good, so I quickly returned it. Having read about all I could online about the long list of Garmins and some of the ads about other watches that popped up, I just was not happy. I tried another one with big claims, but found I had to carry my iPhone to power it. That is not an option for me.

I decided to stop in at Backcountry and Beyond because I knew they had a display of Garmin watches and I wanted to see them and hold them. I needed to talk with someone who could help with the technical questions, and most importantly I needed to be able to read the distance, pace and total time without glasses while running in the dark.

I met Porter at Backcountry who is the store expert with good knowledge of the Garmins. He took the time to go through what the watches would do, and we checked to see which ones I could see, especially in the dark. Long story short, I got a Garmin 265 with a slightly larger screen and an option to make the distance, pace and total time fill the screen at the same time. Other advantages of constantly updating average pace and pulse rate make me push harder. A dim backlight immediately brightens when I raise my arm to look at the watch. Everything is personalized to me on the Garmin Connect app. Porter is still providing his help as needed while I work through that personalization.

A few things of note, I will never need a watch that allows me to receive and respond to text messages or phone calls on the run. Nor do I care about the ability to start my dryer from out on the road.

It was this kind of personal service that will make me return to stores like Backcountry and Beyond and Ralph Baker Shoes for my running and outdoor needs. Salisbury is fortunate to have these two businesses, both with old-fashioned customer service.

Other running related items at Backcountry and Beyond in addition to the Garmin watches are Honey Stinger energy chews, FITS socks, a MTN OPS hydration product, Cold Shower face and body wipes, Biolite headlamps and a line of trail shoes.

Our next race locally is the Dolphin Dash 5K and Fun Run at Sacred Heart on Oct. 14. Look for this and more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

By David Freeze

With seven eastern counties and Rowan left, I have been anxious to get back at it. I planned one long trip to the Outer Banks to finish them. Four of the county seats had been on my run across the state. First up on Sept. 26 was Williamston, the first of the Inner Banks towns. Williamston is the county seat of Martin County. It was founded in 1779 as Williamston five years after it was recognized as Tar Landing in 1774. Williamston was named after William Williams, a local military hero. The Martin County Courthouse was built in 1885.

The town is on the Roanoke River which helped make the town a trade center. The railroad came to town and the town flourished with both river and rail traffic. The one-mile Skewarkee Trail connects downtown and a riverside boardwalk on the Roanoke River via a converted railroad bed. The paved trail is used by bicyclists, walkers, skaters and others.

Pitcher Gaylord Perry, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his brother Jim, also a professional baseball pitcher, were born here.

My second stop was Plymouth, one of my favorite towns and part of the Inner Banks while also on the Roanoke River. Plymouth is just eight feet above sea level. I actually visited Plymouth twice before. My Atlantic coast cycling journey went through Plymouth as did my run across N.C. I started with the downtown area which includes the 1918 Martin County Courthouse, last built in 1918 and still in use. Three previous courthouse buildings had been destroyed by fire, twice during the Civil War.

Established in 1787, the town is thought to be named Plymouth because ships from Plymouth, Massachusetts, often stopped at the town port.

Plymouth has the historical distinction of being the site of the second-largest Civil War battle in North Carolina and its last Confederate victory in 1864. The Confederate ironclad warship CSS Albemarle helped win the battle but then sank on Oct. 27, 1864, while moored at a dock in Plymouth. Throughout the old town are historical signs concerning movements of both sides during the 1864 battle.

Union forces captured the town in May 1862, and the Confederate forces won it back in December of the same year but withdrew shortly afterward. The Confederate forces took Plymouth back in April 1864 and the Union recaptured the town in October of that year. Only 11 buildings are still standing from the pre-Civil War period due to burning and heavy bombardment.

Another notable landmark is the Roanoke River Lighthouse which was erected by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1866. The Port of Plymouth Museum is said to be first class and a 3/8 scale model of the CSS Albemarle, the most successful ironclad in the war, floats behind it in the river. Maybe on my fourth visit to the town, I will tour the museum which is housed in an old train depot.

South of Plymouth was my next stop, Swan Quarter. I had never visited this area and was surprised at the huge amount of corn and soybeans being grown locally. Interesting were the continuous water drainage ditches beside the roads and plenty of water standing in the fields of crops ready for harvest.

Swan Quarter is the county seat of Hyde County. The 1855 courthouse and jail still stand, with the modern courthouse just behind it. In the 18th century, Samuel Swann settled along the Pamlico Sound near the head of Swan Bay. Swann’s Quarter was the first name given to this settlement. Eventually shortened to Swan Quarter, it became the county seat in 1836.

Fishing, oystering and crabbing are staples for the small town. Dozens of fishing boat carcasses line the marina. The first church built in the town broke loose from its foundation in a major storm and floated down Main Street before colliding with the general store and ended up on a lot that the townspeople originally wanted, but the owner wouldn’t sell. He did sell after seeing the likelihood of God’s hand in its movement. The historic Swan Quarter Baptist Church had its doors open to the public while I toured the town.

The last stop of the day was Columbia, another Inner Banks town. One of my most harrowing nights happened here on my run across the state. I had a group scheduled to meet me at Nag’s Head fishing pier later that day. Never having done more than 32 miles a day, I started at 4 a.m. in the total dark on an Easter Sunday. Two residents told me not to do that because, “This is black bear territory!” The total darkness worried me some wondering what was watching me until daylight came. I did complete 42 miles and finished the journey that day.

Originally called Elizabethtown, the town was established on the banks of the Scuppernong River in 1793 and became the Tyrrell County seat in 1799. The Indians called the area “the place of the sweet bay tree.” A waterfront boardwalk exists today.

The name of the town was changed to Columbia in 1801, to avoid confusion with another Elizabethtown in Bladen County. The courthouse was built in 1903 and is still in use. Locals have subsisted on mercantile trade, milling, and maritime occupations including boat building. The lumber and logging industry have also been important.

By David Freeze

I always love to see families come out to races. Usually those families include 2, 3 or 4 people. But more and more, one of those tall vans with lots of seats has been arriving at the races. And when they unload, it takes a while. On and on they come, all ready to race in some form.

With kids of all sizes in the group, I’ve watched how close they all are and how helpful to each other as they get ready to hit the starting line. Lisa Burleson, runner, mom and grandmom of the group, told me why each one runs or walks. One of their first big events was the Greenway 5K back in mid-July. They have since pumped up the attendance at other races including the Run for the Word 5K in Landis and the Race to the River 5K in Spencer, both in September.

Elizabeth, 14, said, “I wanted to be in the races because doing a 5K was on my bucket list. I wanted to walk a 5K with my Papaw and I got to do just that.” Earlier she was exclusively a walker, but is now mixing in some running.

Joanna, 2, about to turn 3 and a happy fun run participant, said, “I had to do it so I can get faster and faster. I love to run in my running shirt.” She practices often.

Gideon, 11 months, has been along for the ride, pushed by his dad, Sam.

Naomi, 11, said, “When I run, I get to spend special time with my mom. I enjoy being outside in different places. Someday, I want to ride a bike to the Outer Banks.” I can help her with that.

Sam, 38, said, “I like to run to clear my head. I want to better my time. Rather than listening to music, I use the time to reflect and think.” And Sam keeps the kids often while Lisa, Hannah and Naomi run or walk the country roads around their side by side homes. He often pushes a double stroller.

Hannah, 37, said, “I am regaining strength and endurance through running. I especially enjoy running with Naomi and mom. Sam helps with our children to provide time for me.”

Lisa, 64, said, “Exercise is a great way for our family to spend time together. After taking SRR’s running class, I want to continue to increase my endurance.” Hannah, Naomi and Sam all took the class.

Rick, 67, said, “My granddaughter asked me to walk with her this summer in a 5K. I was not sure I could do it. But I made it. I plan to begin a walking regimen. I am so blessed to be a stage 4 cancer survivor.”

Another son, 6-year-old Nathaniel, has run in four fun runs already this year. Nathaniel says he is getting stronger and faster and is proud of himself for running.

In retrospect, this Burleson and McDonald combined family inspires others. Imagine the work to get this whole crowd out of bed and fed in time to drive 20 minutes and still get everyone to an 8 a.m. race in plenty of time. It takes a cohesive unit to do this. Nothing is better than that, especially with running and walking a big part of the mix.

Already, October is just around the corner. Oct. 14 has the Sacred Heart Dolphin Dash 5K and Fun Run. Then it’s double Halloween fun at the St. Matthews 5K and Fun Run, on Oct. 28, followed by the long-running Spooky Sprint 5K and Fun Run at Catawba College on the next day, Oct. 29.

And finally, if you are new to running or racing, or are starting to consider it, you’ve got great weather to give it a try. Cooler weather makes exercise and outdoor activity more fun and a little bit easier. Check www.salisburyrowanrunners.org for more races and activities.

By David Freeze

Last Saturday, we had the Run for the Word 5K in Landis. The second annual event was a huge success and benefitted the high school and middle school Bible teachers in the South Rowan area.

Races are complex, with a long list of must-haves to make sure things go well. Nothing is more important than volunteers. In fact, when I talk to a prospective race director about his or her organization and the charity that they want to benefit, one of my first statements includes the need for quality volunteers.

To make this need for volunteering most significant, no races will happen without volunteers! It is astonishing to me that many runners or their families have never volunteered at a race. They just expect the event to happen regardless. It won’t. After almost 45 years of both racing and volunteering, I can make the statement that runners need to complete the loop by volunteering.

Here are some of the benefits you receive from volunteering:

Volunteering makes you social: One of the most notable advantages of volunteering is the effect you leave on the community as a whole. It permits you to form a strong bond with those around you. Remember that even small acts of kindness can make a real difference. Also, volunteering is as beneficial to you as it is to the community. Devoting your time as a volunteer assists you with making new companions, growing your organization, and lifting your social abilities. Volunteering boosts self-esteem: You are doing useful things for other people and the community, which gives a characteristic feeling of achievement. Your part as a volunteer can likewise give you a feeling of pride and purpose. Furthermore, the better you feel about yourself, the better perspective you have on your life and future objectives. Volunteering can give a feeling of direction. Whatever your age or life circumstance, volunteering can help you to take a break from your own concerns, keep you intellectually invigorated, and add more zeal to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay healthy: Volunteering can be significant for emotional well-being. It can help reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Surely, the social contact which is a part of helping other people can profoundly affect your general mental prosperity. Studies show that individuals who volunteer have a lower death rate than the individuals who do not. More seasoned volunteers are less inclined to foster stress and have better-thinking abilities. Volunteering can likewise diminish the side effects of chronic pain and lessen the risk of coronary illness. I have two examples of how these things work. Pam Roseman is a local doctor of physical therapy. Pam is also the race director of the Clean Water 5K set for Nov. 11 at Grace Lutheran Church. She is in Michigan this weekend doing a half-Ironman Triathlon. Charleen Allegrezza is a retired restaurant owner. Both were course monitors in important areas at the Run for the Word. Pam, who races often, loved doing the other side of the event and said, “It was such a joy to cheer the runners on the course. I really loved it while helping give me perspective for my own race next Sunday.” Charleen, a regular SRR volunteer when we serve lunches at Rowan Helping Ministries, jumped in when she saw runners starting to get off course at the turnaround and saved a bunch of headaches afterward. One recent race had some runners get off course due to a missing volunteer and sorting it out was not fun.

Of course, my purpose for this article is not just to address volunteering at races. Regardless of where you volunteer, the same benefits apply. In my own case, I love to volunteer because it takes me away from my own projects and concerns for the time being. I can just enjoy this new event and who I meet, while savoring the results.

Races have many jobs that volunteers can do. At Run for the Word, more than 30 course monitors worked the turns and corners while others announced times at mile markers. Still more helped with registration and refreshments.

The next race locally is Donuts for Dollars at GNC in Salisbury on Nov. 4. Look for this and more races and volunteering opportunities at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

By David Freeze

I am still working to get caught up with various things following my bike ride and we’ll spend a few minutes on them in this column. It is great to be home, another wonderful cycling adventure complete and the book underway.

Last Saturday, Catawba College Cross Country hosted the Fleet Invitational at Salisbury Community Park. Both the Catawba men’s and women’s teams had dominating performances with the top five women and top 10 men leading the field. The women were led by Madi Clay from Morganton who posted 18 minutes and 24.8 seconds for the 5K as the top five women garnered a perfect score of 15. Lowest scores win in cross country.

The men took the top 10 spots, all within 52 seconds. Sophomore Tanner Smith took first place in the 8K with a time of 26 minutes, 28.4 seconds. The Catawba men also had a perfect score of 15 on the very pleasant, sunny morning.

Jason Bryan, Catawba cross country coach, said, “We are very excited about both the men’s and women’s teams this year and the talent that this team has. We have never had the depth on both sides like we have this season and it showed at our first meet. We have a lot of work still to do in order to reach our team goals, but these students are ready to get after it each week and continue to build this program into one of the best in the Southeast! Our women’s team will have to contend with some very talented programs within our conference and region that have been good for a while. In order to have a chance to win against those teams, we will need to stay healthy and hungry. On the men’s side, we have one of the best teams in the country in our conference in Wingate (National Runner-up last season). In order to continue to build the men’s team into a perennial NCAA qualifier, the culture of team first will be most important. We hope to get both teams to the NCAA Championship meet in Joplin, Missouri, on Nov. 18 — and have fun along the way!”

One of the most interesting events in Rowan County is coming up next weekend. The Race to the River 5K will take off from Spencer at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, and run down Salisbury Avenue to the Yadkin River Park and the Wilcox Bridge. The 5K proceeds go to Rowan Creek Week. In addition, there is quality entertainment scheduled at the new Yadkin Park after the race. The new 5K course is very fast, with the last two miles a steady downhill to the river. All abilities of runners and walkers are encouraged to participate, with great shirts, awards and refreshments at the completion. There is also a fun run for kids, 12 and under.

Creek Week is a week-long celebration of local waters throughout North Carolina. This year, Rowan Creek Week will be Sept. 16-23. In conjunction with multiple organizations and local municipal departments, Creek Week offers recreational, educational, and volunteer opportunities to allow everyone to enjoy and contribute to healthy waters in our area.

Join the Pedal Factory for a bike ride from downtown Salisbury to Spencer (Leg 1) and/or from Spencer to the Yadkin River Park (Leg 2). Leg 1 departs The Pedal Factory bike shop (311 E Council St., Salisbury) at 2 p.m. Leg 2 departs Spencer Town Hall (460 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer) in Park Plaza at 2:45 p.m. Participants must BYO bikes and helmets, or rentals are available. Advance signup is required. For more information, contact the Pedal Factory at 704-870-7145.

Join Row Co River Adventures for a guided group sunset paddle along the Yadkin River. The group will meet and launch at the York Hill Boat Access at Yadkin River Park at 6 p.m. The approximate trip is a one-hour, easy paddle. Row Co River Adventures will be providing kayak rentals for the event. Participants can rent a single or double kayak for a nominal fee. Have your own equipment? Join us at no cost. Advance signup is required. To book a rental please contact Nicky at Row Co River Adventures at 704-433-1066 or email rowco@rowcoriveradventures.com.

To keep our waterways clean, the Town of Spencer, Spencer Police Department, Rowan County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Rowan County Public Health will be hosting a Medication Take-Back event for citizens to dispose of unused or expired medications from 1-2:30 p.m. at Spencer Town Hall (460 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer). The 5K and fun run registration will be held at the same location from 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Look for more information on the Race to the River and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or call 704-310-6741.

By David Freeze

I am just back from my bike ride and eager to get rolling with our running and racing opportunities for the late summer and fall. There are two new races and two more with new twists, plus two of our biggest that are back in place.

First is a low key and non-competitive but still very popular event. The Ralph Baker’s Shoes and Chick-Fil-A Prediction Run 5K is more about fun and a chance to win prices, eat well and just plain have a good time. The event is being held at City Park, starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 26. SRR members are free and anyone else can register for $30, the cost of an annual membership. A prediction run means that all participants predict a time to cover 3.1 miles, all without wearing a watch, carrying a phone or any other timing device. The slowest runner or walker are usually more likely to win with the closest prediction time, largely because they seem to be more consistent.

Next up is one of the new races, The Robert Stephen Gilmore Labor of Love 5K presented by the Javon Hargrave Foundation. The 5K will be held at Knox Middle School at 9 a.m., likely still on the long-time course. All proceeds go to support Stephen’s Purpose. The 3.1-mile race in honor of Robert Stephen Gilmore will raise monies to benefit children who may experience cancer or developmental delays. This race will benefit children and families in need in our community.

On Sept. 9, the action is at the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church in Landis. The course is likely the flattest in the county and the town of Landis supports course safety throughout the event. All proceeds go to the South Rowan Bible Teachers Association for the costs of Bible teachers at Carson and South Rowan high schools, Corriher-Lipe and China Grove middle schools with the possible addition soon of Southeast Middle School.

Spencer’s Race to the River 5K and Fun Run will leave the fire department at 2 p.m. and race north straight to the Wil-Cox Bridge and Yadkin River. The very hilly first mile from last year has been changed to a straight shot down Salisbury Avenue to the river, at least two-thirds of the course on a fast downhill. The town of Spencer will showcase its energetic and growing Parks program. Non-competitive cycling and kayak events are also involved. Awards, three deep this year, and entertainment will be held at the new Yadkin River Park Trailhead. The event benefits Rowan Creek Week and starts at 2 p.m.

GNC is presenting the Dollars for Donuts 5K and Fun Run on Oct. 7 to benefit the Salisbury Police Department Foundation with the intent of providing various means of support to the officers and associated personnel. The Police Department Foundation is not funded by the city of Salisbury. The race will be headquartered at the GNC store, and the course has not been finalized but will be in close proximity to the store. This is another new event.

Back again is the Clean Water 5K and Fun Run at Grace Lutheran Church. Globally, 1.8 billion people, about one out of every four people, drink from contaminated water sources. Unsafe water leads to illnesses that claim the lives of 840,000 people each year, almost half of whom are children under the age of five. What’s more, women and children spend hours each day collecting water. This keeps them from school, work, education and time with family. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Global Water Ministry.

The Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont 5K follows the next day, Nov. 12, as a celebration event at Salisbury Community Park at 2 p.m. The is the largest fall event, with approximately 800 GOTR graduates and a running buddy for most of them. Community runners can register separately.

And finally, Salisbury’s largest competitive 5K, and a Salisbury holiday tradition, will be held on Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 a.m. at The Forum. All proceeds go to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

Look for these events and more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org and www.runsignup.com.

By David Freeze

My first stop on July 8 was Jacksonville, home of Camp Lejeune and the New River Air Station of the U.S. Marines. Its population is listed as the youngest in the nation with an average age of 22.8 because of the large military presence.

In 1752, a devastating hurricane destroyed the county seat of Johnston, and Wantlands Ferry, located further up the New River, at the present site of Jacksonville was chosen as the site of the new county courthouse. The first court was held there in July 1757. The area, briefly known as Onslow Courthouse, was incorporated and renamed Jacksonville in honor of former U.S. President Andrew Jackson in 1842. Jacksonville was briefly captured and occupied during the Civil War in November 1862 by a Union Army raiding party.

Agricultural and naval products, (pine oil, turpentine and resin) along with lumber could be shipped along the New River and were the mainstays of the economy during this time. Jacksonville and Onslow County got a big boost in 1941 when a Marine Corps base for amphibious training was established which later became Camp Lejeune.

Established in 1709, Beaufort is located on Beaufort Inlet, a channel leading south to the Atlantic Ocean. The third oldest town in the state and seat of Carteret County, Beaufort has lots of visitor traffic during the warmer months and it was booming when I was there on a Saturday morning.

Beaufort was first known as Fishtown because the fishing industry has always been an important part of the county’s history. Beaufort was later named for Henry Somerset, British Duke of Beaufort.

Originally a fishing village and a safe harbor since the late 1600s, about 150 of the restored historic homes bear plaques showing names of the earliest known owners and dates of original construction. Some of the historic towns do none of this and it’s impossible to tell the age of the homes.

Fishing, whaling, the production of lumber and naval stores, shipbuilding, and farming were the chief economic activities. Though Beaufort had the safest and most navigable harbor of any of the ports of North Carolina, extensive commercial development hasn’t happened. Now, Beaufort’s economy depends heavily on tourism. An entire 12-block area is on the National Register of Historic Places. The waterfront is beautiful and multiple tours are available.

The Carteret County Courthouse, completed in 1907, was the centerpiece for a sprawling vendor festival where I bought a huge egg, cheese, potato and black bean burrito.

Burgaw is the county seat of Pender County and is a railroad town that came to be when the Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad Company routed its tracks in 1836 across Burgaw Creek, where a small cross-roads trading post already existed. When completed in 1840, this railroad line was the longest in the world at 161½ miles.

In January 1854, the spot on the rails was called Burgaw Depot after the small trading post had been Cypress Grove. The depot is the oldest in the state circa 1850 and is part of the North Carolina Civil War Trail, one of my favorite signs.

During the Civil War, the railroad carried fresh troops to the battlefields and brought back the sick and wounded. Military supplies came from the port of Wilmington to the fighting fronts and kept the depot very busy. Confederate generals and their troops used the depot for weeks after the loss of Ft. Fisher and Wilmington. The railroad and its depots fell to the Union forces on Feb. 22, 1865. The depot warehouse still bears the charred scars of a Union cavalry attack in 1863. In 1865, it also became the holding site for at least 6,000 prisoners of war for over a week in February 1865 while a massive prisoner exchange was negotiated in Richmond and Washington, D.C. The depot was a vital communications center with so many things going on.

On Feb. 6, 1876, the railroad deeded a plot of land to Pender County for the establishment of the town and for the new courthouse. Burgaw was incorporated on Dec. 8, 1879. The current courthouse, built in 1936, is the centerpiece of the town.

Next came Wilmington, county seat of New Hanover County and one of my favorite stops. In September 1732, a community was founded on land owned by John Watson on the Cape Fear River. The settlement was called New Carthage, then New Liverpool, New Town and Newton. Governor Gabriel Johnston established his government there for the North Carolina colony. In 1739 or 1740, the town was incorporated with a new name, Wilmington, in honor of Spencer Compton, British Earl of Wilmington.

Naval stores and lumber fueled the economy, but residents began to push back against the Stamp Act, a British tax on shipping. Various riots and other trouble eventually forced the repeal of the tax, but unrest caused the state capital’s move to New Bern.

During the Civil War, Wilmington’s port was the major base for Confederate and privately owned blockade runners, which delivered badly needed supplies from England. The Union mounted a blockade to reduce the goods received by the South. The city was captured by Union forces in the Battle of Wilmington in February 1865, about one month after the fall of Fort Fisher had closed the port. As nearly all the military action took place some distance from the city, numerous antebellum houses and other buildings survived the war years.

Wilmington’s was called Hollywood East during the 1980s and 1990s because many movies and TV shows were filmed here. The Riverwalk is first class, made even better by the USS North Carolina Battleship.

Bolivia was my last stop, county seat of Brunswick. One of the smallest county seats in the state, it has a few small businesses, a school and a modern government complex. The town was incorporated in 1911 and named after Bolivia, South America.

That’s 90 county seats visited. The final 10 will come sometime this fall. I netted 7.81 miles today. See you soon with more, including Rowan. Thanks for following this series!