Cars backed up bumper-to-bumper for close to a mile; drivers weaving in and out of no-passing zones; hands being thrown in the air out of disgust — what was the cause of the incident that took place Tuesday morning?
Some drivers would blame their frustration on the hundreds of bicycles that lined the pavement from Millbridge Road to the intersection of Jake Alexander Boulevard and N.C. 150. However, I find no fault with the bicyclists themselves. After all, these athletes have been given the same rights to the road as vehicles.
Instead, I feel the ball was dropped leading up to the event during the planning phases. A call to the Highway Patrol left me with the impression that it was a last minute thing, resulting in state troopers scrambling to support the N.C. Mountains to Coast ride.
In the future, I ask that event planners consider setting up road blocks in the more heavily trafficked areas. Another option would be having the bicyclists ride only on country roads. Applying these practices, along with better communication, will ensure the safety of both the drivers and bikers. In addition, a more thought out plan will provide these athletes with a better overall riding experience. Although the honking of car horns would have given me all the encouragement I need to speed up the pace, I could easily see it frustrating other bicyclists.
— Garrett White

Mount Ulla

I love it! Supposedly (according to the president), the sky was going to fall at midnight Monday if he didn’t get his “clean” continuing budget resolution. Well, the sky is still there. I am so sick of the political lies that come from the president and the Democrats pushing their agenda on us — an agenda they themselves do not want to have placed on them.
I am very pleased that the Republicans finally chose to stand up for the American people and do what we asked them to do, defund or delay Obamacare. I have listened to the radio and watched a few news clips before and after the shutdown. Obama wants it to look like it’s all the Republicans’ fault. The Republicans didn’t put the barricades up to shut out vets. I saw today a “park official” say “we were instructed to barricade the memorial.” Why? Because the president and his party want to make it hard on the average person so they’ll blame the Republicans.
I hope the government stays closed until President Obama asks the House to vote on a continuing resolution that defunds the ACA, while he’s shining Boehner’s shoes. A little humility never hurt. I love it!
P.S. This letter is not itended to be read by the low-informed voter.
— Jason Josey

Cleveland

On Sept. 7, the golfing community of Rowan County gathered at Corbin Hills Golf Course for the Debbie Plummer Memorial Tournament. This was the third annual tournament and first without Debbie. She lost her courageous battle with cancer last fall.
Debbie’s spirit and love for God, family, and friends again was the driving force for the event. We are proud and grateful to announce this was the largest tournament we’ve had.
Many thanks to our major sponsors: Corbin Hills, Barringer Distributors, United Beverage, Cheerwine and Apple Ugly. With their help, proceeds from the tournament were distributed to three local families who face the same challenges Debbie and Dale had.
Thanks to all who donated money, time and effort to make this event such a success. Benefits from this tournament and many similar events held weekly show that Rowan County is a wonderful, caring and giving community.
— Perry VonCanon

Salisbury