I'm cool. Thanks, baybuh. :)

I like to think that the worst is behind me, and things can only keep looking up. Now you know why I am gettin' so into racing and TT. Very therapeutic. And a good place to dump some anger and frustration. :D


I understand. Hang in there, k?

Ah-ite. You shall see me roar on April 15. ;)

It won't be pretty, but I'm gonna do my best to not come in last. :)

Good luck and finish in the middle if you can. That way the bell curve is not lost!

We are BF'ers. We'll not let BF down. :D

Anyone ever do any riding in the Robbinsville, NC area?

No. Well, not yet. Whereabouts is that? <lookin' around for NC map, somewhere in the clutter of paper at feet>

Anyone ever do any riding in the Robbinsville, NC area?

Only the Tail Of The Dragon on my motorcycle (well, my once owned motorcycle......sold it about three years ago). But that is Deal's Gap area which is near Robbinsville.

I may ride my old bike on the SEBF ride...............
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/187VTXC1-med.jpg

Just kidding!:D

Then I'm bringin' mine. :mad:




Well, don't have it yet.... :rolleyes:

Only the Tail Of The Dragon on my motorcycle (well, my once owned motorcycle......sold it about three years ago). But that is Deal's Gap area which is near Robbinsville.


I have always wanted to pedal the Dragon. Here I am on my old GSXR Last year at the Dragon. Robbinsville is a beautiful area. Ugh....How I would love to live in a area like that

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/prpv4.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/garysol1/prpv2.jpg

Sweet ride Gary! I want a crotch rocket now. I love the power and acceleration of those things.

I"ve done Deal's Gap in a Miata. with 3000 other Miata's.....that was a great day!

Cycle............you have a Miata?

I DID have a Miata....it went with the ex. I really really miss that car!

That's too bad.

meh. there are other Miata's and men in the sea....

Anyone ever do any riding in the Robbinsville, NC area?

Yes, I like riding over there. Deals Gap is a bit crazy with all the motorbikes. The Triple Chainring Challenge on May 12 rides in that area. I plan to do that ride. It's about 90 miles I believe.

I just got back from riding the SEBF Sat. ride. It works out to 51.75 miles. I did it in a leisurely 3.5 hours, 3:48 total time with stops to take pictures and get a drink at a store. I stayed in zone 2 for most of the ride and my NP was 189 watts for those that use power. I weigh a portly 184 right now (at 6'3"). I'll load the pictures later.

I started the ride at Beech Gap on the BRP which is at the intersection of NC 215. It was a balmy 54 degrees at 10am.
Not bad for early April at 5400ft. We might not be so lucky come May.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF2.jpg
Getting ready to ride.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF3.jpg
Just a short ride down the road is Devil's Courthouse. It used to be a popular climbing spot but some
Perigrine Falcons decided to nest there and it was closed to climbing. There's a trail to the top.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF4.jpg
Graveyard Fields have the look of tundra in the winter.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF5.jpg
The Yellowstone Prong falls out of the end of Graveyard Fields.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF6.jpg
The Pisgah Inn parking lot where we will start the ride in May.

From the Pisgah Inn it is down to the valley. The top of Hwy 276 is a little rough and we will need to be careful on the descent.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF7.jpg
The view along the BRP just after starting from the Inn.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF8.jpg
Taken while riding through the Pigeon valley.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF9.jpg
Lake Logan. The climb around the dam is short but somewhat steep.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF10.jpg
The West Fork of the Pigeon River. We will follow it all the way up to the BRP.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF11.jpg
Sunburst picnic area and campground. There is water here.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/SEBF12.jpg
View near the top of NC 215. The BRP is near.

It was another great day to be out on the bike. 54 degrees to start, 70 in the valley and 64 when I got back to the car. Looking forward to our ride in May.

Damn....I wish I could head down for that ride....looks like some absolutely gorgeous areas.

Just did the ride to Mt. Pisgah from I-26 to the overlook. A total of 2700 ft. of climbing in all roughly. Varying grades from 5% to 14% I registered on my Garmin in places. Was a nice ride. Tough ride being my groups first all climb this season. We were about twenty minutes off our time the last time we rode it last year. Actual ride time was 2 hr. 35 mins. Slow for us but we have to find our legs. Being first climb for us of this magnitude I won't get too upset.

Here is the link....................http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2385163

The ride down was fun. I had to keep the brakes close and got up to 46 mph in a few places. A little cool when we reached the top after 6 pm today. Wind was blowing up through the valley and one can tell the storms are on the way and cooler weekend weather.

My arse weighed in at 201 lbs. before the ride. I gained 6 lbs. in the past few weeks. :eek:

I want to get to 185 and this is not getting there. Jeeeez!

Nice report, BikeWNC.

Coincidentally, I also rode up to 5,300 feet today. I started at Tellico Plains, TN (900 feet), and went to the top of the Cherohala Skyway (http://www.cherohala.com/) and back. An anything-bit-leisurely 61 miles; 3:57 riding time; 15.4 mph (a lot of 8-10 mph climbing and 35+ mph descending). I weigh about 160.

Two conclusions: (1) I should be ready for the May ride, and (2) My legs are going to be dead tomorrow. :cry:

I just got back from riding the SEBF Sat. ride. It works out to 51.75 miles. I did it in a leisurely 3.5 hours, 3:48 total time with stops to take pictures and get a drink at a store. I stayed in zone 2 for most of the ride and my NP was 189 watts for those that use power. I weigh a portly 184 right now (at 6'3"). I'll load the pictures later.

Riding the Tail of the Dragon (http://www.tailofthedragon.com/) is fun, but some of those drivers/motorcyclists are crazy. :rolleyes:

Sometime I want to get down and do a ride in the Robbinsville/Santeetlah/Fontana area. Perhaps we can get a few WNC BF folks together?

Yes, I like riding over there. Deals Gap is a bit crazy with all the motorbikes. The Triple Chainring Challenge on May 12 rides in that area. I plan to do that ride. It's about 90 miles I believe.

Nice report, BikeWNC.

Coincidentally, I also rode up to 5,300 feet today. I started at Tellico Plains, TN (900 feet), and went to the top of the Cherohala Skyway (http://www.cherohala.com/) and back. An anything-bit-leisurely 61 miles; 3:57 riding time; 15.4 mph (a lot of 8-10 mph climbing and 35+ mph descending). I weigh about 160.

Two conclusions: (1) I should be ready for the May ride, and (2) My legs are going to be dead tomorrow. :cry:

I know that road well. though I've never done it on a bike. I have paddled the Tellico River many times.

If you can ride up from Tellico Plains you won't have any problem in May.

Riding the Tail of the Dragon (http://www.tailofthedragon.com/) is fun, but some of those drivers/motorcyclists are crazy. :rolleyes:

Sometime I want to get down and do a ride in the Robbinsville/Santeetlah/Fontana area. Perhaps we can get a few WNC BF folks together?
The Yellow Ck loop is a nice ride. It has one climb that is a real PITA. It's hard not to think of that climb the whole ride as it comes at the end.

darndarndarndarn! I am so sorry that I'm not going to be able to make that ride! Thanks for the pix, BikeWNC, they turned out beautiful.

I know that road well. though I've never done it on a bike. I have paddled the Tellico River many times.

Yes, the four mile ride along the Tellico is pretty; then the road turns nasty. :eek: I imagine it's fun floating downstream, especially on a hot day.

We need to get a Yellow Creek ride together. Who wants to organize it? msheron?

Yes, the four mile ride along the Tellico is pretty; then the road turns nasty. :eek: I imagine it's fun floating downstream, especially on a hot day.

We need to get a Yellow Creek ride together. Who wants to organize it? msheron?

If you haven't been up the road that runs along the Tellico after it leaves 165 you should. I wouldn't call paddling that river floating.

I just looked up my polar file from the Yellow Gap climb. It's 1.1 miles long and I averaged 5.3 mph. At times I was at a 45 cadence in a 30/27! It's steep. Though the guy I rode with that day had no trouble in a 39/25. But he is a great rider.

Egad! You have not yet killed us with the May rides, and you're already planning more death rides! :eek: *thunk*

Forget the "granny" ring. I'm gonna need a "wussy" ring!

If you haven't been up the road that runs along the Tellico after it leaves 165 you should. I wouldn't call paddling that river floating.

Sorry, BikeWNC, I'm obviously not much of a water person. :o

Yes, I've ridden that road up to Bald River Falls; it's much easier on the legs. :)

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/CRW_0854.jpg

And downstream:

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/CRW_0847.jpg

VegaVixen, once you get mountain riding in your system you'll be craving more. ;)

VegaVixen, once you get mountain riding in your system you'll be craving more. ;)
Yeah. Just like the way I will be craving oxygen on those climbs. :rolleyes:

Sorry, BikeWNC, I'm obviously not much of a water person. :o

Yes, I've ridden that road up to Bald River Falls; it's much easier on the legs. :)

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/CRW_0854.jpg

And downstream:

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/CRW_0847.jpg

I have friends that have paddled Bald River Falls.:eek:

The Tellico gets more fun above that point on the Ledges section. 1st ledge, second ledge, Baby Falls, Brillo Pad, Jareds Knee are all great. My wife actually had a photoshoot for a Dagger kayak catalog at Baby Falls. We used to paddle quite a lot before having our daughter. Now I find it easier logistically to ride than paddle though our daughter is getting into it and we go in our tandem canoe.

Yes, the four mile ride along the Tellico is pretty; then the road turns nasty. :eek: I imagine it's fun floating downstream, especially on a hot day.

We need to get a Yellow Creek ride together. Who wants to organize it? msheron?

I will let someone else organize the next ride.......:D .......maybe we can do a fall ride on flat land or once again in the mountains. If so I can find more routes for a weekend for all to vote on. I think BikeWNC has done a great job and I only offer my training ride with the optional climb across Hill St. which is appropriately named.

My legs are hurting now..............well not so bad as my arse. I wore a pair of bib shorts that are a little thinner than I would have liked and I have rubs on each cheek!:eek:

I soaked in the jet tub last night to soothe the muscles. Then I sat in my massage chair for 20 minutes and that helped as well.

Remember, just cause some of us live in the mountains does not mean we will be better at climbing.......I am slow but constant.

Ouchie! Sorry 'bout those rubs! :eek:

At least you got some sort of massage. I used to have a willing masseur....

Remember, just because some of us live in the flatlands, this does not mean we will be better at climbing.....just slow and inconsistent. <note to self: practice clipping out ad naseaum: falling over and off the mountain would not be good>

Fall toward the road than away. Some of those areas have no barrier and you go literally off the mountain!:eek:

Remember, just because some of us live in the flatlands, this does not mean we will be better at climbing.....just slow and inconsistent.

I get to climb Brasstown bald in two weeks. I winder if this flatlander can make it to the top without walking......

I get to climb Brasstown bald in two weeks. I winder if this flatlander can make it to the top without walking......

Better you than me! Check out this climb. It's close to me and I plan to ride it soon now that ski season is over.

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/29762

I get to climb Brasstown bald in two weeks. I winder if this flatlander can make it to the top without walking......

All I can say is...................:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

You'll have brass balls if you do!

Fall toward the road than away. Some of those areas have no barrier and you go literally off the mountain!:eek:
We'll have to tie together like mountain-climbers! :eek: On balaaaaay!


BikeWNC! Egad! An average 6% grade for nearly three miles! :eek: *thunk*

<pickin' self up from floor> Is it even safe to descend after that? I mean, do you have enough strength left to pull the brakes as necessary? :eek:

Yikes, Brasstown Bald! I've not been there but I can imagine the pain.

VV, just think how much stronger climbing will make you for the TTs.

msheron, where's that jet tub?

BikeWNC, that climb is crazy. I see you also mapped this:

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/16974

<continuing my lobbying effort>

I think kayaking over Bald River Falls would qualify for temporary insanity. Are all those falls you mention above upstream from that? How far up does that road go?

BikeWNC! Egad! An average 6% grade for nearly three miles! :eek: *thunk*
I'm not good at math, but that's more than 6%, isn't it?

VV, just think how much stronger climbing will make you for the TTs.

msheron, where's that jet tub?


But what's gonna make me stronger for climbing?! :cry:

Yes, msheron, will that be available between the May rides? <curious Vega look> I seem to recall a recent thead in Foo about hot tubs and sweaty cyclists. :D

Not sure if the link works, but this (http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/sPUTRrWoId4bNZiG-1I4Dgf6Pwi6ORPepIYSWBfwJpu_qCWFrDxYu6SyYSsFEtuPiXSSGsyfD7V7HE8R9AW_88eJP6g/Climbs%20of%20Southern%20Appalachians.htm) sounds like quite a climb:

--- Rich Cove Rd. ( H~ ) Maggie Valley. The highest rated climb on the list. This climb goes up to the Ghosttown ski area. The lowest grade on the climb is 12%, not much of a rest. The back breaker is a section about 0.4 miles at 19.5%

This is the one BWNC referenced?

--- Fie Top Rd. ( 1 ) Maggie Valley. Right next to Rich Cove road, this climb is not as viciously steep, but longer. 1600 feet in less than 3 miles.

Not sure if the link works, but this (http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/sPUTRrWoId4bNZiG-1I4Dgf6Pwi6ORPepIYSWBfwJpu_qCWFrDxYu6SyYSsFEtuPiXSSGsyfD7V7HE8R9AW_88eJP6g/Climbs%20of%20Southern%20Appalachians.htm) sounds like quite a climb:

--- Rich Cove Rd. ( H~ ) Maggie Valley. The highest rated climb on the list. This climb goes up to the Ghosttown ski area. The lowest grade on the climb is 12%, not much of a rest. The back breaker is a section about 0.4 miles at 19.5%

This is the one BWNC referenced?

--- Fie Top Rd. ( 1 ) Maggie Valley. Right next to Rich Cove road, this climb is not as viciously steep, but longer. 1600 feet in less than 3 miles.
I believe it is Fire Top Rd. But anyway, that is a good list. We have some other climbs here in town that would make the top 10 I believe. I see that Yellow Ck Gap is on the top ten from both directions.

I'm gonna have to lose about 25 lbs to get up some of those climbs at any decent rate of speed.

But what's gonna make me stronger for climbing?! :cry:

Yes, msheron, will that be available between the May rides? <curious Vega look> I seem to recall a recent thead in Foo about hot tubs and sweaty cyclists. :D

YOWZA!!

So I take it you'll be on the May rides for sure, if msheron supplies a hot tub? :D

Better you than me! Check out this climb. It's close to me and I plan to ride it soon now that ski season is over.

]

OOMPF..:eek: Do you know the grade of that climb?

note...never mind...LoL

I will have to buy a hot tub in the meantime........:) I have a jet tub in my master bath that I soak in on bad ride days...............and I mean by bad ride days as the ones that kick my arse!