Southeast - Brasstown Bald Buster

It's official, I'm signed up. I'm in a little worse shape than I was last year but I'm going for it anyway. I've got 3 months to prepare and at least I know what to expect this time.

For those of you who haven't heard about the ride, the full century option has over 14,000 feet of climbing over Hogpen & Jack's Gaps with a finish at the top of Brasstown Bald. It's a bit pricey at ~105 but that includes transporting you and your bike back to Helen. They did a great job last year with the ride and you can't beat the scenery. If you're not interested in that kind of beating you can opt for the shorter 80 mile option ending in Helen. It's got a fair amount of elevation gain as well and if you'd like a bit more you could climb Hogpen then turn around and coast back to Helen.

This year it's the week after the TdG so the roads should still be decorated. That should be pretty decent motivation. I hope to see some of you guys/gals up there. It would be neat to meet some of the Georgia BikeForumers.

Here's a link:

www.BrasstownBaldBusterCentury.com

I just signed up. Thanks for the reminder, Mike.

Registration is available only through active.com. Beware when registering online for anything at active.com. They make sales pitches disguised as this or that being “free”. Read the fine print or you may have some strange charges on your credit card 3 months from now.:mad:

unfortunately it's the same day as the athens twilight :(

Never heard of this until now. When is it? I doubt it would be one I could make but there is next year. I saw times from 10 hrs. last year. Thats insane. How many riders usually show?

unfortunately it's the same day as the athens twilight :(

You'll have plenty of time to make it to the Athens twilight. I'm tempted to try to make that myself.

Never heard of this until now. When is it? I doubt it would be one I could make but there is next year. I saw times from 10 hrs. last year. Thats insane. How many riders usually show?

Last year there were almost 100 but a good portion of them were there for the 80 mile option. The ride is only in its 3rd year and the schedule kind of floats around to avoid Mt Mitchell and 6 Gap. It's found its place among the die hards that have tried it and it's growing each year.

And for the 10 hours......it's not unreasonable if you factor in the majority of the 14000' comes in the last 15 miles.

Michael

Sounds like a potential for next year. How does it compare to the Assault on Mt. Mitchell ride?

You'll have plenty of time to make it to the Athens twilight. I'm tempted to try to make that myself.

racing in the morning(athens twilight greenway) and hopefully I'll be racing that night :)

Sounds like a potential for next year. How does it compare to the Assault on Mt. Mitchell ride?

Brasstown is quite a bit tougher. The courses are similar in that they’re both point-to-point with a mountain-top finish. Brasstown has about 14,000 vertical feet vs. 11,000 for Mitchell. Brasstown also has an insanely steep section at the end – nothing comparable on Mitchell. I’ve done Brasstown once and Mitchell 17 times.

I'm recon'ing Hogpen in a couple of weeks. Planning on riding the Helen-Hogpen-Jacks-Unicoi-Helen loop on March 12th if anyone is interested. I've got a bit of training in Anniston, AL and will be going via Helen. I've got to get over Hogpen so it's not in my head come April.

Michael

I'm recon'ing Hogpen in a couple of weeks. Planning on riding the Helen-Hogpen-Jacks-Unicoi-Helen loop on March 12th if anyone is interested. I've got a bit of training in Anniston, AL and will be going via Helen. I've got to get over Hogpen so it's not in my head come April.

Michael

Oh I'm interested, but March 12th is a Monday and I'd have to work.

BTW, I hear they've had a bit of snow up there this past weekend. I've been stuck up there in March when it snowed for 5 days straight before.

Not my kind of riding. I hope that late April is pretty nice for the actual century. Last year is was a week later and quite chilly at the start but it warmed up to a perfect day.

UPDATE email from Jim and Mitch::

Greetings!

Come join us for the Third Annual Brasstown Bald Buster Century. Attack the same mountain that will be assaulted in the 2007 Tour De Georgia. Challenge yourself to a course similar to what Lance Armstrong competed on in the 2004 & 2005 Tour de Georgia!

Are you ready to ride 100 miles, and over 14,000 ft of elevation gain? Are you ready to ride "The Wall" on Brasstown Bald? If you're not ready for that, you can stop after 80 miles, with an option by passing the big mountains back to Helen.

The Brasstown Bald Buster Century is Saturday April 28th, 2007. With the time changing early (next weekend), you'll have plenty of opportunity to get out and train! What are you waiting for?

For more information, visit the event website:
www.BrasstownBaldBusterCentury.com

Or go straight to registration by visiting www.Active.com.

Regards,

Jim & Mitch
Surge Sports, Inc.

To stop receiving these mailings please go to the following URL:
http://www.active.com/unsubscribe.cfm?email=mtcunnin@southernco.com&h=842040BEC571258BDE69ECCBE3FBC9B6

BUMP -- It's getting closer. Who's been training? Who's going to make it?

I haven't been training enough but I'm more prepared than last year. We'll see. The weather should be great and the roads will still be 'chalked' from the TdG.

Michael

I think you all have lost your minds. They would have to pay me to do this century.

Training for this beast is tough for a flat lander like myself but....

I have been riding every chance I get. I am stoked that is for sure.

My goals are:
1a. Have fun.
1. Make the cutoff time to be able to go to the Bald.
2. Finish under my own power.

1. You will for the first 80 miles.
2. Cutoff isn't an issue because you've got ~5.5 hours.
3. Nobody's going to push you.

I told Mike45 that I'd get back to him about the route and might as well share it here in case anyone else is interested. I think it'll be just like last years route. I'm not going to know the road names but I can give you a general direction. We started out leaving Helen under police escort heading south. IIRC we turned at the old Indian burial mound and headed out SE of town where we ended up doing a large circle that brought us back to the North side of Helen on the road (375) in front of Unicoi S.P. When you dead end back into Hwy 17 you turn right and then left less than a mile later on 75ALT. Then it's a right turn onto 348. That turn is the cutoff point and the SAG stop at the base of Hogpen Gap. The climbing starts immediately and lasts for ~7 miles or so. Try to have fun. There are a few downhill sections to give you a break but the climb seems to go on forever. There is another SAG at the top and then it's a screaming descent before you head up Jack's Gap. Another descent and then the climb to the top of Brasstown Bald. Hogpen is the one where you make it or you don't. If you peter-out (like I did last year) you can turn around and ride back to Helen. It doesn't take long but you'll still have some climbing to do to make up for the false fronts that you've already passed. You're better off to suck it up and keep pedalling. You'll make it eventually even if you have to walk some of it.

The last 20 miles are the toughest part of the ride but don't let that fool you. The first 80 are nowhere near flat to a flat-lander like me. I distinctly remember 2 climbs on the 'flat' part of the ride that were extremely steep and nearly a mile (?guess?) in length. When the ride leaves Helen there will be a huge peloton that you should try to avoid. They will be moving at a pace you most likely can't maintain so let them go. You'll pass a good portion of them as the day wears on. It's going to be a really long day in the saddle so don't kill yourself on the first 80. Don't waste time at the SAGs and make sure that you eat and drink plenty along the way. I recommend 2 large water bottles because the climb up Hogpen will probably take more than an hour.

You'll be getting a survival packet that gives you a lot of the same information from Jim and Mitch so be on the lookout for it. And Mike45, I'm also staying at Unicoi SP. I stayed even farther away last year and rode to the start. It's only a couple of miles and I'll probably ride in if you want to join me. The ride in isn't very hilly at all but may be a little cool. You'll also need to haul a backpack with your personal belongings to the start. Make sure that you put some duct tape or something with your name on it so you can find it later. I'm getting pumped. This is going to be fun.

Cheers,

Michael

Thanks for the update! You can bet I won't be trying to keep up with any fast pelotons.
My strategy is start off in survival mode.

Thanks for the update! You can bet I won't be trying to keep up with any fast pelotons.
My strategy is start off in survival mode.


You up for riding from Unicoi? I've got a buddy that's staying somewhere in Helen. We might all be riding to the start.

Michael

Is there an elevation profile for this ride anywhere?

This guy rode 6 Gap and it's got 4000' less climbing.

http://www.bike4one.com/rides2004/sixgap.htm

This one is from the TdG site and shows Hogpen, Jacks, and BB.

http://167.192.158.252/2005/the_race/documents/05DTdGStage5Profile_000.pdf

I saw that graph. That's why I question the 14K of elevation gain for the ride. It seems like there is 5K of climbing from the base of Hogpen to the top of BB. The 80 mile ride says there is 6K of climbing total and it turns around at the base of Hogpen. So if there is say 4K of climbing on the way to Hogpen, 2K back to Helen, then there would be about a total of 9K for the whole ride. I'm not trying to say it isn't a very hard ride, but often ride organizations like to use the highest climbing total they can find for bragging rights. I know how those mapping programs over estimate elevation gain. There is no doubt the last 20 miles are the real deal.

You up for riding from Unicoi? I've got a buddy that's staying somewhere in Helen. We might all be riding to the start.

Michael

Most likely...The family and I are driving up to Unicoi Friday. My plan is to ride from the SP to Helen for the ride. The other option is to load my bike into the mini-van and drive down.

I am stoked! I wish I had more time to train but that is the way it goes. Maybe I'll look at this as training for the six gap century.

BB and 6 Gap.....that's a pretty lofty goal. We're driving to Unicoi on Thursday. I'm planning on riding to the start as well. Don't worry about getting there early, they won't let us leave until 0730.

Cheers,

Michael

BB and 6 Gap.....that's a pretty lofty goal.

I don't know if it lofty or crazy or what. Mostly it is just my dream list right now.

I'm heading up to Helen tomorrow and I'm extremely pumped!!! Mike45 -- I'll see you there.

I trust that you all got your five (count 'em... 5) identical emails with confirmation numbers.:roflmao:

Yep. And still no survival guide. Am I making that up or didn't we get a multipage Word document last year that had some neat info in it. At any rate I did get my route sheet.

See ya'll there,

Michael

Yep. And still no survival guide. Am I making that up or didn't we get a multipage Word document last year that had some neat info in it. At any rate I did get my route sheet.

See ya'll there,

Michael

I nagged the guys running the ride so many times that they sent me the word doc directly. If anybody wants it, PM me with an email address and I'll pass it along.

Mike

Here's the text. I just got mine as well.




2007 Brasstown Bald Buster Century

Survival Guide

Congratulations on being part of the 3rd Annual Brasstown Bald Buster Century. We are pleased to announce that ALL proceeds from this event will be going to charity.

The proceeds from this year’s event will be going to the Georgia Bikes, United Methodist Church youth group and International Christian Cycling Coalition. The volunteers will be helping you at each of our 7 sag stops throughout your bicycle journey.

You are getting ready to embark on one of the most challenging century courses in the Nation. This challenging, but beautiful, course was put together for cyclists by cyclists. Between the low traffic and the gorgeous scenery, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this course at your leisure. We at Surge Sports, Inc., hope that you have a safe and fun journey. Good luck!

Please print out a copy of this Survival Guide and bring it with you to the event.

Contents
Ride Start & Packet pick-up time
Route information
Your rider and bike number
Helen – Bike drop-off and pick-up instructions
Post-ride dinning
Rider tips
Safety rules and guidelines
Parking

Ride Start location:

The ride will officially kick off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 in the parking lot of the La Cabana Mexican Restaurant in Helen, Georgia located at:
8160 South Main St.
Helen, Ga 30545

Packet pick up

Packet pick up: 6:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. on April 28, 2007 in the parking lot of La Cabana Mexican restaurant in Helen, Georgia.

Packet Contents
• One authentic event t-shirt
• One rider number
• One bicycle number (for century option only)
• One arm band (for restaurant meal)
• 4 safety pins


Cyclists’ Bag Transport
Our goal is to transport you off the top of Brasstown Bald as quickly as possible. However, to make you wait more pleasant, we suggest having a change of clothing at the top. We will have trucks available to transport a change of clothing for you to the top of Brasstown Bald. Please use a “unique” bag that has your first and last name clearly marked several times on the outside. (Hint: masking tape with your name on it can help!)

You will see your bag again once atop Brasstown Bald. If you don’t make it to the top of Brasstown Bald, but your bag did, don’t worry. Just notify Jim Burt at the command post in the La Cabana parking lot immediately. He will radio the volunteers to load your bag in the next returning shuttle van.

DO NOT PUT VALUABLES IN BAGS.

The weather this time of year is VERY unpredictable. Last weekend, over 2 inches of snow fell on cyclist doing a ride in the north Georgia mountains. The weather can be wet and cold, or hot and sunny. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions.

Clothing should be placed in a secure, waterproof container (i.e. large trash bag, tied) with your name on it. We are not responsible for the contents, safety, security, or anything else regarding this bag. Suggested contents: change of clothing, shoes, towel, and light coat.

Route information

The route you are about to embark on was designed by cyclists, for cyclists. It is a point-to-point route from Helen, Georgia, to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. You will climb Hogpen gap first, then Jack’s gap, then Brasstown Bald, just like the pros did in the 2004 & 2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia. You will attain a unique perspective after your journey from watching the pros that have just climbed it in 2007.

We have designed this course to encompass low traffic roads with beautiful agricultural scenery. At points along the route you will have the joy of viewing the beautiful mountains in the foreground, which you will attack later in the day.

The 100 mile route has approximately 14,000 feet of climbing elevation. You will climb approximately 6,000 feet in the first 70 miles of the route. Once back in Helen, you will have the daunting task of climbing another 7,000-8,000 feet to get to the top of Brasstown Bald.

Before reaching Helen, Belton Bridge road has 10% – 15% graded sections. Hogpen Gap is approximately 8 miles long with grades of 15%+ at times. Brasstown Bald has mostly graded sections of 12% - 15%, with a section we nicknamed “The Wall” which exceeds a 25%+ in grade.

All riders will finish in the first parking lot atop Brasstown, not at the tower. Riders must make steady progress to be able to continue the ride. Riders who have not passed Ridge Road by 1 p.m. will be directed to turn onto Ridge Road and finish in Helen. Any rider that continues will not be considered part of the official ride. This is a distance of 80 miles in 6 hours. To make this cut off, we encourage consistent, steady progression.

Any rider caught descending Brasstown Bald on their bicycle will not be able to participate in next year’s event and subject to a fine. Helmets must be worn at all times.

We are pleased to have had so much help with the marking of this route. Special thanks to Tracy Saine of the Arrons cycling team and Eggy Beltran of the Free Flite cycling team. This is possibly one of the best marked rides in the Southeast.

The markings are all in yellow / gold spray paint using < > ^ type arrows in the road. At all turns the arrows are accompanied with a “BTC” (BrassTown Century). We have approximately 3 to 4 preparatory < > type arrows prior to the turn. We have one at the turn with BTC, and one ^ type arrow after the turn to confirm that you are proceeding in the proper direction.

To assist in your ride, we have provided you with a complete Q-sheet (page 4). This Q-sheet not only has turn-by-turn road names and descriptions, it also has the mileage from turn-to-turn, as well as the total accumulation of mileage. We also included the location of the sag stops on the Q-sheet.


Sag stop locations and times
SS #1 - Approximately mile 23 in the parking lot of High County Antiques
Hours: Open at 8:15 a.m. and closing at 9:15 a.m.

SS #2 - Approximately mile 41 in the parking lot of the Group Springs Baptist Church at the intersection of Belton Bridge Rd. and Skitt Mtn. Rd.
Hours: Open at 9:20 a.m. and closing at 10:45 a.m.

SS#3 - Approximately mile 62 in front of the Nacoochee Valley Motel/Gas station at the corner of Hwy 17 and Alternate Hwy 255 (aka. Ben Huiett Rd).
Hours: Open at 10:20 a.m. and closing at 12:00 p.m.

Any rider who has not passed Ridge Road by 1 p.m. will be directed to turn onto Ridge Road and finish in Helen. Any rider that continues will not be considered part of the official ride.

SS#4 - Approximately mile 80 at the base of Hogpen Gap at the intersection of 75 South Alt. and Hwy 348, (aka Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy).
Hours: Open at 11:30 a.m. and closing at 2:00 p.m.

SS#5 – Approximately mile 87 at the top of Hogpen Gap in the main parking lot on the right.
Hours: Open at 11:30 a.m. and closing at 3:45 p.m.

SS#6 – Approximately mile 100 at the base of Brasstown Bald in the parking lot to the left prior to entering the gates.
Hours: Open at 12:00 p.m. and closing at 5:15 p.m.

SS#7 – Approximately mile 103 at the top of Brasstown Bald in the first main parking lot.
Hours: Open at 12:00 p.m. and closing at 5:15 p.m.








Your bike and rider number

The number you are assigned is extremely important.
• You must place the number on your bicycle and on your jersey.
Rider # is to be placed on the Left side of Jersey
• Make sure to keep your jersey number with you at all times.
• Century riders, make sure that you keep the number on your bike at all times as well.
• Your jersey number is the way to get yourself transported back to Helen from the top of Helen.
• Your bicycle number will insure it’s safe return from the top of Brasstown to Helen.
• Your arm bracelet will provide you with a meal at the restaurant.

You must present us with your jersey number in order to get your bike from the bike drop in Helen and to receive your meal in Helen.


Helen - Bike drop-off / Pick-up instructions


All bicycles taken from the top of Brasstown Bald will be dropped off in our secure area in Helen beside the La Cabana restaurant.

It is the rider’s responsibility to retrieve their bicycle from this secure area by presenting us with their jersey number.


Post-Ride Dinning

It is our pleasure at Surge Sports, Inc., to feed you after
your extremely challenging bicycle journey. You will be
able to enjoy fresh cooked to order food. La Cabana Mexican
restaurant is this year’s official Brasstown Bald Buster Century dining
facility. You will have your choice and a non-alcoholic
beverage. (Beer is available for purchase.)

La Cabana offers inside seating or take advantage of outside dining on the second story patio overlooking the serene Chattahoochee River. You can leisurely dine outside, while watching the hardworking volunteers unload your bike.

Rider tips

1. HYDRATION -- Make sure to start hydrating yourself several days before the event.

2. The week before the event, don’t get caught up in the ego-hammer fest of the weekday rides. Ride easy the entire week.

3. Make sure to get an extra couple of hours of sleep several days prior to Saturday by going to bed an hour or two earlier.

4. Make sure to eat a healthy portion of whole grains, whole wheat pasta, and proteins the week of the event.

5. Ride at a pace that is comfortable to you the entire day. Do not try to keep up with a group that is riding above your ability.

6. Pace yourself by forcing yourself to ride slower than you normally ride all day. Every time you look at your computer note your speed and force your self to slow up a couple of miles per hour. This will pay off on Hogpen Gap, Jacks Gap, and Brasstown Bald where you will need every ounce of energy left.

7. Drink and eat often, even if you don’t feel like it.

8. Stretch for several minutes every time you stop at a sag stop.

9. Have at least a 27 tooth cog on the back if not a bigger cog in the back.

10. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. It is GORGEOUS!

11. Mark your drop bag several times with your first and last name. Take a piece of duck
tape and wrap if around the entire bag. Then, use a sharpie and print your first and last
name repeatedly right on the duck tape. This way your name scrolls all the way around
your bag.





2007 Brasstown Bald Buster Century Safety Rules and Guidelines

1. Any rider caught not obeying all traffic laws will not be able to attend future events and asked to discontinue the event that day. In short, ALWAYS wear your helmet. Do NOT cross over the yellow line. You must obey ALL traffic signals to include stop signs.

2. Brasstown Bald -- Riders must continue wearing an approved bicycle helmet at all times. No rider shall cross over the yellow line and or center of the road for any reason. There will be no “shoe lacing” up any climb. Any rider caught in the lane of oncoming traffic will be asked to stop and walk their bike up the climb.

3. Obey all Laws -- Riders will follow all Georgia state laws, including not riding more than two abreast. If there is a vehicle approaching from the rear, all riders should form a single file line until such time that the vehicle has completely passed your group.

4. Quiting on Hogpen Gap -- If you cannot continue on Hogpen Gap, you may turn around and “coast” back to Helen on your bicycle. Please turn right on Ridge Road and follow the course markings to La Cabana restaurant.

5. Quitting on Brasstown Bald -- If you are on Brasstown Bald and can not continue. Please walk your bike up the rest of the way to the top. We will have sag wagons patrolling the mountain on a limited basis. Please begin walking UP the mountain, and we will get a sag to you as soon as possible.

6. Do not liter -- Any rider caught discarding trash along the route and not at the sag stops will not be welcomed back for next year’s event.


Parking
Overnight parking will be available in the parking lot next to the La Cabana restaurant. Please park at the far end of the parking lot -- furthest from the restaurant.

La Cabana Restaurant is located at:
8160 South Main St.
Helen, Ga 30545

People meeting you after your ride are welcome to park in this parking lot as well.

Thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to express our thank you for helping us raise money for the youth group of Powder Springs United Methodist Church & The International Christian Coalition Cycling Club.

We would also like to thank you for your patience and help in getting the third Brasstown Bald Buster Century event off of the ground. We hope you have a safe and fun ride.

Good Luck!

They did a pretty nice job. I don't have access to a printer at the moment but I'm glad that I got it in time to know that the start location has changed.

See ya'll there,

Michael

(survival guide)
Ride Start location:

The ride will officially kick off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 in the parking lot of the La Cabana Mexican Restaurant in Helen, Georgia located at:
8160 South Main St.
Helen, Ga 30545

Please note that the directions section of the website (http://www.brasstownbaldbustercentury.com/directions.htm) says we start at Fiesty BBQ, while the survival guide says La Cabana Mexican Restaurant… I’m assuming the survival guide is correct since it’s more recent. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to take along both addresses.

Well.....that didn't go as planned. Inadequate preparation coupled with an already difficult ride = ass in hand. I'm going to have to wait another year to be able to don my BBB jersey.

Big kudos to Jim, Mitch and the others that organized the ride. The SAGs were much better than last year. The route was the same as last year -- extremely well marked. I don't like to carry a route sheet. The ride is brutal. There is so much climbing in the first 75 miles that cutoff isn't the breeze I thought it was going to be. The wind seemed to be a larger player this year than last. However, it didn't affect the overall time leader. He waxed major ass at 5:33 besting the old mark by 33 minutes. I saw the guy after the ride and he sounded like he was going to hack his lungs out. Helluva rider.

The ride will be in June next year.

Michael

I’ve done it twice now. The course is, without a doubt, the toughest century course I’ve encountered.

The first 80 miles can be described as “rollers” but some are so steep that I had to go down to the small chain ring of my triple crank. Hogpen Gap (the toughest climb on the 6-Gap course) was tough, but I had a psychological advantage: I’d done it so many times that I knew what was coming after every bend – it’s a very familiar road to me. But around the time that I was climbing Hogpen, the sky turned ominously dark - :eek: – the air was cool and if we had gotten a lot of rain, I wouldn’t have been prepared – no way to stay warm. Luckily, it just sprinkled a bit.

But then, after climbing Jack’s Gap (another familiar 6-Gap climb) came the killer: the three miles remaining to the top of Brasstown Bald. After doing a full century (the total mileage is 103), riders have to do some of the most insane climbing imaginable without going off-road. Even with a triple, I had to walk on the really steep sections (which are supposedly 25% grades or higher).

Anyway, I finished about 15 minutes slower than last year.

The food at the Mexican restaurant (included in the fee) was great – best post-ride meal I’ve ever had.
:beer:

I and two friends drove down from Ohio. The route markings were great and the roads were in great shape too. Food stops got a bit redundant with the same peanut butter sandwiches and banannas but the staff was friendly and in a positive mood. Maybe rather than position the only GU gels at the base of Brasstown they should have had them also at the top of Hogpen. Not sure how much good they do you 3 miles from the finish. Oh yeah, please spank the volunteer at the top of Hogpen who described the remaining mileage to the base of Brasstown as "rolling" and leaving out the fact there is a serious climb in there. Helen was a pleasant surprise. I would rate Mountains of Misery as being more difficult overall and while nothing is as steep as the "Wall" the final climb up to Mountain Lake is harder than Brasstown. FYI, my friend who does Mt. Mitchell every year says the first 70 miles of that is similar to Brasstown but the final 30 of Brasstown is harder. Of the 10 people I saw on that steep section, all were pushing their bikes, as did I and I finished in the top 30. My friend stayed upright on his bike with a triple but he said his speed in that section was 1.7mph.

La Cabana's was great. Kudos to both of you for finishing. I'm relegated to next year status once again.

Michael

That was the toughest ride I have ever had the pleasure of finishing.

The "rollers" in the first 70+ miles of the day were larger than anything this Florida flatlander has ever ridden.

I had some serious doubts about my ability to finish while I was going up Hogpen but the decent helped wipe that from my mind. Jack's gap had me hating life again. You just get to the top of it and then you are at the base of Brasstown.

I probably spent too much time at the SAG stop at the base of Brasstown. It was really tough to get started again. I stayed on my bike (in and out of the saddle) until the grade got so steep that I couldn't turn over my pedals even when I was standing.

I guess I walked about 150yds. It was really difficult pushing my bike. I got back on and finished on the bike. I think I was third from the last. I came in before the 67 and 65 year old gentlemen.

There’s a poll in “Road Cycling” (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=293105) regarding the toughest century courses in the SE.

Brasstown is winning at the moment.:D