Join fellow Bike Forums riders for a great weekend of cycling in the Appalachian Mountains. We'll have two rides: a strength-testing half century on Saturday and a more leisurely 33 mile ride on Sunday.
Saturday evening there will be a dinner/get-together at a local restaurant. Details TBA.
Saturday ride:
Where: Start at the Pisgah Inn (http://www.pisgahinn.com/) (Google map (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&q=&om=1&z=12&ll=35.411158,-82.758293&spn=0.147741,0.342979))
When: 10 a.m., May 19
Ride description: The challenging "Pigeon Loop" route near Waynesville, NC. The mountainous loop begins heading downhill to Bethel, then climbs up to 5,600 ft on the Blue Ridge Parkway before descending back to the starting point. 50 miles, 4400 ft of climbing. Much of the climbing is in the 4-6% range.
RouteSlip map and profile
(http://www.routeslip.com/routes/21762)
Sunday ride:
Where: Start at Buncombe County environmental building in Woodfin (directions (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4247809&postcount=10), more directions (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4296739&postcount=37)) (Google map (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&q=&om=1&z=15&ll=35.645335,-82.596159&spn=0.018414,0.042872))
When: 10 a.m., May 19
Ride description: A mostly "flat" ride along the French Broad River into historic Marshall and back. 33-35 miles.
I've consolidated weekend details into one post. Please advise me of any needed corrections.
msheron, you have the list of people planning to participate?
VegaVixen
Hey, VV! Thanks for organizing that into one nice post! Now I finally understand exactly what the plans are. :)
:eek:
I am so gonna die! :cry:
wolfpack
both rides are beginning at the pisgah inn??? i've gotta change my reservations if that's the case!
Velo Vol
I am so gonna die! :cry:
Au contraire (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=4245817&postcount=438): "I climbed like I was flyin', descended like a speed demon. Felt I could have ridden forever."
No more sandbagging from you! ;)
BikeWNC
It was my impression that the Sunday ride would meet somewhere in Asheville. Since dinner Sat. night is in Asheville, it probably would be best to stay down there. Since I am not doing the Sunday ride, someone familiar with the area and the ride should coordinate the meeting point and time.
Velo Vol
I'm foggy on the specifics of the Sunday ride; that may need revised.
wolfpack
k - i emailed msheron asking for details. will post about sunday's ride when he gets back to me.
CycleMagic
OK, kids....I may be able to make the Sunday ride. I'll see how I feel after my california trip. I get home saturday evening. I'f I have enough energy to get up early and head up the mountain, you just may see me there. Has the start for Sunday been decided?
wolfpack
ok guys & gals, here's the info for the starting point for sunday's ride:
The ride will begin at 10 am at the meeting point. If everyone wants to get there at 9:30-9:45 that would be nice.
The ride will begin at the old Buncombe County environmental building in Woodfin. If you travel I-26 West/ Hwy. 19/23 North toward Weaverville, NC from downtown Asheville you go to the Elk Mountain Rd. exit which is just a few minutes north of downtown Asheville. At the top of the exit you go left and follow it until it t-intersects at River Road. There will be the big MDS plant in front of you there. Go right and the old county building will be just past PACE Analytical on the right that is fenced in. The building is at the top of the hill on the right and is a rock building. I will place a wooden stake in the ground with a orange painted tip to alert everyone. Thanks for doing this.
karen.
VegaVixen
OK, kids....I may be able to make the Sunday ride. I'll see how I feel after my california trip. I get home saturday evening. I'f I have enough energy to get up early and head up the mountain, you just may see me there. Has the start for Sunday been decided?
That's great news, CM! Sure hope you get a good night's rest. VV said the ride starts at 11am in the original post. Really hope you can make it! :D
Velo Vol
msheron is taking a Bike Forums sabbatical. He's a member at another forum and has posted regarding the ride on this thread (http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=84282). You can chat with him there.
Apparently, he's planning a 10 a.m start time on Sunday.
CycleMagic
ok guys & gals, here's the info for the starting point for sunday's ride:
The ride will begin at 10 am at the meeting point. If everyone wants to get there at 9:30-9:45 that would be nice.
The ride will begin at the old Buncombe County environmental building in Woodfin. If you travel I-26 West/ Hwy. 19/23 North toward Weaverville, NC from downtown Asheville you go to the Elk Mountain Rd. exit which is just a few minutes north of downtown Asheville. At the top of the exit you go left and follow it until it t-intersects at River Road. There will be the big MDS plant in front of you there. Go right and the old county building will be just past PACE Analytical on the right that is fenced in. The building is at the top of the hill on the right and is a rock building. I will place a wooden stake in the ground with a orange painted tip to alert everyone. Thanks for doing this.
karen.
HEY VELO VOL: just for tidiness sake, would you mind editing your OP with this latest information? thanks!
Liz
Velo Vol
I've linked to a Google map where I believe the building is. I don't see a "River Road" on it. I wounder if that's the same as Riverside Drive?
We should create a roll call list. Post what your plans are, and I'll update it.
I'm tentatively planning to drive over in the morning and do the Saturday ride.
wolfpack
my current plans:
drive up from raleigh friday afternoon, pisgah inn for the night, do saturday's "kill my legs" mountainous ride:)
after that ride, move on over to asheville for the evening. dinner with the group at a yet to be determined location.
do sunday's ride and then head home.
Roll Call List for Saturday: (to be updated as people respond)
wolfpack = karen
velovol = ?
bikeWNC = andy
Roll Call List for Sunday: (to be updated as people respond)
wolfpack = karen
cooperwx = jason
cyclemagic = liz (maybe)
cooperwx
I've linked to a Google map where I believe the building is. I don't see a "River Road" on it. I wounder if that's the same as Riverside Drive?
That is correct, Riverside Drive is the name of the road. The route will follow Riverside (NC 251) all the way to Marshall until the "Hill St." climb, then loop back and return along Riverside Dr.
We should create a roll call list. Post what your plans are, and I'll update it.
I will be at the Sunday ride, and probably the Saturday dinner.
cooperwx = Jason
cooperwx
For those still looking for accommodations: The Inn on Biltmore Estate starts at $329/nt, which includes admission to to the Biltmore Estate and grounds passes. I don't think many will be interested in all of that unless you're making a week of it.
The Crowne Plaza is normally probably about half that rate, but appears to be sold out. UNC-Asheville graduation weekend is the previous weekend, and Memorial Day is the following weekend, so I don't know anything specific going on, just a beautiful late-spring weekend, I guess!
The Biltmore Square area is probably the most convenient area to stay for these rides. This is at the intersection of I-26 and Hwy 191 (Brevard Rd). The Parkway is a mile south on 191, and the exit for the Sunday ride is just 9 miles north on I-26. The Comfort Suites are mentioned in the OP. There is also a Super 8, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn. (Hotel Map/Phone #s (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&latlongtype=findit&address=1000%20Brevard%20Rd&city=Asheville&state=NC&zipcode=28806%2d2249&country=US&latitude=%2bGQRvlF16fqd5XnK4%2faMlA%3d%3d&longitude=7lZ6sxtSB8y6MJoecaWgSA%3d%3d&cat=Hotels))
The hotels around the entrance to Biltmore Estate (I-40, Exit 50B; there's a DoubleTree, Residence Inn and a couple of others) are very nice, but more expensive than the Biltmore Square area.
CycleMagic
roll call: put me down for a maybe for sunday.
thanks,
Liz
BikeWNC
I will ride Sat. of course. Don't think I can do dinner attm. Sunday, I am doing the Fletcher Flyer Century in the Asheville area so I will not be on the Whiner's part of the ride. :(
Andy
Forgot to add... I live locally so I will be coming from home. I plan on leaving a box of supplies at 215 and the BRP in the morning on the way to the Pisgah Inn. Probably just water, gatorade powder, fig newtons and bananas.
Velo Vol
I was wondering about SAG stops. Will you be taking requests? ;)
BikeWNC
I was wondering about SAG stops. Will you be taking requests? ;)
If you want it you had better carry it! There will be a store stop in Bethel to top up on whatever. Also, there is water available on 215 at the campground and from a spring.
Velo Vol
If you want it you had better carry it! I thought this was a fully supported ride. :(
What a glorious East Tennessee ride I had this evening. After being MIA for most of the month, spring finally returned. :) 68F, partly cloudy, a light breeze--awesome. A few times I felt like bursting out in song.
I I did a 32-mile route featuring three ridges and gently rolling terrain. Not enough climbing to simulate mountain climbing, but enough to work the legs.
I hope to ramp up the mileage in the next few weeks.
3MTA3
i'll be back in michigan standing in my cousin's wedding... sigh. maybe i should get him to reschedule. i'm sure his fiance would understand.
cooperwx
I hope to ramp up the mileage in the next few weeks.
Yeah, Brian, I'm looking for longer commuting routes to up my mileage. I also hope to get in at least one 30 mile ride in before our Sunday ride. I'm hoping that when I shed my fenders, rack and rack trunk, it'll allow me to extend my distance.
Still, you guys watch for me dropping out of the pack around mile 20. I'm gonna need some encouragement.
What a group we're going to have...mountain roadies, flatlanders, racers, at least one commuter. We need to get some mtb's out there to complete the group!
Velo Vol
Only three people are riding Saturday?
BikeWNC
Only three people are riding Saturday?
I'm pretty sure both msheron and VegaVixon are riding both Sat and Sun. Also garys01 (sp?) on Sat.
msheron has the list though.
wolfpack
guess i need to email msheron and get the "official list" so i can edit the posting...
BikeWNC
guess i need to email msheron and get the "official list" so i can edit the posting...
That would be great, if you don't mind. Thanks.
Velo Vol
I still have the last e-mail sent out (with addresses). It might not be a bad idea for someone to send out an update/reminder, since I'm not sure if everyone is following this thread.
There's a little bit of an organizational issue here, as he got the ball rolling on this, but is presently not using BF.
wolfpack
Well, you can do it or send it to me and I can. Doesn't matter, but we need to do a reminder since, like you said, not everyone will be following this thread.
K
wolfpack
hey guys, one other thing....i saw a SoCal Leg Thread....be prepared to have pictures taken of your legs of steel on saturday or sunday so we can have a W&W leg thread too :)
BikeWNC
hey guys, one other thing....i saw a SoCal Leg Thread....be prepared to have pictures taken of your legs of steel on saturday or sunday so we can have a W&W leg thread too :)
Maybe after the big climb when they are pumped up? I need all the help I can get.
Velo Vol
Legs of steel? More like legs of gel.
I just hope there aren't any arm muscle pictures. :o
BikeWNC
I vote we do it Sunday. ;)
BikeWNC
hey guys, one other thing....i saw a SoCal Leg Thread....be prepared to have pictures taken of your legs of steel on saturday or sunday so we can have a W&W leg thread too :)
I was laying around waiting for the peloton to ride through up on Brasstown Bald and I remembered Wolfpack and her leg fetish. So I snapped a pic.
hey guys, i started a new thread for a roll call...
msheron
Sabbatical.............:) I like that. Only here long enough to post the details of where to meet for the Sunday ride. I felt bad like I was abandoning my friends. Here goes:
Take I-26 West/ 19/23 North towards Weaverville/Mars Hill from downtown Asheville on I-240.
Go to the Elk Mountain Rd. exit.
At the top of the ramp make a left and travel until it dead ends at a T-intersection.
At the intersection make a right turn on River Rd. and travel about 400 yds. or so and look to your right for a orange blazed tip wooden stake and go up that drive and parking is behind or the more like the side of the building. I will be there early and we begin riding at 10 am!
See you guys at the Saturday ride and once again I will make maps for those at the end of Sat. rides to give to those riding Sunday.
See you guys in about 3 weeks.
rm -rf
Am I the only old flatlander doing the Saturday ride? Come on, you can do it! Just pace yourself on the climb.
I'm going to set a pace where I can enjoy the ride, and the fast climbers can go on ahead, the route is easy to follow. I've been doing my equivalent of a long climb, by hanging on the back of the local race club's long tempo rides. And we do have 300 foot hills with 6% grades here (and some 10% or 18% climbs). So that's 'only' 9 or 10 of these climbs in a row.
I won't be able to stay for the Saturday dinner or the Sunday ride.
BikeWNC
Am I the only old flatlander doing the Saturday ride? Come on, you can do it! Just pace yourself on the climb.
I'm going to set a pace where I can enjoy the ride, and the fast climbers can go on ahead, the route is easy to follow. I've been doing my equivalent of a long climb, by hanging on the back of the local race club's long tempo rides. And we do have 300 foot hills with 6% grades here (and some 10% or 18% climbs). So that's 'only' 9 or 10 of these climbs in a row.
I won't be able to stay for the Saturday dinner or the Sunday ride.
I know of several other "flatlanders" that will be on the Sat. ride. And you're right, the route is easy to follow. If you don't count the first and last turns out of/into the parking lot, there are only 5 turns on the whole 52 miles.
Beware of those flatlanders, they might whine a lot, but something tells me they won't be weezing their way up the hill. :) This is a social ride, not a race, though differences in gearing may determine individual pace.
VegaVixen
My smallest gear is 39-25. So I'll be pantin' and wheezin' up them thar hills alright. :o
BikeWNC
My smallest gear is 39-25. So I'll be pantin' and wheezin' up them thar hills alright. :o
You could get a 12-27 Ultegra cassette to use on more hilly rides. It's about half the price of a DuraAce cassette and might make the climbing a bit easier for you.
VegaVixen
I do plan to get a "mountain" cassette. ;)
Either that or do "hill" repeats up Morrow Mountain to prepare myself. :rolleyes:
Velo Vol
My rig is 39x25. Plus it weighs several more pounds than your space-age rocket ship. Sigh.
BikeWNC
My rig is 39x25. Plus it weighs several more pounds than your space-age rocket ship. Sigh.
Well, I guess I'm the one that's in trouble then. I need a 12-27 cassette to get up that hill. :o
CycleMagic
I do plan to get a "mountain" cassette. ;)
Either that or do "hill" repeats up Morrow Mountain to prepare myself. :rolleyes:
OR......come up to Wilkesboro and ride the RAW on the 5th...:D
Velo Vol
I need a 12-27 cassette to get up that hill.
"That hill"? Is there a surprise waiting for us along the route?
Note to self: Beware if BikeWNC takes an abrupt turn onto a narrow side road with an evil grin on his face.
BikeWNC
"That hill"? Is there a surprise waiting for us along the route?
Note to self: Beware if BikeWNC takes an abrupt turn onto a narrow side road with an evil grin on his face.
No surprises. But I don't like my cadence to get much below 70 if I can help it. Not for long anyway. And the longer the total ride is the more that becomes important. There are several sections where my cadence could dip into the low 50s on this ride, if I let it. ;)
Velo Vol
To a large extent, I'm a stand-and-mash type climber--a habit I acquired early on and still have not shaken.
cooperwx
If you have to stop and walk, is your cadence ZERO?
Velo Vol
Heh. If our trusty guide makes a comment about a climb not being bad, consider that this is a picture he took of his front yard: