Southeast - Southeastern BF Members - Fall Ride in North Carolina Mountains

Ok,

I am going to try to organize a ride for this fall for some of the Southeastern BF members. I didn’t get to participate in the last one due to an injury, so I wanted to try to get up to the Asheville, NC area again and try to meet some of you guys/gals from the Southeastern area.

Here’s what I’m proposing: Getting together with some BF members in the Asheville area for a ride of half a century or so (100k max) on a Saturday. Then if there’s any interest, a ride on Sunday morning, which will be 25-35 miles in length and much flatter than Saturday’s ride (if that’s possible). I was thinking about doing this ride in October, but don’t have any particular weekend in mind. As far as my calendar looks, I’m good for any weekend of that month. I’m also open to waiting until the weekend of November 10, as I have the following Monday off:D

I won’t try to organize an after ride dinner, but will tell you what’s done on some of my rides – after the group ride on Wednesday’s that I sometimes participate in, we go over to the local Ale House and have dinner and beers and a little socializing. Of course, these rides are in the evenings so we’re not eating/drinking till around 8:30-9pm. We also get a group together after our winter rides to get a bite to eat, usually around 1-2pm. For this proposed ride, I’m thinking we could do a late lunch/ early dinner together, go to our respective hotels and get together the next morning for riding if people are interested.

BikeWNC has offered to help with the routes or can suggest a group ride in that area which we could join in. So, as far as routes, I’ll let him do that planning. Just remember, BikeWNC, that some of us are true flatlanders and are not too sure of our mountain goat climbing abilities, so plan accordingly:)

So, who’s interested???? I would think ya’ll should voice your interest soon so we can decide on a weekend and start making hotel reservations soon. Those rooms may be hard to come by at that time of year. When you reply to say that you are interested in joining the ride, how ‘bout letting me know what weekend in October is good for you. I think by the end of August, we need to have an idea as to which weekend we want to ride and get hotel reservations made…..

That’s all I can think of right now….any other suggestions/thoughts are welcomed!

Karen.

Good luck organizing. :)

I'm not sure about the "back" roads, but the traffic really increases on the popular routes as the fall foliage peaks.

I vote for an early date in order to beat the rush.

From my experience, late Sept. or early Oct. would be best. Veteran's Day weekend in Nov. might be good also but the days are getting cooler by then. Though it probably wouldn't be much cooler than the ride we did in May. The BRP in Oct. on the weekends is very busy and not fun to ride. Damn leaf-lookers need to get a life. There are other low traffic options out my way but the climbing is steep. If we're up to the challenge that's fine with me. We also have some great valley rides that are more hilly than mountainous. The problem is it would be a longer drive from the East for those living out that way. We can find the best option. There are always organized rides like the Tour de Tuck and Tour de Leaves.

WP, doesn't NCDOT get Columbus Day off?

nah...no Columbus Day off for us at DOT. my next holidays are Labor Day & Veteran's Day.

No info on Tour De Leaves from the DOT biking calendar.

Tour De Tuck has some brutal climbing in my opinion - "The 105-mile ride has approximately 11,000 feet of elevation gain with a vertical mile between the high and low points on the route." and "The 60-mile route has approximately 6,800 feet of elevation gain with over 25 miles of riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway." yea, Jackson county...i'm not capable of doing that i don't think.

It may be that me & Vega, Cyclemagic, and a couple of others come up and do a ride with you BWNC. We'll see who replies in the next month or so and if not many are interested, then maybe the few of us who wanna come up and ride can make the trip up there.

Jackson County, I know it well cause that's where I live. The 60 miler on the Tour de Tuck is a ride I do from my house. It goes over the mountain behind us. Great ride but it does have a lot of sustained climbing. The valley riding around Franklin in Macon County is great too. None of the hills are very long unless you want to climb out of the valley. We'll find something to ride that works for everyone. Another option is to do a Friday evening ride on the BRP. I do a nice climb that takes anywhere from 45 min to an hour with great views when I don't have a lot of time. The grades aren't too bad and the hill rolls to the top so it is not always up.

Wherever we decide to ride it would be fun to get on the BRP if only for a short evening ride. Everyone should get to ride up there at least once if coming up this way.

man...you live way the hell out there! that's out around sylva; long drive from the raleigh area! i sorta thought you were more towards the asheville area for some reason.

man...you live way the hell out there! that's out around sylva; long drive from the raleigh area! i sorta thought you were more towards the asheville area for some reason.
4:15 drive to West Raleigh.

blue ridge parkway ftw.

oh & wolfpack- you work at the DOT? we should talk tonight... ;)

3mta3 - i won't be there tonight and yea i'm a DOT employee (hydraulics engineer). i'm gonna stick close to home & ride. 'sides, ive gotta get this fixed gear bike a box so i can get it shipped out tomorrow. may not get a ride in tonight...gotta find the box asap.

I'm interested, although I'm not very familiar with anything around Asheville. I ride with my GF around Sylva and Bryson City NC - a bit to the west. I'll keep checking back here in the meantime!

thanks

Hey, Wolfpack I didn't get to make the spring ride either. I'd love to do a fall ride and meet some of the people from here. The last 2 weekends in Oct. are good for me. Keep me informed.

I would really be into this. My wife is from Asheville (and rides), we visit her folks every couple of months but never bring the bikes along.

I am interested in joining in. I'll keep an eye on this thread for updates. Thanks Wolfie and BWNC for working on this!

Bikewnc: I ride around cullowhee and sylva when I'm up to see my in-laws, gets me out of the house and out of trouble...

I ride cullowhee mtn, ellijay, tilley creek and some mountain off caney fork. Any flatter routes you know for recovery would be appreciated. The only one I know of is caney fork which is not a lot of exploring and had dog issues.

Can't make an asheville ride in the fall, baby on the way. While you guys are planning there is a good site for climb data in the region: http://www.mountainmapper.com/sarc.htm They've got maps of several climbs around asheville and west for you to try to get in on a route. Stay safe out west, pretty country and good riding, just watch out for dogs on mountains, I've got some stories there.

The view from the top is always better if you got there on your own power :)

Bikewnc: I ride around cullowhee and sylva when I'm up to see my in-laws, gets me out of the house and out of trouble...

I ride cullowhee mtn, ellijay, tilley creek and some mountain off caney fork. Any flatter routes you know for recovery would be appreciated. The only one I know of is caney fork which is not a lot of exploring and had dog issues.

Can't make an asheville ride in the fall, baby on the way. While you guys are planning there is a good site for climb data in the region: http://www.mountainmapper.com/sarc.htm They've got maps of several climbs around asheville and west for you to try to get in on a route. Stay safe out west, pretty country and good riding, just watch out for dogs on mountains, I've got some stories there.

The view from the top is always better if you got there on your own power :)
I haven't had any dog problems on Caney Fork for a while. There used to be a dog just before the John's Creek climb that was bad but it may be gone now. I still look for him when I ride up there.

The Ring of Fire, Cullowhee Mtn, Elijay, Tilley and Walnut Ck is a great ride either way you do it. I think that ride would be a bit much for the flatlanders. At least it would be a real eye opener.

Flat rides are always a challenge around here. That is the one thing we lack. You can ride along the Tuck River from Cullowhee to Dillsboro and there are a couple of loops that way. You can also ride from Dillsboro to Sylva and up Skyland Dr. until the hill starts going up to the BRP. Mainly the flat rides are along the river though all the way to Bryson City. There are several roads that parallel US 74 out that way.

Howdy Ya'll,
I'm from Knoxville and am kinda new to riding in the area. This sounds like a fun weekend of riding-and no entry fee to boot! Either of the last two weekends in October or anytime in November work for me. Heck-I'd even be up for a "chilly hilly" type thing in December on the Parkway. What about riding further East on the Parkway near Linville or Mt. Mitchell ? I rode Mt. Mitchell and B2B in 2006 and was amazed at the riding-sweet! Or it could be cool to stay @ Hot Springs and Camp and soak and ride-save some $$. I think they have some cabins too. If anyone is up for riding the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway I'm only about an hour away-I can ride to the Dragon from my house (though not in an hour!)-I would be up for helping get something together for that. Only thing is I think it's further away from Raleigh... I do recall a ride called The Fletcher Flyer billing itself as a relatively flat Century@ 4400ft of climbing around Asheville so maybe we could incorporate some of their route??

Grateful,
Dave

Hi Gratefulrider. Do you live in South Knoxville or Blount County?

... I do recall a ride called The Fletcher Flyer billing itself as a relatively flat Century@ 4400ft of climbing around Asheville so maybe we could incorporate some of their route??

Grateful,
Dave

I think this is a good idea. It's the flattest area of the mountains, and close to I-26 & I-40 (both good things for flatlanders visiting from out of town). Maybe we could get a tour of the Cane Creek HQ!

Hi Gratefulrider. Do you live in South Knoxville or Blount County?

Hola,
I live near West High School not too far from the Greenway. I ride mostly on the Blvd,and in Blount, and Sevier Counties as well.

I think this is a good idea. It's the flattest area of the mountains, and close to I-26 & I-40 (both good things for flatlanders visiting from out of town). Maybe we could get a tour of the Cane Creek HQ!
What's the point of everyone coming up to the mountains if we're going to look for the flattest route available? The hills are what make this area so great for riding. Just one point of view.

If you ask Velo Vol and rm-rf about our May ride I think they would say the climb up NC 215 wasn't too bad. While it's true Velo Vol is used to the hills, rm-rf is from the Cincy area. He said that was the most climbing he had ever done. He didn't seem to have a problem.

I agree with BikeWNC , whats the point of going to the mountains to ride flat roads. At least
a little part of the parkway would be nice.

For me there are two main reasons to ride in the mountains:

(1) Great scenery
(2) The challenge of climbing (optional)

I've not ridden the Fletcher Flyer route, but I have done another ride in that area. As I recall, the mountain scenery there isn't nearly as pronounced as other places. As roadrider and BikeWNC said, if we're going to meet in the mountains, why not ride in the mountains?

I did a loop off the Blue Ridge Parkway with BikeWNC and didn't find it particularly strenuous. Your results may vary. But it's worth noting that this is a social ride, not a race. So there's wrong with taking a break should you need a breather along the way.

Gratefulrider, you drive faster than I do if you can make it to the Skyway in an hour. ;) If you ride Cherokee Boulevard in the evenings, you've probably seen me, as I typically ride there once a week.

well, i for one, am not gonna drive 4.5-5hr to ride flat terrain. i have plenty of that here. that being said, i also don't want something that's too challenging, as i don't want to mess the knee up any. and, since it will be a social ride, you guys won't mind too much should i have to stop and take a breather on these climbs :D

What's the point of everyone coming up to the mountains if we're going to look for the flattest route available?

OK, OK, just a suggestion :o . The flattest route here is still more challenging than the flatlands (and more scenic), and I think people bailed on the last ride 'cause the hills looked too daunting. But vertical roads it is...

well, i for one, am not gonna drive 4.5-5hr to ride flat terrain. i have plenty of that here. that being said, i also don't want something that's too challenging, as i don't want to mess the knee up any. and, since it will be a social ride, you guys won't mind too much should i have to stop and take a breather on these climbs :D

I'm not that much farther away, 6 hours from Cincinnati to Asheville. That was a great ride last May.

I really enjoy the riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the grades aren't too steep, and the curves are wide. So the the uphills and downhills are both great. And the overlooks are a good excuse to take a short break.

For example, I rode near Mt Airy, NC on my way home, a 48 mile out and back on the BRP. This amount of climbing would be doable for most riders. It started at a lower elevation and climbed to the turnaround point, so the second half had a lot more downhill sections. Here's the route map (http://www.routeslip.com/routes/42876).

Any time before the fall color season would be good for me. It'll be a lot warmer than it was in May, and the traffic should be reasonable. I'm heading to North Carolina sometime in the fall to visit relatives, so I should be able to make the ride.

But vertical roads it is...
Vertical roads? Well, we could incorporate this one (http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nc/maggie-valley/595424627) into the route. It's only a two mile climb. ;)

[Check out the elevation profile.]

Again I won't be able to make it up there when the consensus wants to ride. I might have made it up for the last one if you guys could have waited for Memorial Day weekend! November for Vet's Day weekend or Thanksgiving has a slight chance for me, but by then the weather if iffy. It would be silly to wait until then to schedule the ride.:( Last Thanksgiving weekend was pretty nice.:)

The idea of a BRP ride makes a lot of sense. It will have some climbing, but the flatlanders should be able to do it without too much trouble or needing major equipment changes. The climbs are not too steep and the descents are mostly sweeping curves instead of sharp switchbacks. Much of the pain (steep climbing) and danger (technical descents) are removed from the ride. And the view is to die for if it isn't clouded up/hazy.

Veteran's Day weekend would be alright with me. I'm probably out of town the last two weekends in Oct. anyway. That doesn't mean you can't do the ride during that time if that's what works best. Besides, I would advise against the BRP on any Oct. weekend. There are just too many leaf lookers on the road for it to be enjoyable.

I won't be ready this fall, as I am recovering from achilles surgery. But I'll be up for one next spring if we do it! I'm in Raleigh area, but love any excuse to get to the mountains.

personally, i'm leaning more towards the november time (vetern's day weekend), as i've been one of those leaf lookers in the past and it's a ton of traffic during october. if no one is interested in doing a group ride that late, that's fine with me. i'd still like to come up some time this year and do some sort of ride with BikeWNC and any others that can make it.

if this fall thing isn't feasible, then we could plan for a spring ride again. maybe with a little more notice (like now) we could plan better to have time off from work or whatever to do a nice ride in the spring...just a thought

When does the fall color season start? I rode to Linn Cove, near Blowing Rock, NC on Sept 27, 2006. There were no leaves starting to turn color there. Temperatures were in the 60s all day. It was a weekday, and I saw about one car every 10 minutes.

A late September or first week in October ride would be warmer than a November ride.


Viewing Dates: Good viewing in higher elevations begins the first week in October. The fall viewing season usually peaks the third week in October and rides the wave south through the first of November.

From this web page (http://fall.about.com/od/travelvacations/ss/best_fall_spots_3.htm) on fall color in North Carolina.

Maybe we could get an Atlanta group together and head up. How far a drive is it?

Having been through this process once before, I don't believe there's ever a "good" weekend for one of these rides. There's always conflicts. You just have to pick a date that works for a few people and hope for the best.

Traffic is going to be heavier the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weekends in October. I suggest going before that, because the weather odds are better. Things are more iffy in November. But I'm close enough that I can do the latter if it's not too cold or wet (yes, I'm a winter wimp).

Alright guys/gals, I'm gonna propose the following weekends for riding. I can put it into a poll if that would be better (just let me know).

Choices:
- September 29/30
- October 6/7
- November 10/11/12 (Veteran's Day weekend)

Velo Vol is correct - we can't have a date that will please everyone and avoid conflicts, so we'll pick from those listed above and whoever can make it will make it (prefer that BikeWNC is available for one of those weekends, as he will be our guide:)). I will ride in the cold but I won't ride in the rain - so if the forcast is for rain on whatever date is chosen, then I won't be there. We could use one of the weekends not chosen as a rain date if needed.

So, do I need to do this as a poll???

Hi, I just found this thread, I live in the south Asheville area, and would enjoy a group ride. Due to other events, Oct 6,7 would be best for me. My second choice would be Veterans Day wkend. Weather would be a crap-shoot, I run a trail race the first weekend in Nov., and its been 40-something and rainy, and its been in the 70's.

Normal temps in Asheville for the weekends proposed:

Sept 29/30: Hi 72, Lo 50
Oct 6/7: Hi 70, Lo 47
Nov 10-12: Hi 60, Lo 37

That's at 2100ft. Most of the parkway is above 3000ft.

October is the driest month of the year, on average.

source (http://www.erh.noaa.gov/gsp/climate/climatology/climatology.htm)

If you guys end up doing this in August I'd be interested in it, I'm coming down to Durham, NC from NH on Aug 17 and will be there till the 19th. Looking at moving down there before the winter so will be going down to get some riding in and get an idea of the area.

From the above choices, I vote:

(1) September 29/30

(2) October 6/7

(3) November 10/11/12

Clearly, there's a weather risk in November. Out of curiosity, I looked back at last year's data. On November 10 the high was 73 (nice). But on November 3 the high was only 49 (chilly). Those temperatures are here in the valley. Subtract a few degrees in the mountains.

Weather will always be a risk in the mountains not matter the time of year. We had perfect cool stable weather in May but you never know from day to day. Typically, Oct is a dry month with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Some years I ride long distances on the BRP well into Dec. Last year we had snow around Thanksgiving up there. So the best bet is to pick a date that works for the most people and adjust the ride for the weather on the day of.

I would like to take people on some of the rides in Jackson and Macon Counties but I think I would have a mutiny on my hands on the first climb. :rolleyes: We have some great back roads but the climbs are steep by BRP standards. Not anything that can't be done but they would require a positive attitude to enjoy. I love those roads but not everyone would appreciate the challenge as I do.

So pick a weekend and tell me the type of ride you want to do (mountain, valley, all BRP, all of those. I'll come up with some suggestions and we'll go from there. The 3 day weekend would be good for those travelling from afar. But Sept. would be good too. I really would avoid the BRP in Oct. but we can ride elsewhere. We can also do a short evening ride on the BRP when traffic is not an issue.

Mutiny? Who could object over a nice ride in the mountains?

From a link you posted on another thread, how is this route (http://www.motionmakersbikes.com/html/waterrock-cherokee_loop.html)? Looks like a mountain at the beginning, then not much climbing the last 30 miles.

Mutiny? Who could object over a nice ride in the mountains?

From a link you posted on another thread, how is this route (http://www.motionmakersbikes.com/html/waterrock-cherokee_loop.html)? Looks like a mountain at the beginning, then not much climbing the last 30 miles.

Ah, the Big Loop as I call it. I did the first half of it yesterday. It is a great ride but it does have 6000' of climbing. Also, there is a short section of busy 4 lane road to ride. But, it would be a fun day if everyone was up for it. It is basically the metric ride for the Tour de Tuck in September. I did the whole loop a couple of weeks ago solo. It takes me just under 4 hours at a comfortable pace.

As a reference Velo Vol, I would say the Pigeon Loop we did in May is easier than the Waterrock Loop (Big Loop). The Pigeon Loop is 52 miles and 4500' while the Big Loop is 59 miles and 6000'. The Big Loop takes me 30 minutes longer to ride and has a longer climb (4000' ascent).

Maybe we could get an Atlanta group together and head up. How far a drive is it?

That all depends on where the rides would start. I can get to downtown, Georgia Aquarium, in about 2:30 from Sylva.

OK, let's nail this down some. I propose we meet in Dillsboro, NC. There are a couple of hotels right there for lodging and some restaurants in town. Whatever weekend is chosen, I suggest for the early arrivers a short ride on the river road on Friday evening (flat), a mountain ride (BRP) on Sat. and a valley ride on Sunday. If the 3 day weekend in Nov. works we can do a short BRP ride on Monday.

Proposed rides.

Friday evening about 6pm. Ride from Dillsboro along the Tuckasiegee River to Cullowhee and back about 1-1.5 hours. Easy pace.
Sat. 9am ride on the BRP. We can do an out and back on the BRP or a loop (longer). About 40-60 miles.
Sun. 10am ride in the Little Tenn. River Valley. Rolling, moderate terrain, very scenic, about 30 miles or so. Could do more miles if people wanted.

How does that sound?

Mutiny? Who could object over a nice ride in the mountains?

From a link you posted on another thread, how is this route (http://www.motionmakersbikes.com/html/waterrock-cherokee_loop.html)? Looks like a mountain at the beginning, then not much climbing the last 30 miles.

dang Velo Vol...you know what all those routes from that link look like to this flatlander???? those are HC category climbs!! yikes:eek:

dang Velo Vol...you know what all those routes from that link look like to this flatlander????Actually, I don't. ;)

But plenty of flatlanders invade this region to do mountainesque organized rides, so apparently it's manageable. Just take it slow and steady and eventually you reach the top.

BikeWNC, did you do the full Tour de Tuck last year? I glanced over the website--looks kind of tough. It lists 11,000 feet of climbing.

Actually, I don't. ;)

But plenty of flatlanders invade this region to do mountainesque organized rides, so apparently it's manageable. Just take it slow and steady and eventually you reach the top.

BikeWNC, did you do the full Tour de Tuck last year? I glanced over the website--looks kind of tough. It lists 11,000 feet of climbing.

No, I was out of town last year during that ride. I doubt I will do the full century this year as my leg hasn't fully recovered from Mitchell. I can tell you that the Tour de Tuck is one ride that does not exagerate the elevation gain. The BRP alone between Cherokee and NC 215 has about 8000' of climbing.

There are some local events going on for the dates in question.

Sept. 29/30 in Cullowhee is the Mountain Heritage Day Festival. This craft fair brings a bit of traffic to the area but may be of interest to spouses and kids.

Oct 6 there is a small antique fair in Dillsboro

For people bringing family there is the Smoky Mtn Railway. It has a dining train that leaves Dillsboro at 7:30pm. On Oct 6 will be the Octoberfest menu and Nov 10 the Biltmore Estate wine/dinner train. The Polar Express train starts in Bryson City on Nov 9-Dec 23. The train runs everyday for regular rides.

There is whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River about 35 minutes away.

Great Smoky NP is 25 minutes away.

Some people find Harrah's Casino an attraction. :rolleyes:

I vote for the 3 day weekend in Nov. that BikeWNC suggested.
Seems to have something for everyone.

I originally thought I would not be able to do it, but I will be in Cullowhee on the weekend of the 29th. I'm obligated to family time but may be able to squeeze in an early AM ride on Sat and/ or Sun. So I vote for that weekend, but

To the flatlanders scared by the mountains bikeWNC mentions. I'm not going to lie, they're tough, but it's more a mental challenge (provided you have the right gears). Anyone that tells you a triple is for wusses doesn't ride mountains regularly. For instance the sylva shop when I was in there stocks the vast majority of road bikes with a triple and made the comment to me that there are very few who don't need them around Sylva.

The best way to be introduced to mountains is in a group that can motivate and inspire you. My first crack at them was solo and I had issues getting to the top, I then trained with some friends and did well. From there I'm hooked on climbing mountains and know how to mentally ride them. They're a blast, make you appreciate the TdF, Giro, etc more, and always good for BS stories later on. Also you get to descend and pass cars :)

I'd reccomend climbing mountains and this is a perfect opportunity. Any flatlander wants training tips let me know.