I'll be there for the Friday ride, and dinner Friday. I'm driving to Sanford NC after the ride on Saturday, so I'll miss the Saturday dinner.

Grilled sounds good for me, too.

BikeWNC: where is the Friday ride starting location? And do you have a BRP mile marker for the Saturday start?

The Friday ride will start in Dillsboro. The exact meeting place to be determined.

The Sat. ride will start at the overlook on the North side of the Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel. It is at mp marker 439.4 +/-.

BikeWNC, I'm staying at the Pisgah Inn. Is the Saturday ride 35-40 miles, or is it longer? I can leave a water and/or food stash near our turnaround, since I'm driving from the north to the ride start. (I was thinking it was 50 miles in my post above.)

Thanks again for announcing this ride. I'm looking forward to it.

BikeWNC, I'm staying at the Pisgah Inn. Is the Saturday ride 35-40 miles, or is it longer? I can leave a water and/or food stash near our turnaround, since I'm driving from the north to the ride start. (I was thinking it was 50 miles in my post above.)

Thanks again for announcing this ride. I'm looking forward to it.

The official length of the ride is about 34 miles but we can easily add some miles if people want. I was planning for the turn around to be at the Devil's Courthouse Overlook but if some want to ride through the tunnel to Graveyard Fields and back that would be good to. I think that would add 8 miles for 42 total. If we have a few riders that want to stretch their legs ;) that would be a good place to do it. There is also a steep climb on the spur road into the Black Balsam Knob parking area. Unfortunately, that road is in really bad shape and so is a pain to ride.

I wanted to add that in the past the ride from tunnel to tunnel, 34 miles, takes about 2:30 to ride at a comfortable conversational pace for me. Extending the ride to Graveyard fields would add perhaps 40 minutes more. I can ride it faster but I think those are reasonable times for a social group ride +/- 10%. Add stops for pictures, breaks, lunch, oxygen, whatever to those times. :)

One final thing. The elevation gain for the 34 mile ride is about 3800'. Add another 1000' for the ride to Graveyard Fields and back for near 5000' in 42 miles. Max grades are about 7% and the longest length of any individual climb is around 3 miles though many are much shorter.

sheesh. BWNC, ya gotta quit telling everyone the elevation gain:eek:. And, your 2:30 for 34mi...did you remember to account for the fact that we rode at a conversational pace and I couldn't converse at all????? Maybe I should bring myself an oxygen tank along for the ride so I'll be able to converse:rolleyes:.

sheesh. BWNC, ya gotta quit telling everyone the elevation gain:eek:. And, your 2:30 for 34mi...did you remember to account for the fact that we rode at a conversational pace and I couldn't converse at all????? Maybe I should bring myself an oxygen tank along for the ride so I'll be able to converse:rolleyes:.

Well, I could do it around 2 hours but that's not a conversational pace. No worries on the elevation gain. It comes and it goes. Just keep pedaling along, singing a song. :)

I was really just kiddin' ya know. :)

The latest list as I know it.
If past results are an indicator of the future performance, seven maybes might equal one actual person.

Is Graveyard Fields where parkway rangers bury spent cyclists?

My status is still up in the air. Friday is most likely for me, saturday is out, sunday a maybe. Friday I will likelyride from cullowhee and find you guyson the road or in dillsboro.

I will be in cullowhee, but the ride times somewhat conflict with other activities. Hope to see some people when I'm there.

Hey kids!

Have specific start/meeting locations been decided for each day?

ALSO, I just want to clarify that I will survive if I use my compact crankset....right???

The Friday evening ride will start in the Dillsboro area, exact start yet TBD, at 6pm roll out.

The Saturday ride will meet at mp 439.4 +/- on the BRP at the first overlook on the North side of the Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel about 4 miles North of the 74/23 intersection at Balsam Gap. 10am roll out.

The Sunday ride will be in Macon county ner the town of Franklin. For those heading back East after the ride we can meet in Dillsboro or Sylva and carpool to the start about 25 minutes drive. Those heading towards Atlanta can just drive down. The exact route TBD by the group after the Sat. ride as we have several option available. We should plan for a early roll out for those that have long drives home.

I think you will be fine with a compact crank. What is your cassette ratio?

Saturday starts at 10? (the OP said 0900) Personally, 1000 start works better for FormulaUgh and me as we will be driving up from Hick-town.

I'm riding 12:27. Will that work?

Saturday starts at 10? (the OP said 0900) Personally, 1000 start works better for FormulaUgh and me as we will be driving up from Hick-town.

I'm riding 12:27. Will that work?

Yes, the ride starts at 10am but we will meet in town at 9am to go up to the BRP. So you can meet us there to be ready to ride at 10.

12/27 is what you need. Remember, we're not racing. Wolfpack had the same gearing and survived. Do you plan to stay for Sunday?

I think if we leave Hicktown by 0700 (not much earlier than we leave to ride in Morganton), then that should give us plenty of time to get there for the meet up.

That would be fine if you people were racing; I'd still just be along for the ride.:D

We aren't planning on staying overnight, so will probably just do the Saturday ride with you'uns. Are there rest stops built in to the ride such as a place to buy waters and do the potty thing if needed?

I think if we leave Hicktown by 0700 (not much earlier than we leave to ride in Morganton), then that should give us plenty of time to get there for the meet up.

That would be fine if you people were racing; I'd still just be along for the ride.:D

We aren't planning on staying overnight, so will probably just do the Saturday ride with you'uns. Are there rest stops built in to the ride such as a place to buy waters and do the potty thing if needed?

There are no services of any kind on this stretch of the BRP. The water spring that we use is dry from the drought. So we will need to carry what we need. rm-rf has volunteered to make a supply cache as he drives in to the start in the morning. So there will be something out there somewhere. What I don't know.

As far as restrooms... well the bears poop in the woods (also all over the road), so when in Rome...

umm, CM, the potty thing is the ole skool farm girl raised way...find yo'self a tree, bush, etc and squat:D

i used a 34/27 (compact) on just about all of the BRP riding i've done and, tho i'm slow, it's do-able with that.

BikeWNC has informed me that i'm domestique(sp?) for him on this ride, so i'll be carrying some water for me, ummm, i mean BikeWNC...go figure:rolleyes:

wilderness peeing. check. no problem.

45 mile ride, bring enough water. check. no problem. Thanks for the head's up

umm, CM, the potty thing is the ole skool farm girl raised way...find yo'self a tree, bush, etc and squat:D

i used a 34/27 (compact) on just about all of the BRP riding i've done and, tho i'm slow, it's do-able with that.

BikeWNC has informed me that i'm domestique(sp?) for him on this ride, so i'll be carrying some water for me, ummm, i mean BikeWNC...go figure:rolleyes:

I like how you are so agreeable WP.

The woman I rode with yesterday carried an extra bottle that she shared with me. I'm starting to get used to having a domestique when I ride. :)

sounds like SOMEONE is getting spoiled....!

I like how you are so agreeable WP.

The woman I rode with yesterday carried an extra bottle that she shared with me. I'm starting to get used to having a domestique when I ride. :)

i do aim to please:p

A 10am start sounds good to me, too.

I'll leave a couple gallon jugs of spring water and some fig bars near the half way point at the Devil's Courthouse overlook. Bring along your own Clif bars, power bars, bananas, etc. I wanted to make sure we have plenty of water. I'll take requests, too, if there's anything else you want to add to the stash.

BikeWNC, I was checking out the route on Google Earth, it looks great. It appears that the grade between the Devil's Courthouse tunnel and Black Balsam Knob road is fairly flat, and would add about 2.5 miles each way to our ride without a lot more climbing. So that would be about 39 miles instead of 34. I wouldn't mind going all the way to Graveyard fields for 42 miles, either.

A 10am start sounds good to me, too.

I'll leave a couple gallon jugs of spring water and some fig bars near the half way point at the Devil's Courthouse overlook. Bring along your own Clif bars, power bars, bananas, etc. I wanted to make sure we have plenty of water. I'll take requests, too, if there's anything else you want to add to the stash.

BikeWNC, I was checking out the route on Google Earth, it looks great. It appears that the grade between the Devil's Courthouse tunnel and Black Balsam Knob road is fairly flat, and would add about 2.5 miles each way to our ride without a lot more climbing. So that would be about 39 miles instead of 34. I wouldn't mind going all the way to Graveyard fields for 42 miles, either.

We can do whatever people want for distance. If some want to hang out at Devil's Courthouse and some ride out a little more that's fine too. You are right that the BRP to the spur road at Black Balsam Knob is more gently rolling but once past that it is down to Graveyard Fields. You might remember that descent from our Spring ride. Of course once there we would need to ride back up. The out and back from Devil's Courthouse to Graveyard Fields would add 8miles and 1000' of climbing.

Sadly, I will not be able to make it that weekend. Wife has to go to NY that week and then will be working the whole weekend.

Sadly, I will not be able to make it that weekend. Wife has to go to NY that week and then will be working the whole weekend.

Sorry to hear that. Maybe next time.

Hey guys..

No one but me expressed any interest in getting together for something to eat on either Friday or Saturday. Of the people who are (hopefully) committed to the ride, are you gonna get something to eat on your own or are you interested in a group dinner on one of those nights???

Probably need to speak up (unless you've PM'd BikeWNC already) so BWNC can make reservations for something somewhere.

WP, since this is your thread... hehe, maybe you could PM a form letter of sorts to those on the list asking for confirmation on the days planned to ride. That way we will know where we stand. If we wait for a response here it might take a while. What do you think?

sounds good. i'll get something together this evening. PM me with any suggestions you may have:)

Anyone heading for the Friday ride from Boone? I wouldn't mind cutting down on fuel costs. Also, am I brave, insane, or nothing special for planning to do these ride on a double? I am starting to second guess myself a bit. I am naturally a masher having grown up on bmx, and a double is all I have right now.

I do the rides on a double all the time. I have a 12/27 cassette. The grades on the Sat. ride on the BRP are about 7% max if that helps.

OK - Here we go (this is who has responded to my PM). Listed are the attendees and their participation:

Wolfpack: Friday ride/supper, Saturday ride/supper, Sunday ride
BikeWNC: Friday ride/supper, Saturday ride/supper, Sunday ride
rm -rf: Friday ride/supper, Saturday ride
CycleMagic: Saturday ride
Formula Ugh: Saturday ride
rnhood: Friday ride/supper (maybe), Saturday ride/supper, Sunday ride (maybe - depends on start time)
Velo Vol: Saturday ride (maybe; group supper-maybe)
Tappets & girlfriend: Sunday ride
Tappets: Saturday ride
Tappets GF: Friday ride
WheresWaldo: Saturday ride/supper
CPArider: Friday ride (huge maybe)
3MTA3: Saturday ride/supper(?)
norskagent: Saturday ride (maybe)
cnickgo: Friday ride/supper(maybe-2), Saturday ride

The rest of ya'll need to answer your PM's;)

I do the rides on a double all the time. I have a 12/27 cassette. The grades on the Sat. ride on the BRP are about 7% max if that helps.

that does, especially remembering now that we should be riding at a conversational pace, instead of my own self-torture.

BikeWNC - I was just reading our paper and found out that you failed to mention there's a chocolate factory located in Dillsboro!!!! Dillsboro Chocolate Factory!! I'm gonna have to make a stop there when I'm up for our ride.

BTW - you people who've been PM'd need to say either Yay or Nay to the ride that's coming up in 12 days.

BikeWNC - I was just reading our paper and found out that you failed to mention there's a chocolate factory located in Dillsboro!!!! Dillsboro Chocolate Factory!! I'm gonna have to make a stop there when I'm up for our ride.

BTW - you people who've been PM'd need to say either Yay or Nay to the ride that's coming up in 12 days.

Yes there is a Chocolate Factory in Dillsboro. It used to be owned by my friends but they have since sold it and moved to Charlotte. I go there about once a year during the town Christmas lighting for a hot chocolate (since I don't drink coffee).

bump

bumping for chocolate?

wolfpack will be supplying free chocolate on the rides?

I went for a training ride in the highlands today and was reminded of something: even on a sunny afternoon, it's chilly up there!

Granted, I was damp from sweating, which didn't help. But I was shivering the first couple miles of the descent. Fortunately, it didn't take long to get to a lower elevation.

Bring some warm accessories.

bumping for chocolate?

yea, we've gotta go to that chocolate place!!!!

wolfpack will be supplying free chocolate on the rides?

I went for a training ride in the highlands today and was reminded of something: even on a sunny afternoon, it's chilly up there!

Granted, I was damp from sweating, which didn't help. But I was shivering the first couple miles of the descent. Fortunately, it didn't take long to get to a lower elevation.

Bring some warm accessories.

Velo Vol, are you still doing the TdT this weekend? I have out of town guests this weekend and won't be able to ride. I may come down to the start to cheer you on and give you some course info if you want. Let me know.

I'm planning on doing the ride, unless I determine the course is simply too tough. Yes, I can use some more information about it, if you don't mind. I'll send you a message.

i'll be there for saturday.

but only if wolfpack promises not to crush my soul or the mountains under her tires.

i'll be there for saturday.

but only if wolfpack promises not to crush my soul or the mountains under her tires.

haha. you told a funny:). I am not capable of crushing anyone's soul nor the mountains. The mountains will crush me, but not too bad if i'm able to eat some blueberries:D

hi

as mentioned earlier, somewhere, the GF and i are definately in for the sunday ride. i cannot make it friday. she may join for the friday ride, but hasn't committed yet. be nice to her, she's not a BF member yet. :p

i will probably do the saturday ride but i'm not setting any records casue it ain't my style.. and my knee is almost 100% again. hooray! i'll be in touch by PM wolfpack. we're both still up in the air for dinner plans, so don't count us in for those.

see ya soon!

Mmm, mountain riding: a slow, painful death. :cry:

what town are you guys staying at? i'm coming up late on friday & would like to meet you guys so i know exactly where to be.

what town are you guys staying at? i'm coming up late on friday & would like to meet you guys so i know exactly where to be.

I think most are staying in the Dillsboro/Sylva area. We plan to do an easy ride on Friday evening but should be finished by 7 or so then go to dinner. I'll post dinner plans a bit later in the week. I think WP or I should pass out cell #s so we can keep in touch if needed.

On Sat., I think we should assemble at the Harris Regional Hospital parking lot in Sylva. Plenty of parking if we want to consolidate cars or follow each other up for the short ride to the BRP.

We'll pick a meeting place and time for Sunday when we decide who is riding.

I'll update this thread in a day or two with final plans after I talk to Wolfpack.

kthx.

I like the meeting at the hospital idea as it may be easier to find. What time on saturday should folks plan on meeting there saturday, BWNC?

I like the meeting at the hospital idea as it may be easier to find. What time on saturday should folks plan on meeting there saturday, BWNC?

For those meeting at the hospital the time will be 9am. CM, you will pass the BRP on the way down to Sylva. Save some time and get on the BRP at Balsam Gap at US 74 and head north towards Asheville. GO through the tunnel and park at the overlook on the left. We'll be up there around 9:30. That should save you at least a half hour.

oh, awesome! thanks. We will be driving up from Hick-town saturday morning and don't want to have to get up too terribly early.