2008 3-State 3-Mountain Challenge

[Velo Vol]

I didn't have proper gear for rain, so I got cold too. But I'm not sure moving it to June would be a good idea. Climbing Burkhalter Gap in early May is hot enough; I'd hate adding another 10 degrees to the misery.

Was the accident referred to above at the bottom of Lookout Mountain? I assumed that crash involved a male cyclist, but I didn't find out the details as I passed the site.

I've got pictures; will post later.

[BikeWNC]

Move the ride to June? Nah, I don't think that's a good idea. I've done 3S3M twice and had great weather each time. This year's ride just hit it wrong. The day before and after the event were nice weather days. Just luck of the draw. Bad luck this year. That is unfortunate because it really is a very pretty route. Don't give up on this ride. With nice weather it might be one of your favorites.

[crypticlineage]

Velovol & BikeWNC: You guys may be right about not moving the ride to June. I can see how the heat would work against it.

Velovol: The crash I mentioned was on the top of Lookout, about 4 miles after Burkhalter gap climb.

By the way, who was taking pictures on the descent to the base of Lookout? Was it Bird's Eye View? There were two guys sitting on the railing on the right side and the photographer had professional equipment. This was just before where the paramedics were sitting on the switchback. I would like to obtain that picture if I could.

[Sprocket_Jockey]

The "Bird's Eye View" website says images should be up by the end of the week.

[emptgrave]

Here is my full ride report. (http://mattpickwell.com/news.php?item.293.4)

[Velo Vol]

Here's my lengthy photo report. (Cross posted here (http://www.brianarner.com/weblog/archives/002340.html), photo gallery here (http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/thumbnails.php?album=23)).

The day started dark and early at 4:45 a.m. As I munched down my breakfast plate of waffle fries, I flipped on the Weather Channel to see if the forecasted rain had materialized. Indeed it had, as a solid line of showers was moving into Middle Tennessee. The question was not if it was going to rain, but how much it would rain.

I don't particularly enjoy cycling in the rain, so I considered skipping the event. But I had already paid and prepared for it. So, buoyed by a sense of adventure, or stupidity, I loaded up the car and headed down I-75.

Other than a near-miss with a deer on the highway, the drive went well for the first hour or so. But as I crested a ridge south of Cleveland, I caught the ominous sign of dark clouds on the western horizon. And then as I came off the ridge descending to downtown Chattanooga, I was greeted by a couple flashes of lightning lighting up the valley.

Sure enough, rain started pelting my windshield just a few minutes before I exited the highway. It would have been difficult to coordinate the ironic timing any better.

I parked at Finely Stadium and went to pick up my registration packet. Based upon the number of empty spots in the parking lot, there were obviously many no-shows among the 2,400 riders who had registered. But there were still a good number of cyclists huddled under nearby shelters.

At the registration table, the volunteer informed me that due to weather, the start time had been delayed (half an hour) until 8:30 a.m. Organizers hoped that once the overhead line of thunderstorms passed, conditions would be better for riding. I was running a bit behind, so the delay actually worked out well for me.

By 8:30 a.m. the storm front had passed over and the rain had tapered down almost to a drizzle.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0179.jpg

At the start line. Cyclists, start your engines.

Just after the start, the rain picked up again. Because of the wet conditions, I didn't take any pictures the first 25 miles. This year organizers altered the route through Chattanooga. Instead of going directly through downtown, we followed the Riverfront Parkway to the Tennessee Aquarium, then made a couple turns and up onto the TN 27 bridge.

The rain held steady for about 10 miles. It wasn't heavy, but it was enough to slow me down. More importantly, since I wasn't wearing rain gear, I was wet and chilly (bordering on cold) the first three hours. That wasn't fun.

By and large the rain ceased by the time I reached Suck Creek Mountain. It remained cool and damp for a few more hours, but the showers were gone.

The climb up Suck Creek Mountain went well. I found a good rhythm and chugged five miles uphill. I was kind of glad for the climb, because I thought it would help me warm up.

I didn't feel to confident with my wet brakes, so I took it slow coming down Suck Creek Mountains. Several riders blew by me. They must have better brakes.

I did not look at the cue sheet prior to the ride, so I was surprised not to see the first rest stop at its former spot at Powell's Crossroads. Ride organizers changed a couple rest stop locations this year, which made me feel a bit disoriented.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0181.jpg

Ketner Mill Road

Finally, and unexpectedly, I arrived at the first rest stop.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0184.jpg

Rest stop at Ketner's Mill

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0185.jpg

River at Ketner's Mill

I was shivering at the mill, but thereafter I gradually began to dry out and warm up. But gusting winds remained a factor for several hours.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0187.jpg

Countryside along TN 27

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0189.jpg

TVA Road

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0191.jpg

Rest stop at Big Shot Bubba's Fireworks

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0192.jpg

Food at Big Shot Bubba's Fireworks rest stop

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0196.jpg

Tennessee River (Nickajack Lake) at Marion County Park

Continued in next post . . .

[Velo Vol]

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0198.jpg

Crossing the Tennessee River (Nickajack Lake) on 41/64/72

As you can see, the bridge doesn't have a shoulder or much of a railing. It would be a little scary crossing it on an extremely windy day.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0199.jpg

Looking south on the Tennessee River (Nickajack Lake)

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0200.jpg

Looking north on the Tennessee River (Nickajack Lake)

Shortly after turning away from Nickajack Lake, the route enters Alabama. Every year I hope they will have repaved this road, and every year I'm disappointed.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0211.jpg

AL County 91 Road

Once you turn off County 91, you arrive at Sand Mountain, the second of the three mountains. This climb is shorter, but steeper than Suck Creek Mountain. Like the former, it's shaded, which is a blessing on warm sunny days.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0212.jpg

Climbing Sand Mountain

There's a nice overlook spot at the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, overcast conditions didn't make for good photos on this day.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0214.jpg

Me atop Sand Mountain

It was getting really windy as I arrived at the third rest stop. I feared another storm was blowing in. Luckily, one wasn't. And once the route turned into Georgia, I got a boost from swirling tailwinds. The route is fairly flat in this section. So if the wind blowing in the right direction, you can pick up the pace.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0220.jpg

Along GA 301

After a few miles, it's back into the hills.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0221.jpg

Lookout Mountain

Continued in the next post . . .

[Velo Vol]

At mile 83 you arrive at the day's toughest test--the climb up Lookout Mountain. I took a few minutes at the rest stop at the base of the climb to dry my head off prepare for the run up the slope. By now the sun had emerged. And while the temperature wasn't particularly warm for May, I knew I'd get hot quickly. I was correct.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0227.jpg

Looking up from the start of the Burkhalter Gap Road climb

Burkhalter Gap Road scales the mountain at a tough 8-10% grade for two miles. There's then a short let-up--just enough so that you can start to catch your breath. The ascent culminates with a grueling 0.2-0.3 mile stretch of 14-17% grade at the top. It definitely qualifies as a "challenge."

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0228.jpg

Looking down from the top onto Burkhalter Gap Road

It was a slow, grinding climb. I paced myself at the bottom and averaged about 6 mph. By the time I got to the last pitch I was down to my lowest gear (39x25), and didn't have much left in the tank. But I made . . . without stopping . . . drenched in sweat.

After a taking a few minutes to cool off, I embarked on the last 16-mile stretch. There are a number of rolling hills in the last section, but no long, difficult climbs. The road offers a few peaks at the valleys below.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0230.jpg

Looking west atop Lookout Mountain

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Lover's Leap at Rock City

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View from Lookout Mountain

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0235.jpg

Descent off Lookout Mountain on Red Riding Hood Trail

Red Riding Hood Trail isn't a particularly safe road for cycling. It's fast, it's windy, it's relatively dark (shaded), and there's quite a bit of traffic.

This point was made starkly clear to me as I approached the base of the mountain. As I came around a turn, I had to brake suddenly because traffic was stopped. After standing in line for a couple minutes, I was able to move forward and discovered to reason for the backup: a cyclist had crashed.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0236.jpg

I didn't linger to find out what had happened, but it appeared to be a fairly serious incident as they were loading someone on a stretcher. I hope he(?) is okay. It was an unfortunate break because it was happened just a block or two before the road straightens out.

After you exit Lookout Mountain, it's an easy flat ride back to Finely Stadium. The police seemed to have a better command on traffic, as I didn't encounter the intersection confusion I experienced last year. It's nice to have our own cycling lane.

http://www.brianarner.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0237.jpg

Returning to Chattanooga on Broad Street

I arrived at the stadium tired, but happy that the ride turned out much better than I expected at the outset.

Ride statistics:

Distance: 100.8 miles
Riding time: 6:54
Average 14.5 mph

This year took forty minutes more riding time than 2007. I assume that weather conditions account for much of the difference. Or else I'm just getting old.

I would have liked to have posted a picture of the post-ride food, but they ran out of pizza. I found that odd, since there was plenty of food at the rest stops. I guess that's the price I pay for being slow.

Aside from that screwup, I thought the organizers did a good job managing a ride under adverse conditions. If you've never done this ride, it's definitely one to put on your list.

[crypticlineage]

Great job Velovol, your timing is very impressive. Thank you also for a great report and nice shots.

[emptgrave]

Great ride review Velo!! You made great time!

They had tons of pizza when I got in after you. Maybe they staggered it out incorrectly. You may have come in right before the next delivery?

[Velo Vol]

I did poke around at the rest stops, so my overall time was slow. Then again, I wasn't trying to break any records.

I wish I had known if more pizza was being delivered. I was hungry. :(

[jppe]

Thanks for the pics VV. I was up ahead of you just a little-could tell by the pics. The barge was on the other side of the bridge up the river quite a ways when I came across. Also, I didn't have any sun until just before the finish. But I didn't stop to take any pics! I'd really like to do this ride in clear weather as I didn't get a chance at many of views Saturday.

[wolfpack]

very nice ride reports and pictures guys!! i will definitely put this ride on my "to-ride" list for next year!!

[Bob Wilson]

VeloVol: Thanks for sharing your ride pictures. They are awesome.

I was not so brave. I drove down to Finley and waited in my car going back and forth about what to do. In the end, I thought the odds of the 100 mile ride turning out positive where low, so I drove back home. :o I knew that the weather forecast for the next day looked much better so I did the 100 mile ride on Sunday solo. The weather on Sun. was pretty close to perfect. I just wished that we could have had the clear blue skys about 24 hours earlier.

My total time was 7 hours and 35 min with ride time of 6 hours 51 min, which was about 55 mins. faster than last year. I am sure that my time would have been slower if I would have done the ride on Sat. in the rain.

There were various groups of riders scattered over the course on Sun. apparently also doing a make-up ride. I talked to one couple from Florida that said they attempted the ride on Sat. but the wife apparently did not have enough clothes because her skin turned blue and she was on the verge of going into hypothermia. They took her to the hospital on Sat. and woke up the next day and did the 100 mile ride. Man, those people from Florida are weak! :)

[emptgrave]

but the wife apparently did not have enough clothes because her skin turned blue and she was on the verge of going into hypothermia. They took her to the hospital on Sat. and woke up the next day and did the 100 mile ride. Man, those people from Florida are weak!
I don't understand this at all. These people must exaggerate. It was not warm, but it does not seem medically possible to get hypothermia in that weather. I had a jersey and bibs and that was it.

I am glad you were able to enjoy the ride. I can see doing it more if I lived there. Broken up, you could get a lot of great conditioning rides out of that.

[Sprocket_Jockey]

Man, those people from Florida are weak! :)


At least I didn't wuss out on Saturday. :p

[Bob Wilson]

At least I didn't wuss out on Saturday. :p

OUCH! <Arrow>Direct hit<Arrow/>

Guess I had that coming. :D

[JohnKScott]

Cool reports. I will need to put this on my list for next year. My wife and daughter (and me too) enjoy Chattanooga so I'm sure I could convince them to come along and hang for a day without me. The question is, will I be too tired after the ride to go do stuff with them! Although, I could lobby for the IMAX and try not to fall asleep during the show :D

[emptgrave]

Cool reports. I will need to put this on my list for next year. My wife and daughter (and me too) enjoy Chattanooga so I'm sure I could convince them to come along and hang for a day without me. The question is, will I be too tired after the ride to go do stuff with them! Although, I could lobby for the IMAX and try not to fall asleep during the show :D

Surprisingly, I had the energy to go out that night, cleaned my garage Sunday and got back on the bike last night.

[Rutnick]

Velo, I'm in the picture (sort of) in the Big Shot Bubba fireworks rest stop picture. I'm behind the guy in the UK jersey. The guy in the yellow raincoat, the UK jersey, me and 3 others were in a group together. The guy to the left of that group wearing the red jacket is also in my group. Oh wait...I'm not where I said I was....that's kent. I'm the guy in the picture wearing a yellow rain jacket! ;)

PM and see if I can get copies of some of your event pictures. I didn't break out my camera at all during the ride and would love to get some of those pictures.

[Velo Vol]

Hmm, I was cold, but not that cold. But when you are wet for a while I guess things can happen to you out in a cool wind.

More than once I wished they could have rescheduled the ride for Sunday. It would have been an entirely different experience. Of course, if that were the case I probably have forgotten sunscreen and ended up toasted instead of wet.

[Sprocket_Jockey]

If that front would have come through six hours earlier we would've had a beautiful ride.

[Bob Wilson]

Hmm, I was cold, but not that cold. But when you are wet for a while I guess things can happen to you out in a cool wind.

More than once I wished they could have rescheduled the ride for Sunday. It would have been an entirely different experience. Of course, if that were the case I probably have forgotten sunscreen and ended up toasted instead of wet.

Yes, it sounds like he could have exaggerated a bit about the "hypothermia", but those were the words he used. She was very lean with not much body fat to keep her warm (unlike me). Also, being from the Florida flat lands probably did not help much.

[eye3md]

I must admit I was very, very cold Sat. All I had was my jersey, shorts, and arm warmers. I am also very lean. I could not quit the teeth chattering at all and was very glad my wife had brake problems so I could abandon with her. My hands were so cold I was having trouble shifting gears as well. I would not consider myself a weather wuss either. I do backcountry snowboard trips out west with temps below zero but I am dressed for the weather (and expect the cold). To call out the Floridians is a little judgemental. We each have our good days and bad.

[Bob Wilson]

I must admit I was very, very cold Sat. All I had was my jersey, shorts, and arm warmers. I am also very lean. I could not quit the teeth chattering at all and was very glad my wife had brake problems so I could abandon with her. My hands were so cold I was having trouble shifting gears as well. I would not consider myself a weather wuss either. I do backcountry snowboard trips out west with temps below zero but I am dressed for the weather (and expect the cold). To call out the Floridians is a little judgemental. We each have our good days and bad.

Sorry, my comment about Floridians was not meant to be taken seriously, thus the smiley at the end of the sentence. I used to live in Florida and I know how your body can get accustomed to the warm temps.

[Velo Vol]

We can't make fun of Florida?

[Sprocket_Jockey]

We can't make fun of Florida?

No. We're all very sensitive. If you do it again I'll tell my mommy. :p

[eye3md]

Actually, I did really mean to try and defend anyone except me. My testosterone felt that it had to justify me quitting the ride early. If my wife had not had brake issues, I would have had to gouge myself with a bike tool to look like I had a really legit reason to quit the ride.

[eye3md]

Woops, that first line is meant to be ........."Actually, I did NOT mean to try........."

[Sprocket_Jockey]

Photos are now up on www.birdseyeview.net.

[emptgrave]

Photos are now up on www.birdseyeview.net.

I found myself and man I look fat.

Does anyone know who has the pictures of the Sand Mountain Decent? I want that one the most.

Thanks!

[Sprocket_Jockey]

I found myself and man I look fat.

Does anyone know who has the pictures of the Sand Mountain Decent? I want that one the most.

Thanks!


I was going to post the same thing. I was a little disappointed that they weren't on birdseyeview.

[emptgrave]

i am hoping it will be them and they just dont have them up yet.
i was in the drops on that one and the lighting was great at that time of day. too bad it wont take the fat away, but still will be fun.

[emptgrave]

From the 3 State Site - About the Stopsign injury.
http://www.chattbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=464

[crypticlineage]

Now, I am beginning to think the photographers on Sand descent may not have been birdseyeview. They haven't posted any shots from that part so far.

Also, $22 for a 8x10 print plus shipping? I don't think so.

[3dsteve]

http://youtube.com/imultisport

[Velo Vol]

Aren't event photographs usually priced way up there? I don't know; I've never bought one.

I think that video must have been shot before I lined up. I don't remember seeing someone with a video camera walk by. It would be neat if someone posted some in-route video.

Regarding Floridians, I, of course, tease them. But in candor I do have a little respect for flatlanders who ride centuries with rigorous climbs. I'd be apprehensive to attempt such a challenge if I was unable to train for it.

[Sprocket_Jockey]

http://youtube.com/imultisport

3:27 Blue jacket, white bike, that's me.



Regarding Floridians, I, of course, tease them. But in candor I do have a little respect for flatlanders who ride centuries with rigorous climbs. I'd be apprehensive to attempt such a challenge if I was unable to train for it.

Thanks. This was my first "mountain" century and I was a little nervous about how I'd do. I just trained by riding hard and putting in as many miles as I could. It turned out being easier than I thought it would. My goal was a sub 8 hour ride and I beat that.