Southeast - Tours de Nantahala and Franklin 10/25-26

Just a heads up for those that aren't aware of these two rides in Western NC. Both offer metric and century routes. I'll be doing the metric both days along with several other BF members.

Tour de Nantahala (http://www.noc.com/index.php/tour-de-nantahala.html)

Tour de Franklin (http://tourdefranklin.blogspot.com/)

I've done both these routes and can answer any questions about them if you're interested.

Can you reccomend a good campground, one that is centrally located to the starting point of both rides?

Turkey Creek Campground (http://www.turkey-creek.com/Home.html) on NC 28 in Almond NC. It's right on the Nantahala century route and only about 7 miles from the start. It's probably about a 35-40 min drive down to Franklin from there.

Thanks much.

We will expect to see you there Nota, no excuses now that you have found a place to stay.

We will expect to see you there Nota, no excuses now that you have found a place to stay.

Unfortunately, the TdN century route has a different start than the metric so we will not be able to ride together. The TdF routes run together for the first 60 miles so as long as he isn't too fast for us we might actually get to ride together some.

Unfortunately, the TdN century route has a different start than the metric so we will not be able to ride together. The TdF routes run together for the first 60 miles so as long as he isn't too fast for us we might actually get to ride together some.

Not sure what you would consider "fast"; I'm average (at best), IMO.

...fer instance, as best I recall, my times from my recent Century rides:

Roan Moan 6:30
BRB100 6:42
TdT 7:12
B2B 7:34

...guess I'd better get off my butt and register for these rides, along with a either a campsite or cheap motel.

Hope to see you there. I'm easy enough to spot...see pic from Tdt SmugMug website pg 56 (I'm wearing a Red long sleeve jersey, and an old celeste green Bianchi:))

http://adamschultz.smugmug.com/gallery/5998369_miEWi/56/377694791_wASyA/Medium

Not sure what you would consider "fast"; I'm average (at best), IMO.

...fer instance, as best I recall, my times from my recent Century rides:

Roan Moan 6:30
BRB100 6:42
TdT 7:12
B2B 7:34

...guess I'd better get off my butt and register for these rides, along with a either a campsite or cheap motel.

Hope to see you there. I'm easy enough to spot...see pic from Tdt SmugMug website pg 56 (I'm wearing a Red long sleeve jersey, and an old celeste green Bianchi:))

http://adamschultz.smugmug.com/gallery/5998369_miEWi/56/377694791_wASyA/Medium

Try the Freeman Motel (http://www.freemansmotel.com/location.htm) which is right next to Turkey Ck Campground. I have never stayed there but it seems to be a popular place.

Nota, I passed you in the tunnel as you were walking. I remember that you mentioned walking in the tunnel in your trip report. I'm in the 5th and 6th pic on pg 30 and you are on pg 31 in the middle of the page. I'm in the blue and white MotionMakers jersey suffering. Neal is right behind me in the burnt orange.

Yeah, I was doing okay....at least up until I hit the tunnel. I pulled my glasses down on my nose before entering the tunnel, but had no idea it would be "that" dark. The further I got into it, the more worried I became about not being seen, should a car enter the tunnel behind me.

I kept fumbling with the little blinky light on (the one they gave you in the rider packet) the back of my seat bag, trying to push the little button to get it turned on. I got frustrated and pulled it completely off the bag with my left hand, and then couldn't really maintain a good grip on the handlebar, what with the light in my left hand. By that time, I couldn't even see the ground in front of me. I could barely make out the tunnel walls, and I got really freaked out at not being able to see the ground I was rolling over -- so I FELL.

After getting back up, I couldn't see enough to get clipped back in and get going again, so I had to walk out of the tunnel. You can actually see me stopped along side the road, at the end of the tunnel in one of the pics. Added to that, I (somehow?),managed to bend one of the "winged" pieces on the cleat plate (that holds the little plastic things that keep the cleat up off the ground).

I kept trying to clip in - with no success, so I finally lifted up my shoe (kinda like you do when you believe you've just stepped in dog-sh*t), and found the wing of the cleat was bent completely over covering up the bottom of the cleat. I thought my ride was over at that point, but then got mad and reached down with both thumbs and bent the thing back out of the way so I could get clipped in. *cheap metal!* The rest of the ride went pretty smoothly after that.


btw, switching gears...*har-har*...I just spotted an old fixed gear tandem, at a local bike thrift store, on my way home from work a few minutes ago. I just had to stop and look at it. It's pretty rough, but it is ridable, and they just put brand new rims and big whitewall "gangsta" tires on it. I was hoping he say he'd take $50 for it, but no. He's asking $120, but said he'd like to get rid of it and would let me have it for $90 even - including the tax. What do you think?........it just like this one (it's a Rollfast brand): http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=8532, only not in as good a shape.

I guess I should go to the retro folder and ask the experts if they think it's worth $90.

I had to run an errand down in Franklin today so I took the chance to ride a portion of the TdF route. I only had time to do 20 miles but it is one of my favorite loops to ride. I took a few pics along the way. Hopefully the weather will be just as nice in late October for the event.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1739.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1740.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1742.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1743.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1744.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1746.jpg

Good pics. Thanks for posting them.

Well, it's now official; I just registered for both rides, the century loop.

Now I need to decide where I'm going to stay.

I'm registered for both days also but on the metric routes. We should be able to ride the TdF ride together for most of the metric if the pace works out.

I'm registered for both days also but on the metric routes. We should be able to ride the TdF ride together for most of the metric if the pace works out.

Yeah, fer a bit.

If you started the TdT (metric route) a half hour after I started the century, and you passed me in that first tunnel, then you're crankin it out a lot quicker than I am. :twitchy:

Yeah, fer a bit.

If you started the TdT (metric route) a half hour after I started the century, and you passed me in that first tunnel, then you're crankin it out a lot quicker than I am. :twitchy:

Nah, I think we started 15 min after the century riders. Besides, I could ride a bit faster pace on the metric than I would have on a century. I'm not in any rush either day. This time of year it's about having a fun ride.

Nice pictures. Looks like the weather was just about perfect when you took them. Looking forward to getting up there and riding again.

I'm sitting at home right now nursing a bad cold which has cost me my voice. I guess its good that its happening now and not in a couple weeks. I rode the Mt. Airy Bikestock event this past weekend with this cold and, not surprisingly it got worse. Great event though.

So you're doing back to back full centuries, Nota. Whew! That'll make it a pretty tough weekend. We will keep an eye out and, maybe link up at some point on the route. Like BikeWNC mentioned, perhaps the TdF.

So you're doing back to back full centuries, Nota. Whew! That'll make it a pretty tough weekend. We will keep an eye out and, maybe link up at some point on the route. Like BikeWNC mentioned, perhaps the TdF.

Yeah, I'm planning on doing both cetury rides. Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment -- but having recently done the TdT & B2B rides back-to-back....(sucessfully!), I'm thinking these two rides shouldn't be quite as difficult as those two. Of course, this'll probably cap off my riding season for this year; at least as far as any "organized" rides go anyway.:(

I just booked me a room at the Sapphire Inn in Franklin a couple minutes ago, so at least I'll have a comfortable bed and a hot shower, as opposed to camping, like I was previously considering.

So where's everyone else staying? Anyone up for grabbing a bite to eat and a few beers somewhere in the area, in the evening after the ride on Saturday? I'm game.

yea, Neal, i'm home with bronchitis after the TdT ride. probably wont make it to TdL, or i've been told it might be best to skip that one. registered for TdN/F though, so i hope i'm better by then....

i've not made arrangements yet for where i'm staying...

yea, Neal, i'm home with bronchitis after the TdT ride. probably wont make it to TdL, or i've been told it might be best to skip that one. registered for TdN/F though, so i hope i'm better by then....

i've not made arrangements yet for where i'm staying...

Finally, I'm getting my voice back now. Whew, that was a tough case of bronchitis, laryngitis or whatever it was. Hopefully, no more viruses this winter, hopefully.

Nota, we will have to decide what to do after we link up. I doubt that much beer will be on my menu though, since I don't drink much. Of course a good meal always is.

I'm up for a good dinner. Fermented liquid refreshment, while welcome, isn't mandatory. Besides, the last time I dined anywhere near that vicinity (in Cashiers/Highlands about 10 yrs ago), it was "dry". Not sure about Franklin, but even if it is, so long as the weather is too that day, I'll be a happy non-camper.

The current weather forecast for the weekend is trending towards a damp Sat. and a dry Sun. It will all depend upon the timing of the frontal passage early Sat. morning and then how quickly it pushes through the area. If it works out like this past weekend that would be fine. High temps are predicted to be around 60F both days with more sun on Sunday. Could be breezy.

Yeah, I've been monitoring that situation too. I was hoping the rain would be out of the way by Friday, but as of these more recent forecasts, it's not looking too good for us on Saturday.

Here I was just trying to come up with some suitable cycling wear just to protect me from the chilly weather, now I've got to try and figure out something in the way of wet weather gear apparel as well. :mad: I might be wearing a Hefty trashbag with three holes cut in it, but I'll be there - ridin.:o

Do you know of any good restaurants in that area?

Is anybody else (from BF) staying at the Sapphire Inn, besides me?

nota, i don't know of any other accommodations...i do know that Mill & Main in sylva is pretty good for food...at least it was the time i was there (last month).

i do know that Mill & Main in sylva is pretty good for food...at least it was the time i was there (last month).

Thanks, WP, I'll keep that in mind.

I'm not familiar with the restaurants in Franklin. I think WP and Neal are staying in the Sylva area, up where I am. Sylva is about equidistant from both rides and is a shorter drive for them on Friday.

I'm going to try to get down there next year. On several occasions we've stayed near Almond, and I brought my mtn. bike to ride at Tsali but haven't taken my road bike. Sylva is such a nice town. We also enjoy the BBQ in Dillsboro. Are there any other good BBQ joints in the area?

Unfortunately, the TdN century route has a different start than the metric so we will not be able to ride together. The TdF routes run together for the first 60 miles so as long as he isn't too fast for us we might actually get to ride together some.

Well, damn!...I hate that didn't get to meet up with you guys for the rides this weekend. I looked around for you this morning, but wasn't able to spot and of you before we took to the road.

I just downloaded some pictures from my camera that my gf took from this morning's ride.......NOW I see you! Hell, you guys were within 20ft or so of me, and I didn't even see you.

Although things were a bit hurried and hectic for me this morning. I had to rush my bike up into the bike shop there this morning to try and get some much needed TLC for my poor wobbly back wheel. I had two spokes that were, quite literally, about to drop completely out of the rim. They were already a little loose before I even did the Nantahala ride, but afterwards they were so loose they were seriously bent. I bought a spoke wrench this morning.

My ride on Saturday was a bit chilly; I should have worn warmer clothes. I finished the 106 miles in just about 6.5 hrs. I rolled into the finish a 2:38; though I don't think they actually got us on the road until about 5 or 6 minutes after 8:00. Today's ride was even colder!

As for today's ride, for reasons unkown, and very uncarachteristic of me, I jumped out with one the lead groups, 6 of us in total, and proceeded to hammer it for the next 50 some odd miles or so. We dropped 3 of our six on the last 3 miles of that 5 mile ("Standing Indian") climb. I dropped the last of our original six during that very high speed descent down that steep-ass 4-lane hwy; not sure what hwy that was.

I was probably on pace to smash any of my previous century ride times......up unilt I took, what turned ou to be....a VERY wrong turn. Those A-holes that organized this event, failed to obliterate the , completely erroneous, bougus, and no longer valid, markings from last year's ride. I turned right on Patton Rd, and after about 5-6 miles, I suddenly found myself on that very same road.......heading up to the 5 mile Standing Indian climb.

Heck, I was'n't exactly that enamored with that stretch of road, and it's relentlessly steep terrain,........the FIRST FRICKIN time I didn it!!! But there I was again...no cue sheet, no phone service on my crappy Nextel phone, so I had no choice but to suck it up and grit it and grind it out again. I passed 4 other people on the climb that looked like they were gonna die. I just glanced over at them as I passed them by and thought to myself...if you think you got it bad...you have NOOOOOO idea.

By the time I knocked out the climb for the second time, I'd completely exhausted both waterbottles -- but I comforted myself with the "knowledge" that the rest stop oasis, was just a short quick descent away from the summit; or so I thought, anywy. As I rolled back down to that corner of that same 4-land hwy, the damn tent was GONE!...the f'kers!!!! I was soooo looking forward to quenching a bad thirst -- and the realization that there were no more rest stops, and still many miles to cover, quickly sunk in. That was actually more demoralizing for me than the rudeness of having to do that climb for a second time.

I was planning on asking the (now non-existant) rest stop attendant where the appropriate turn was, but with that no longer an option, I just said F'it!...I'm heading back to Franklin, one way or another.

I stayed on that same hwy, withut ever seeing any other markings for the route...though, after several other apparently people had the same problem I did, some genius finally went out and sprayed black spraypaint over last year's markings that had you turning right on Patton Rd.

Followed that hwy all the way back to Franklin. I stopeed off at a shopping ctr about amile before
Franklin and askes half a dozen people how to get to downtown Franklin, and took the opportunity to hit a soda machine for some much needed liquid refreshment.

Anywho, I rolled into the finish at 3:36, and though my odomoter only read 95 total miles, given that I'd done all that extra climbing, I figured I'd earned my ride T-shirt.


So there's my diatribe; how was y'all's rides?

Maybe we can hook up soon at another ride.

Cheers

DAY-UM!! :eek: you went up Standing Indian TWO FREAKIN' TIMES??? holy cow. i think i would have just turned around. not 2x in one day.

i see all 3 of is in the 1st & 3rd pics. me in the hammer arm warmers, NealH to the left and BikeWNC to the right (yellow vest). we looked for you, but there were several cyclists there with red jerseys on.

as far as markings...all was good until the very end...no markings around hwy 64/441. i've ridden this part before, so i was pretty sure to keep going straight, but wasn't 100% sure. i waited up on a guy that was riding with us and we determined it was the next exit. other than that, no directional troubles.

DAY-UM!! :eek: you went up Standing Indian TWO FREAKIN' TIMES??? holy cow. i think i would have just turned around. not 2x in one day.

i see all 3 of is in the 1st & 3rd pics. me in the hammer arm warmers, NealH to the left and BikeWNC to the right (yellow vest). we looked for you, but there were several cyclists there with red jerseys on.

as far as markings...all was good until the very end...no markings around hwy 64/441. i've ridden this part before, so i was pretty sure to keep going straight, but wasn't 100% sure. i waited up on a guy that was riding with us and we determined it was the next exit. other than that, no directional troubles.

Yup, did it twice in one day! Might not have been so bad, had I not already done the 106 mile Nanthala ride the day before, followed by totally hammering the first 50 miles yesterday, including the Standin Injun first time around. I REALLY wasn't in the mood for, what turned out to be, a long slow 5 mile grind up it the second time.

Between that, and being out of water 'cause the organizers folded up their Teepee......BEFORE doing a sag wagon sweep to make sure there was no one left behind that was counting on that rest stop! - I was in a bit of an ill mood when I got back. There were 4 other people that I passed on the second go-round still climbing the hill that the organizers didn't even know about. I told them about 'em when I got back. They were thinking of sending someone out to check on them.

As far as the pic's, I was able to pick you guys out in those. As for the "other" two pic's...that's ME!...the one is of me finishing the ride on Saturday and the Nantahala check-in table. The other...is my black 'n white (BMCC club logo'ed...the order I'd placed for the new BMCC "Still Crankin" club wear,t he one that wasn't supposed to be in yet, arrived on Wednesday. Jason was nice enough to ship it right down to me at my other house, so I'd have it for the rides) fat butt!...as I was rolling up to the start of yesterday's ride. Heck, I was heading right for you guys, if you look at that pic, and didn't even see you. I was so hurried and frazzeled about getting that rear wheel fixed (in the nick of time), I hardly had time to focus on anything else before the ride began. It didn't help that my motel room wasn't equipped with an alarm clock. They had wireless internet hook-up, but no alram clocks - how screwy is that?

I just read on your blog that you've signed on for an Iron Man next year. WOW...just WOW, I'm in awe of you. I've always wanted to try that, but have resigned myself to the realities of work schedule and finance & training limitations, to ever expect it to be a reality. You've sure got a tough challenge ahead of you - but I'm rootin for ya! I'll have to check you blog periodically and see how your training develops.


Let me know what you guys are up to - after you get back from your trip to the NE, and maybe we can all get together, maybe on the BRP just off 421 west of Wilkesboro, and do a nice 50-60 miler? Hopefully, we can get a warm day for it. If not, I need to get some full fingered gloves!

Cheers
Nota

yea, signed up for an IronMan. have no idea what i was thinking when i did that, but i really think i can do it, as long as i stay healthy. i have work like every one else, but my boss is super cool, so i don't have too much to worry about there. and, my son will be graduating high school in june, so i don't have quite as many family obligations...no spouse so that either makes it harder or easier...

i'll update the blog, hopefully later tonight with TdN/F reports.

i'd definitely like to get up that way and ride...maybe we could look and see if anyone wants to do it sometime around christmas...before or after maybe...think about where ya wanna ride...is the linn cove viaduct near there? i wanna ride on that.

Well, now I know how we missed you Nota. You were not wearing a red jersey, which we were looking for.

I'm having a hard time fathoming the thought of a hard century on Saturday, followed by the century on Sunday with Standing Indian twice. Sheesh!! How do you do it, Wheaties, Spinnach, Steroids,....I want to know the formula :D .

The weekend was great, as were the two metrics. Its really hard to beat riding in the western NC mountains and, its always nice riding with Wolfpack and BikeWNC. We were pretty lucky with the weather, as it turned out clear and sunny with good riding temperatures (except for the descent off Wayah when it was frigid).

Linking up for a winter ride sounds like a good idea. An option up off 421 would be the 50 mile BS&G route out of Valle Crusis. A very nice route that's not too difficult. Add some Parkway mileage for a longer ride (or yet another route). Christmas is a bad time for me but, before or after would work. We'll have to see how things work out and, what winter has in store for us. Lets hope its another mild one.

i'd definitely like to get up that way and ride...maybe we could look and see if anyone wants to do it sometime around christmas...before or after maybe...think about where ya wanna ride...is the linn cove viaduct near there? i wanna ride on that.

No, unfortunately, the Linn Cove Viaduct is a bit of a ways from there. Pedaling over it is deffinitely a BLAST, though. I got to pedal over it the day after I did the Tour de Tuck century ride, while doing the Bridge to Bridge century ride to Granfather Mtn.

I'm definitely game to do it again though; you just say where and when and I'm there!

Although to afford the best possible turnout and least traveling distance for everyone, we should probably try to pick a jumping off point for a ride that's as close as possible to the geographical center of all of us, dontcha think? I know you're in Garner...or somewhere near Raleigh, and BWNC is ...obviously, somewhere in the western part of the state. Not sure where Neal is; somewhere in the Piedmont area I think?

Well, now I know how we missed you Nota. You were not wearing a red jersey, which we were looking for.

I'm having a hard time fathoming the thought of a hard century on Saturday, followed by the century on Sunday with Standing Indian twice. Sheesh!! How do you do it, Wheaties, Spinnach, Steroids,....I want to know the formula :D .

The weekend was great, as were the two metrics. Its really hard to beat riding in the western NC mountains and, its always nice riding with Wolfpack and BikeWNC. We were pretty lucky with the weather, as it turned out clear and sunny with good riding temperatures (except for the descent off Wayah when it was frigid).

Linking up for a winter ride sounds like a good idea. An option up off 421 would be the 50 mile BS&G route out of Valle Crusis. A very nice route that's not too difficult. Add some Parkway mileage for a longer ride (or yet another route). Christmas is a bad time for me but, before or after would work. We'll have to see how things work out and, what winter has in store for us. Lets hope its another mild one.


Yeah, my bad. I should have let you guys know that the club jersey and tights I'd ordered just came in and that I'd be sporting them - in lieu of my planned WalMart "Starter" athletic jersey. We could have exchanged cell phone numbers, though, even if we had, with my crappy Nextel, that doesn't want to pick up a signal when I get any where near the mountains, it wouldn't have mattered; I didn't have a cell phone signal all weekend.

I was looking to try and hook up with you guys after Saturday's ride - maybe try and grab a bite somewhere, but I figured you guys may have finished up before I got back and already taken off back to Sylva. Sally (my g/f) and I just grabbed a burger at that resturant there at the start point of the Nantahala ride. I was really wanting to load up on a spaghetti dinner, but wound up settling for a whopping 1lb burger instead. Probably didn't have quite the carbs of pasta, but it sure filled my belly; whell that and a couple of those local Highlands oatmeal stout:D beers.

As far as "how I do it"...I dunno...sheer determination and willpower, I guess. I've only been riding since April of this year, and I dropped 110lbs + since last October.

It's kinda funny as I really only consider myself an average rider; at least when comparing my (century ride) times to some of the "big dogs" that finish rides like Bridge to Bridge, all of whom seem to come in anywhere from 1 - 2.5 hrs ahead of me!:mad: I don't ever expect or really care, to come in any where near "1st" one of those rides, but I sure would like to be able to finish within about 30 -45 minutes of the 1st one in. Some day - maybe some day.

One of the guys I was pacing with in my pack of 6 yesterday, a 15yr cycling veteran, after telling the group he'd done the Nantahala metric the day before, told me he felt a little humbled, after discovering I'd done the hundred, and on a 24lb bike with very heavy wheels to boot -- in contrast to what he said he was riding - which was a 15lb bike with Ksyrium SL's.

I think I'm going to try to hit that Stampede bike thing at Lowe's Motor Speeway on Nov 9th -- and probably try and pick up an inexpensive set of lighter wheels from Neuvation. I'm curious to see what if any difference it makes in my ride times and average speeds, once I shave about 8oz or so off each wheel from what I'm currently running. Even if they make no difference, I've GOT to get something that doesn't need constant tightening and truing. I'm good with a wrench, but not that good.

Well, so much for another diatribe. Let me know where and when you guys want to get together for a ride, and do everything I can to arrange my schedule to meet you.

No, unfortunately, the Linn Cove Viaduct is a bit of a ways from there. Pedaling over it is deffinitely a BLAST, though. I got to pedal over it the day after I did the Tour de Tuck century ride, while doing the Bridge to Bridge century ride to Granfather Mtn.

I'm definitely game to do it again though; you just say where and when and I'm there!

Although to afford the best possible turnout and least traveling distance for everyone, we should probably try to pick a jumping off point for a ride that's as close as possible to the geographical center of all of us, dontcha think? I know you're in Garner...or somewhere near Raleigh, and BWNC is ...obviously, somewhere in the western part of the state. Not sure where Neal is; somewhere in the Piedmont area I think?

Neal is in Raleigh, I'm in Clayton (pretty much Raleigh/Garner area). We can discuss further, a ride around the Christmas time (before or after), maybe someone will start a thread....not sure if I want to be the organizer again...I've organized 2 SEBF rides already. Can do again if no one else steps up, though.

A couple ideas for routes up around Boone/Blowing Rocks you folks could consider-the Valle Crucis 50 mile route is a good one. You can also add the George's Gap loop for another 20-25 miles if you wanted to (this is the last 20 miles of BSG). Using the school parking lot for a starting point is great as it can be a self supporting sag stop. One idea is to do the George's Gap loop and then go over and do Shull's Mill, Hwy 221 to Grandfather and then back to Valle Crucis via the BRP-which includes the Viaduct.

Another good starting point is the parking lot beside or behind the park in downtown Blowing Rock. You can do the same routes from that point plus there is a public restroom at the park-it is open at least in warmer weather.

Whatever route you do just be prepared for all types of weather!!!

I thought Neal might have a few pictures to post from the rides this past weekend. We got the better days for the rides weather wise because today was snowy, windy and cold all day.

Neal is in Raleigh, I'm in Clayton (pretty much Raleigh/Garner area). We can discuss further, a ride around the Christmas time (before or after), maybe someone will start a thread....not sure if I want to be the organizer again...I've organized 2 SEBF rides already. Can do again if no one else steps up, though.

How about Thanksgiving weekend; that's a nice long one. Is everyone going to be busy and/or out of town, or would that be a possible target weekend for getting together for a ride?

A couple ideas for routes up around Boone/Blowing Rocks you folks could consider-the Valle Crucis 50 mile route is a good one. You can also add the George's Gap loop for another 20-25 miles if you wanted to (this is the last 20 miles of BSG). Using the school parking lot for a starting point is great as it can be a self supporting sag stop. One idea is to do the George's Gap loop and then go over and do Shull's Mill, Hwy 221 to Grandfather and then back to Valle Crucis via the BRP-which includes the Viaduct.

Another good starting point is the parking lot beside or behind the park in downtown Blowing Rock. You can do the same routes from that point plus there is a public restroom at the park-it is open at least in warmer weather.

Whatever route you do just be prepared for all types of weather!!!

I had really wanted to try BSG this year, as well as HPA, but just couldn't work them into my schedule conflicts this season. They're definitely on my list of rides to do next year, and I wouldn't mind terribly being able to get in a "sneak preview" ride covering some of the same ground.

The main reason I was thinking "just west of Wilkesboro", is to try and "meet in the middle", as it seems like quite a haul for WP & Neal to trek all the way to the far western regions of the state from Raleigh. Personally, I'm up for just about anywhere, though I do have certain affection for riding the Pkwy -- less traffic (at least after all the leaves are gone off the trees), and no redlights and intersections to deal with. I hate stopping and clipping out, more than anything.

How about Thanksgiving weekend; that's a nice long one. Is everyone going to be busy and/or out of town, or would that be a possible target weekend for getting together for a ride?

unfortunately, i'll be out of town that weekend. unless something changes.

*edit* nota - i don't mind the drive. just ask bwnc. i try to get up that way every 4-6wks for my mountain riding 'fix'.

I thought Neal might have a few pictures to post from the rides this past weekend. We got the better days for the rides weather wise because today was snowy, windy and cold all day.

I was just checking out the pics of the rides that were posted in the ride reports at the SoCal forum. Good pics, though, unfortunately, none that really exemplify the steepness of the grades on the two big climbs of the weekend.

unfortunately, i'll be out of town that weekend. unless something changes.

*edit* nota - i don't mind the drive. just ask bwnc. i try to get up that way every 4-6wks for my mountain riding 'fix'.

Is that when you're doing your NE excursion, with 3 bikes:eek: no less?

You planning on stopping in Maryland? That's where I'm originally from. Yup.....I'm a damn yankee:o

yea, planning on it (weather dependent)...but i'm only taking 2 bikes now. and, if it's raining i won't be going until later in the week - will have to skip the bike riding mon-wed.

I was just checking out the pics of the rides that were posted in the ride reports at the SoCal forum. Good pics, though, unfortunately, none that really exemplify the steepness of the grades on the two big climbs of the weekend.

I didn't have my camera on the TdN ride and I didn't take it out for the steep climbs on the TdF. My hands were firmly on the bar. It's interesting how we can have two different experiences on Sunday's ride. Since these are my usual training roads I knew the route and really didn't need the road markings to find the way. I saw the big red arrow after the downhill on US 64 but gave it no mind. I also saw a few extra white arrows which might have been from another ride. I could see where that could cause confusion.

You should email Pam at the bike shop to fill her in on your ordeal so these problems won't happen again. The group that works the ride tries very hard to make it a fun ride but they are mostly non riding volunteers and need to learn.

A few pictures from the rides this past weekend.

Tour de Nantahala:

Early in the ride, once the fog lifted it became clear as a bell.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p721517002-4.jpg

BikeWNC on cruise control. It was cool when we started but, withing an hour or so the temperature turned out to be near ideal for this event.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1032651713-4.jpg

Heading up Wayah Road. The grade is steeper than it looks - and it keeps getting steeper.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p583731498-4.jpg

The rest stop at the top of Wayah Road, and its always nice to be met by a smiling face. She was a friend of BikeWNC. This stop was a welcome site after the climb but, it sure was cold up here.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1029045753-4.jpg

After the descent, we were heading toward Franklin.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p753888113-4.jpg

Here I am taking a break once we arrived in Franklin.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p983284324-4.jpg

The profile.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1043807135-4.jpg

Tour de Franklin:

Sunday was another perfect cycling day. Cool when we started but, as the ride progressed the temperature turned out to be near ideal. Again, the air was pristine clear.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p886699113-4.jpg

BikeWNC again, moving along through the valley. The traffic was virtually non-existent, and it was especially nice riding through this area.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p826502927-4.jpg

Again, happy faces prevailed at the rest stops. This was at the top of Standing Indian.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1028572338-4.jpg

Heading up 64 after climbing Standing Indian - Wolfpack leading the way.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p882965597-4.jpg

Heading down 64 and on the way back to Franklin.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p743679645-4.jpg

The profile.
http://nealh.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1072463811-4.jpg

I did have a camera with me after all! I must be losing my mind.

From the TdN Sat.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1772.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1773.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1774.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1777.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1778.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1779.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1781.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1782.jpg

From the TdF on Sunday.

Morning fog over the Little Tennessee River.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1783.jpg

Typical valley view.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1784.jpg

Wolfpack climbs by.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1786.jpg

NealH rides the approach to the Standing Indian Climb.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1787.jpg

Nice pictures. I didn't realize you took so many. Both events were really nice.

I didn't have my camera on the TdN ride and I didn't take it out for the steep climbs on the TdF. My hands were firmly on the bar. It's interesting how we can have two different experiences on Sunday's ride. Since these are my usual training roads I knew the route and really didn't need the road markings to find the way. I saw the big red arrow after the downhill on US 64 but gave it no mind. I also saw a few extra white arrows which might have been from another ride. I could see where that could cause confusion.

You should email Pam at the bike shop to fill her in on your ordeal so these problems won't happen again. The group that works the ride tries very hard to make it a fun ride but they are mostly non riding volunteers and need to learn.

Well, so far as getting "off course" on Sunday's ride goes, I'll readily admit to being thee "Worlds Worst for Directions", so I'm willing to accept blame for my own navigation woes and subsequent odeal. That said, however, the group I was "riding with" (following frrom the hindmost position of the paceline for most of the way) got briefly off course and/or halted to question the correct route to follow, on at least two different occasions prior to my wrong turn on Hwy 64, just after the 3rd rest stop. The first being within the first couple miles of the start of the ride, and the second, when we were coming into the town of Franklin (I think it was) and continued straight down the hill instead of turning left.

Additionally, at the time I made my "wrong turn" (Rt turn off Hwy 64 onto Patton Rd, about 4 miles after rest stop 3) I was actually riding with another pacing partner I'd hooked up with during that quick steep descent on Hwy64, and it was he who noticed the (bougus) course markings directing the Century riders to turn right on Patton. He said, "since you're doing the century, I guess you turn here; I'm doing the metric, so I'll catch you later, have a good ride". The organizers apparently left the same type of course markings on the road, that were carryovers from last years event, when it, apparently, followed a slightly different route. I don't care what anybody says...that just BAD organization; someone should have had the common sense to go out and obliterate the old course markings with black spray paint.......PRIOR to the ride, not AFTER numerous people got off course. You don't stop to pull out your cue sheet to check the route, when you're still seeing, what you think is, the appropriate course markings. I guess some of us see things "leftover course markings from previous years rides", differently?

Not that any of this exhonerates me from being responsible for navigating my own self through the route properly, but I'm certainly not the only one that had trouble with Sunday's route course markings. If I hadn't been so hurried that morning what with not having an alarm clock in my motel room, and then having to rush around to try to get my rear wheel tended to prior to the ride, I would have had the basic common sense to take that darn cue sheet with me, rather than leave it in the goody bag in the car with my g/f. I'll certainly not make that mistake again.

Who is "Pam"? - was she the blonde lady that was there at the beginning and when I got back? If so, I made it a point to bring my fiasco to her attention after I got back. Had she not been cute, or a guy, I likely would have been quite terse and hostile about it to her; nonetheless, I was quite civil in explaining my misdirection....but did she gasp and appologize for not doing a better job at marking the course route.....noooooo. She said something like, "well I guess you got a nice workout - you must be hardcore".

I enjoyed the ride, and I honestly don't want to poop on the organizers, but, for the record, the markings for the Nantahal ride on Saturday were sooooo much better and easier to spot and follow than for the Franklin ride; at least for some of us who don't live aroudn there and ride those roads all the time.:deadhorse:

Who is "Pam"? - was she the blonde lady that was there at the beginning and when I got back? If so, I made it a point to bring my fiasco to her attention after I got back. Had she not been cute, or a guy, I likely would have been quite terse and hostile about it to her; nonetheless, I was quite civil in explaining my misdirection....but did she gasp and appologize for not doing a better job at marking the course route.....noooooo. She said something like, "well I guess you got a nice workout - you must be hardcore".

I enjoyed the ride, and I honestly don't want to poop on the organizers, but, for the record, the markings for the Nantahal ride on Saturday were sooooo much better and easier to spot and follow than for the Franklin ride; at least for some of us who don't live aroudn there and ride those roads all the time.:deadhorse:

Pam is one of the owners of the bike shop. The blonde lady is a friend that was not riding because she has an Ironman event next weekend. She was just helping out. The TdN Metric had 4 turns to it so it was much easier to follow than the TdF route. The century had 8 turns I believe. Definitely email the TdF people with your comments and I will also pass along your experience when I see them. Sorry about your problems and there is no excuse for not sweeping the course or pulling support before everyone is through the rest stop.