Southeast - Sun 3/22 The Pigeon Loop

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View Full Version : Sun 3/22 The Pigeon Loop

BikeWNC
03-22-09, 03:18 PM
So today we decided to head up the mountains to start the Pigeon Loop at 5400'. The weather was comfortably cool and I was at times overdressed but we also had some descending to do and I just didn't want to be cold. By the time we had dropped down to 2700' at the store stop, we all shed some layers. By the end of the ride though the arm warmers were pulled back up. We finished the ride back at the car in brilliant sunshine and temps in the mid 50s. The March sun made all the difference. In the valley though it was certainly in the 60s, just really nice riding temps.

The ride today, jschen might remember from one of his visits, was 45.4 miles and 3900' of climbing. Most of the elevation gain comes in one long 16 mile climb from the valley back to the car. We found some traffic when church let out and the rush was on for them to get home in time for the NASCAR race. LOL Most of the ride was very low traffic though and we rode mostly side-by-side as we climbed.

So my week ended up with 165 miles and nearly 15k' of climbing. Not a bad way to bump up the volume from my slack low winter levels.

WP loves the BRP.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2149.jpg

It still looks like winter at 5500'.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2150.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2151.jpg

We took in the views as we rode.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2152.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2153.jpg

Down in the valley the fields are greening up.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2154.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2156.jpg

The West Fork enters the lake at the bridge crossing.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2158.jpg

BikeWNC
03-22-09, 03:19 PM
The lake on the other side of the bridge.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2159.jpg

It's a long steady climb with only three steep short pitches of 9-10%.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2160.jpg

A couple tourists at a waterfall on the West Fork.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2161.jpg

Neal at the water stop by the waterfall.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2164.jpg

Neal leads a 9% section.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2165.jpg

Nearing the top.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2166.jpg

Another waterfall along the way.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2168.jpg

Karen can smell the barn not far up the road.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_2169.jpg

This loop is one of my favorite rides.
Ed in GA
03-22-09, 05:05 PM
Great pics and looks like you guys had a lot of fun.

wolfpack
03-22-09, 07:18 PM
wow. another great day for riding! yesterday, i was cold and today, i had the proper clothing on. not cold at all. those 2 guys were complaining about being overdressed - i was dressed just right. knees & boobies were happy. http://www.socalbikeforums.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

i http://www.socalbikeforums.com/images/smilies/1luvu%5B1%5D.gif riding up there! and, again, what a difference a year makes. i felt great today, i didn't start too fast, rode by how i felt rather than watching the power since my PT hub died yesterday and i forgot to charge the garmin. i had a really good ride today. these guys are great to ride with!

my pics from today:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03645800x600.jpg

no, i'm not THAT short! i just happened to be standing in hole!
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03647800x600.jpg

we're headed down to that road, hwy 276:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03648800x600.jpg

NealH & then Andy
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03651800x600.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03653800x600.jpg

down in the valley
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03656800x600.jpg

the guys at Lake Logan
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03660800x600.jpg

bikes at the waterfall
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03662800x600.jpg
wolfpack
03-22-09, 07:19 PM
climbing from the waterfall
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03665800x600.jpg

the guys heading up that 9% section and then looking back
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03666800x600.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/khgulledge/WNC%20032209/DSC03667800x600.jpg
Velo Vol
03-25-09, 02:20 PM
Where's all the traffic? ;)
BikeWNC
03-25-09, 02:28 PM
Where's all the traffic? ;)

LOL, you've done this loop so you know where all the traffic is (somewhere else). :thumb:
Velo Vol
03-25-09, 04:33 PM
Is the traffic even lighter late fall-early spring? Or is most all of it local traffic so there's not much seasonal fluctuation?
BikeWNC
03-25-09, 05:49 PM
Is the traffic even lighter late fall-early spring? Or is most all of it local traffic so there's not much seasonal fluctuation?

There's not much seasonal change other than the number of motorcycles increases in the warmer weather. The summer weekends are busier due to people heading to the various swimming holes on the river. We do get summer/seasonal residents that get in the way once in a while but generally the roads are pretty quiet. The BRP itself can get busy (relatively) on summer weekends and holidays.