Southeast - Blood Sweat and Gears 2009

So, who's in? Who's done it? and how tough is it... really?

I'm in. Since it's my first attempt, I'll say... tough

Anyone know of an entry that someone isn't going to use for the century? I waited too late to sign up and would like to ride. Thanks, Mark

4th year doing it, it's a tough ride right from the start you get to start climbing then some rollers, mile 68 you get Snake mtn (careful on the decent) then more rollers finally you get George's Gap and rollers to the finish line. 13,000+ of climbing is never an easy day.

I need to move out of Florida so I can ride events like this. I'm lucky if I break 1,000 ft of climbing in a ride.

Good ride that is well supported. There are several route changes this year so I'm not sure how it will mimic past year's routes. We don't ride as much of the BRP so I'm not sure what the hills will be like on the new roads we'll be taking. Last year I showed the total climbing at around 9000 ft which seems about right. It looks like we might hit Snake a little earlier in the ride this year from just looking at the route sheet-but if we do I don't understand where we will make up the additional miles after Snake. BTW, once the really steep part of Snake starts don't plan on any relief until you get pretty close to the top......and watch for folks either walking or zig zagging across the road.

Last year we had a couple short sections of hard packed dirt roads so you might expect that so you don't get surprised-although this year's route might not take us on those roads again. Have fun and wave as you ride by me......

anyone rode Bridge to Bridge? I did it in 2006. Is it harder than B2B?

anyone rode Bridge to Bridge? I did it in 2006. Is it harder than B2B?


Overall it is very similar. I usually finish the two rides in just about exactly the same amount of time. The biggest difference is Snake itself is harder than anything on BtB-even Grandfather.

Overall it is very similar. I usually finish the two rides in just about exactly the same amount of time. The biggest difference is Snake itself is harder than anything on BtB-even Grandfather.

Holy crap... I though the last 2 miles of B2B was as bad as it gets.

in my opinion yes

One week away from the BS&Gs, just thought I would try again to see if anyone knows of a 100 mile ticket? I am on the wait list too. Thanks for any help. Mark

Overall it is very similar. I usually finish the two rides in just about exactly the same amount of time. The biggest difference is Snake itself is harder than anything on BtB-even Grandfather.

I did both last year and I think they are very different. B2B you really have about 40 miles of warm up before you start going up hill. BSG you seem to start going up hill at about mile 2.

What caught me off guard last year was after george's gap i thought I was home free........well I ran into a 2 mile long death march up 321 where you can see the hill for literally 2 miles. it looks like a death march with bikes going super slow and people stopped on the side of the highway. :D

Pace yourself and don't get above your LT very much or you'll be pulled off on the side of the road.

Hopefully it will be cooler than last year.

I did both last year and I think they are very different. B2B you really have about 40 miles of warm up before you start going up hill. BSG you seem to start going up hill at about mile 2.

What caught me off guard last year was after george's gap i thought I was home free........well I ran into a 2 mile long death march up 321 where you can see the hill for literally 2 miles. it looks like a death march with bikes going super slow and people stopped on the side of the highway. :D

Pace yourself and don't get above your LT very much or you'll be pulled off on the side of the road.

Hopefully it will be cooler than last year.

+1 all around. I don't know if one is harder/easier than the other but the efforts were very different for me.

That plod along the Blue Ridge towards the end of B2B seemed to be never ending. I actually didn't enjoy B2B as much but more than likely because there was much lower participation so lots of stretches of suffering alone.

The event today was very nice. Good weather, though it was very hot in the afternoon, and the route was mostly very good. The gravel stretch was a real pain. I saw several flats while on the stretch (about 3/4 mile). Its not even a good dirt/gravel road. Hardly suitable for the typical road bike. There were a couple other detours too, but the roads were generally Ok.

I would guess about 2500 cyclists at the starting line. Maybe a few more. It was really crowded. The organizers annouced 49 states were represented and several foreign countries. I did not have my camera unfortunately, so no pictures. I have apparently misplaced it and, after getting so many blurry pictures at the Cherohala event I've pretty much decided to get another one. So I won't spend much time trying to find it.

I also forgot my heart medicine so, it went in and out of sinus rhythm the first half of the route and this was a royal pain. I was close to abandoning the ride at both the first and second rest stops. I spent a lot of time at these stops hoping it would drop back in SR. Then I would ride on at a slow pace and pray that it would correct. It kept going in and out. As I started up Snake it dropped back in SR and stayed there the remainder of the ride. Whew! I would not have made it up Snake if it had not corrected. For some reason, strain sends it out of SR and, strain can also put it back in SR. Go figure.

Snake Mountain is a difficult climb - no bones about it. That last mile and a half is simply brutal. All climbs on this route pale in comparison. Fortunately its no longer than it is. I was actually expecting it to be longer since I overhead cyclist indicating that it was 6 miles. I also heard a cyclists say George's Gap was 6 miles too. Its not the case with either. Frankly, it was the small climbs/rollers over the final 10 or 15 miles that took their toll on me. After George's Gap, I was pretty wore out and wanted to get some lunch - but the climbing was not over.

The most scenic part of the route is after Snake, in my opinion, the Parkway vistas notwithstanding. There was some very nice mountain valley riding following the Snake descent. No doubt the individuals who brought their bikes with aero bars brought them for this particular stretch. There were about 10 or 15 miles of relatively flat roads following the Snake descent and this was a good place to put the hammer down.

The rest stops were well manned but, only fair with respect to food. Bananas, Oreo cookies, pretzles, water and poweraid. That's just about it - at each stop. I got tired of eating bananas. Lunch was the usual pizza with plenty of drinks. They had plenty and it was pretty good - though about anything is good after a strenous century. There were a lot of volunteers in geneal and, traffic directors at most all intersections. The route was also superbly well marked.

My Garmin reports 8700' of elevation gain. That's a pretty far cry from the advertised 13K'. I suspect it is overstated and, in addition the detours probably took a few feet off. I am interested in knowing what other Garmins report.

I guess they will continue to limit the participants otherwise, this event could get out of hand. The sheer number of riders in that small community was almost mindboggling. Given the number, I think the organizers did a pretty good job with everything. As I said earlier, there were lots of volunteers.

I missed seeing you Neal! Sorry to hear about the med deal.

This was the first year they sold out both the 100 miler and the 50 miler. Believe it or not it's 1300 total-it sure seemed like a lot more packed in at the start line though.

Did you mention the wind?? You would think that a route that is circular, you would have some tailwind somewhere along the route??? Snake was hard enough without 10+ mph winds blowing you back down the road!!

I think my Garmin indicated 8200+ feet-maybe you did the upper part of Snake Mtn twice??

I had 8700 ft last year but that included a longer stretch of the BRP (2nd detour) so I could see how last year would have more climbing than this year. There were no detours in 2007 and it was about 9300 ft of climbing that year.

Maybe you're in one of these?? I wasn't too far from the start and it still took me 3 mns to cross the mat.


Pic at the start looking forward:

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa36/jppe/BSG2009Lookingforward.jpg

Looking back:


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa36/jppe/BSG2009Lookingback.jpg

Did you see the fellow laying in the road at the first rest stop? My guess is he broke his hip. Very unfortunate-he was trying to get a hand up when his aero bars got hit and he went sideways....asphalt won again........

Nice pictures Joe. I missed my camera.

Actually, my Garmin also registered a little over 8200' but, when loaded into Training Center it reports 8700' (actually, 8690').

I thought the 1300 rider figure was for the century alone. But yes, it seemed like a lot more than 1300. Perhaps the reason is that its such a small area that we are assembling around.

The ambulance had already retrieved the cyclist by the time I got to the rest stop. I was pretty far back due to my heart issues. I did not expect to see so many aero bars on this event. I am assuming this is primarily due to the stretch following the Snake descent, I don't know. But I saw quite a few.

And yes, the wind. I should have mentioned it. It seemed like we were always riding into it. At times it was more like 15-20 mph.

It was also nice having so many bystanders cheering us on. Obviously this is a pretty big event for this area.

I plan on riding the 50 mile route tomorrow as a recovery ride.

Be careful coming down Hwy 194 tomorrow-Pat said the pavement it was all torn up.

Results are up:

http://www.rmssports.com/results/09bsg.txt

Had a blast this year. This was my second year doing it and I felt like I knew what to prepare for SO much better. That along with knowing my LT paid off a lot.

If you did it last year, you will know that the gravel road was WAY WAY worse this year. Last year it had a pretty good packed line. This year there was no packed area and it was like riding over a washboard. :(

I think my garmin showed around 8300 on the 705 but when I loaded up in garmin connect it shows 8803ft.

Can't wait to do it next year.....hopefully with the bridge on the blue ridge finally fixed!

I rode the 50 mile (actually 48 miles) route today for my recovery ride and, am glad Joe brought up hwy 194 because indeed, its in very poor shape. Pot hole and rut ridden, and plenty of gravel. Its not really suitable for a road bike, especially on a descent, and if they don't do something about this section then I expect the organizers will have to modify the 50 mile route next year. I had to ride the brakes all the way down in order to provide time to maneuver around the holes and ruts. As it stands now, its more of a mountain bike road.

Otherwise, it was a nice ride today. The temperature was great and visibility was good. TC reports 4150' of gain.

Anybody know why they don't start the 50 milers after the 100 milers? Seems like that would just make sense.....

Oh one more thing..........why do they do the results based on time instead of chip time?

i rode the 50 saturday. i woke up late and had to rush to the start without a warm up/stretching or breakfast. i cramped up bad leaving banner elk on 194 and that just did me in. 194 was in terrible condition for the decent into town but still as fun as ever. i had fun and was happy with my results. i can't wait until next year.

I did the 50 also. I hate descending on wet roads. I was getting blown by everyone coming down Grandfather, Hickory Nut(?) and 194. I have no spine but man, it was fun. Great day.

Kudos to the folks that run the event. They're doing a terrific job year after year with this one. Even though they were faced with multiple detours of the route used in years past they managed to find a more than adequate replacement. Except for the gravel section-which is pretty much unavoidable-I actually like this route better than staying on the BRP so much-and also Big Hill Rd.

I would second the many folks out on the route cheering and all the stuff the volunteers did. Now if they can just corral some folks to jump behind and do a little pushing up Snake!! Some of the many highlights:

Cost is very reasonable for this event.
TShirt and water bottle are above average
Lots of assistance very early in the morning helping with parking
Route is just terrific-hard to beat a loop versus point to point
Intersections were well manned-I can't believe they stopped traffic on Hwy 421 for us. Wow!!
Course was extremely well marked this year
EMS seemed readily available-saw them on the route (unfortunately) several times
Lots of handups available with water, bananas, etc
Canned coke at some of the rest stops--incredible!!
Variety of food and drink available afterwards
The event is timed with results available that night/next day

In my opinion these folks have pushed their event past most others in the area in terms of catering to the cyclists. I sure hope they are able to sustain it for several years and avoid some of the pitfalls some others have fallen into.

The only thing I couldn't figure out is why they took the chips off our shoes. Seems like extra work.

I'm sure the organizers have debated starting in two groups but seems like a good idea-especially with the numbers reaching sellout levels for the first time. It could possibly hold up traffic a little longer on Hwy 105 and it it also makes timing a little more challenging but still doable.

Great job guys!!

Anybody know what company was taking pictures going up snake? All i know is http://www.birdseyeview.net/ which was taking shots going down BRP which aren't very exciting.

I heard about the BSG ride a while ago, and looking to ride it in 2011. Too much going on in 2010. What I was looking for is what additional "training" is needed above and beyond what my capabilities are now.

I currently ride the MS Bike Tour in New Bern each year - the double century. My usual average is 19.5 - 20.5 mph, depending on how much solo riding I do. Local group rides are usually very spirited and reach speeds of 25mph with 30+mph sprints; mileage tends to vary with 30 miles being a short ride. We do have short hills (1/2 mile, 1 or 2 at 15+% grade) and long false flats that test your climbing endurance especially with a headwind.

Overall I usually log 3,000+ miles per year with an overall average of 20+mph.

I wouldn't necessarily expect to ride the BSG at that pace at all. However, based on my performace briefly noted above, I should be able to finish with a somewhat respectable time. I attended ASU in Boone so I am very familiar with the roads in the area and how they roll as well as how steep they can get (Hwy 105 between Boone & Banner Elk is an example)

What are your opinions?

Thx

There is no doubt you can do the ride based on what you are doing. Based on what your describing I'm guessing you're looking at a ride time of 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours. So, I'd just make sure you're doing some longer rides and spending 6-7 hours in the saddle-regardless of the mileage. Also, generally you really cannot train the muscles needed for climbing without just going out and doing a good bit of climbing. You might think about doing a couple rides in the mountains with 7000-8000 ft of climbing on each ride. Then again, if you just want to plan to do the ride and your not really worried about how long it will take you, I'd just stick with doing some longer riders down your way. I've assumed you've thought about the gearing you would want to use as well.

I found myself in Boone following this year's Six Gap century and stayed within riding distance of Snake Mtn. I did a 30 mile out and back up/down it (up the same direction as the BSG ride) and couldn't believe how brutal it was. Much harder than Hogpen on the Six Gap century, but also shorter. I had a 39/27 as my lowest gear, and it was probably just barely enough to make it up. I was out of the saddle for the last few miles and just barely moving enough to stay upright. However, if I were to ride up there again I would still go with the same gearing.

Thanks for the perspectives. As far as gearing goes, my Madone is a double 53/39 with 23-12 on the back.

Even with the rolls down here, I stay in the big ring using only 2-3 of the cogs, usually 17-15, occasionally will go to the 19 in strong winds and uphill.

I may be fooling myself, but I think I can tackle the steepest part of Snake Mtn. with my lowest gear combo.

At least two of us are planning on the ride for 2011. That will allow adequate time for additional hill work as well as make a recon trip to Boone and ride part if not all the route ahead of time.

I also forgot to mention the spin classes in the am's. The instructors love the "standing climbs" with lots of tension.

Heart rate under heavy exertion (high speed sprints and such) usually tops out at 170 or so. Typically, it will stay in the 145 - 155 range on solo rides and 135 - 145 on group rides. I fully expect the rate to be more on the top end (145 - 155) even with the group effect.

Either way, looking forward to the challenge.

Thanks for the perspectives. As far as gearing goes, my Madone is a double 53/39 with 23-12 on the back.

Even with the rolls down here, I stay in the big ring using only 2-3 of the cogs, usually 17-15, occasionally will go to the 19 in strong winds and uphill.

I may be fooling myself, but I think I can tackle the steepest part of Snake Mtn. with my lowest gear combo.

At least two of us are planning on the ride for 2011. That will allow adequate time for additional hill work as well as make a recon trip to Boone and ride part if not all the route ahead of time.

I also forgot to mention the spin classes in the am's. The instructors love the "standing climbs" with lots of tension.

Heart rate under heavy exertion (high speed sprints and such) usually tops out at 170 or so. Typically, it will stay in the 145 - 155 range on solo rides and 135 - 145 on group rides. I fully expect the rate to be more on the top end (145 - 155) even with the group effect.

Either way, looking forward to the challenge.

There is no question you can get up Snake Mountain with that gearing-but you'll be pushing the bike for sure. Why not give yourself a break and enjoy the ride a little more and at least use a 12-27. There are lots of hills on this ride-some not quite as steep but enough after Snake to make them feel a lot steeper than they are.

I found myself in Boone following this year's Six Gap century and stayed within riding distance of Snake Mtn. I did a 30 mile out and back up/down it (up the same direction as the BSG ride) and couldn't believe how brutal it was. Much harder than Hogpen on the Six Gap century, but also shorter. I had a 39/27 as my lowest gear, and it was probably just barely enough to make it up. I was out of the saddle for the last few miles and just barely moving enough to stay upright. However, if I were to ride up there again I would still go with the same gearing.


You are correct-the last couple miles of Snake are a lot steeper than Hogpen. There is more overall climbing in 6 Gap but those climbs are probably longer and not as steep.

You are correct-the last couple miles of Snake are a lot steeper than Hogpen. There is more overall climbing in 6 Gap but those climbs are probably longer and not as steep.

Have you, or anyone else here, ever done both the BS&G and HP&A rides? If so, I'm curious as to how HP&A's famed, "Oaklohoma Rd" and "Mohogany Rock Rd" double digit grade climbs, compare with that of Snake Mtn.

I've been wanting to try BS&G, but haven't gotten around to it. Having tried HP&A this year, and struggled getting up Mohogany Rock, mostly from being too outta shape/conditioning at the time, I'm not so sure I'd want to try Snake Mtn; particularly if it's worse (steeper and/or longer) than Mohogany Rock.

*maybe if I spend enough hours on my trainer this winter and spring, I just might try...* :rolleyes:

Have you, or anyone else here, ever done both the BS&G and HP&A rides? If so, I'm curious as to how HP&A's famed, "Oaklohoma Rd" and "Mohogany Rock Rd" double digit grade climbs, compare with that of Snake Mtn.

I've been wanting to try BS&G, but haven't gotten around to it. Having tried HP&A this year, and struggled getting up Mohogany Rock, mostly from being too outta shape/conditioning at the time, I'm not so sure I'd want to try Snake Mtn; particularly if it's worse (steeper and/or longer) than Mohogany Rock.

*maybe if I spend enough hours on my trainer this winter and spring, I just might try...* :rolleyes:

Snake is much longer, not as steep

Snake is much longer, not as steep

Than it sounds like Snake might be more comparable to the Oaklohoma Rd climb, than Mohogany Rock. That's good, because I can deal with extended length a lot better than a steeper grade.

Thanks for the info.

Than it sounds like Snake might be more comparable to the Oaklohoma Rd climb, than Mohogany Rock. That's good, because I can deal with extended length a lot better than a steeper grade.

Thanks for the info.

Mahogany Rock is deceptive because it immediately pitches from about 8-9% to 19+%-and as a result just looks menacing. Oklahoma Rd is a pretty good comparison to to Snake. Snake probably averages being steeper the last of 1/3 of the full climb than Oklahoma Rd...... but both are about the same grade at the steepest points. Probably the biggest difference is that Snake come in around the 70 mile mark whereas Oklahoma is at the start where you are certainly are a lot fresher. If you haven't ridden BS&G you really ought to. The organizers just do a wonderful job with it. Plus, if you're really struggling towards the end there is a bailout that eliminates a few good climbs and shortens the route up by about 12 miles.