Southeast - Help Pls - Smoky Mtn Road Ride Guidance

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rltrock
08-29-10, 08:50 AM
I will be visiting family next week at Nantahala Lake and shipped my road bike down hoping to take advantage of what must be great riding in the area. However, I am clueless about the region.

I am hoping you guys could give me some guidance to:

- rides/routes
- clubs in the area
- group rides
- online references

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Ron

dtate
08-29-10, 01:52 PM
Look on wnccycling.proboard.com for southwestern NC riders and rides. Motion Makers bike shop in Sylva has some routes posted on their website. Other bike shops in the area includes Smoky Mountain Bikes in Franklin, Bryson City Bicycles in Swain County, Nantahalia Outdoor Center.
dobovedo
08-29-10, 04:26 PM
There's a Tuesday night ride from Motion Makers in Sylva at 6pm. Visitors welcome. 24 mile out 'n back from Sylva up about 1500' to Balsam. Format is a neutral group ride to about halfway up, then a KOM climb to the top. We regroup at the top and shoot the breeze, then a safe, neutral descent back down before we ramp the pace back up to a designated "finish line" just outside of town. We then roll in easy to the bike shop. Anywhere from 10-25 riders depending on the day and weather. http://www.motionmakersbikes.com/area_ride_maps.html

Macon County Cycling typically does Wednesday evening and Saturday morning rides around Franklin, NC. They post weekly start location/distance information at http://maconcountycycling.blogspot.com/ as well as information about upcoming local events. They also have a few route maps.

For even more route options, check out MapMyRide and do a search for Franklin, Sylva, or Bryson City. Further west, search for Robbinsville for routes on or near the Cherohala Skyway and Lake Fontana. More motorcyclists over there, but great roads.

jppe
08-30-10, 06:36 AM
pm BikeWNC-he is pretty familiar with that area
BikeWNC
08-30-10, 06:43 AM
pm BikeWNC-he is pretty familiar with that area

Yeah, we've already done that. We may get out for a ride this week.
sseaman
08-30-10, 09:06 AM
I have done a lot of riding in the area while on vacation, be ready for some climbing, most of the roads don't have good shoulders, but I have never had any problems with drivers. I would suggest staring out early as it can be a kinda sleepy town with vacationers.
rltrock
08-30-10, 10:04 AM
Great stuff -- thanks! Will scope it all out.