sriley4290

So I took the day off tomorrow to ride, with a buddy, the 124 mile round trip to Alabama and back, and now he had to go to a mid day meeting so I am Riding solo. Haven't done the Trail solo, anyone know of any safety concerns of day time riding out there? I know that there have been some robberies and assaults out there. I just want to make sure I am not taking any undo risks. I am from the north side of ATL so I don't go down there that much. on another note, anyone riding it tomorrow?

Juan Foote

I wouldn't ride the trail alone if I were a young, pretty female unless (sorry) I were packing. I am a middle aged, fat, ugly dude with one foot, so people whom might commit grape (don't know why that word is censored) don't look twice at me.

That was meant somewhat in jest, in that I have ridden the trail a LOT without ever feeling really sketched out, but as I said above...

sriley4290

well luckily I am a middle aged, fat, ugly dude as well, who is also packing...was just curious about robberies and the like, and less about the R word.

tbdean

I've ridden the trail several times alone. (Also a fat, ugly dude). As you get towards Alabama the trail gets more and more empty. You'll go long stretches without seeing anyone. Yes, there have been reports of robberies, but I think that's fairly rare. I always bring pepper spray but have never come close to even feeling sketchy on any part of the trail.

Enjoy your ride. Bring lots of water.

sriley4290

Well i survived, it wasn't the greatest time, and my phone died with 8 miles left, but I did the 117mi with a 15.0mph avg. took me 7 hrs 49min. then finished the last 8 miles. I was so tired at that point that I didn't even pay attention to any #s . just trying to breathe and keep peddling. legs cramping in muscles I didn't even know I had, but overall, i am very happy I did it, and will do it again, but maybe at a more leisurely pace.

Ronno6

My hat is off to you for your ride...especially if you pedaled up Cardiac Hill just past the Mabelton parking lot (original Trail Head.)
I really enjoy riding the Trail after you get past all the congestion........

sriley4290

is that the one outside of rockmart? if so, then I didn't make it all the way up. I ran out of water because i didn't research my surroundings and didn't know there were no gas stations. I made it part of the way up that really big hill on the way to cederpoint.

Ronno6

Cardiac Hill is near the eastern terminus.
The Trail used to end in Mabelton at Mavell Road, I believe at MM 0, but was extended eastward.
The hill is just east of the Mabelton parking lot.
It is not long but is very steep.

Ex Pres 

That Cedartown to Rockmart section is kind of a nasty hill surprise after all the flat riding from either the GA or AL terminus. My legs don't know quite what to do . But it can be bypassed if you don't mind riding on the highway.

sriley4290

ah yes, Nope, after 125, I walked part of that one. I did park in that publix just past the Mavell road trail head.

sriley4290

Agreed, I hit those hills, and was already pretty tired. I am not going to lie. I underestimated the trail and riding that far at one time. I was hurting pretty bad when I got done. I did rest and I did walk some of the hills just because my legs weren't working that well. but I will do it again and be better prepared next time.

Juan Foote

Yup, I used to park right by the Burger King. As awful as it is for you, it was one hell of a treat after going out and coming back up that beast of a hill...admittedly it wasn't that bad when you are fresh.

sriley4290

agreed, I had Zaxby's after my ride, that was after standing and stretching outside my truck for half an hour hoping I didn't cramp up anymore.