Originally Posted by smoothleg
Anyone know what the roads are like, shoulder areas etc., for spectators on the climb on Brasstown. Could you actually camp out on the roadside? I have a vehicle I can camp in if need be.
As I remember it, the road up Brasstown Bald is a dead-end, narrow, and steep. I wouldn't count on being able to park on that road. Don't hold me to it, but I believe that since the road goes through a National Forest, you can camp by the side -- in the woods. Check with the National Forest Service.
I'm thinking of watching that stage from the top of Hogpen Gap (route 348 -- see the excellent maps and route profiles on tourdegeorgia.com) -- less chance of getting stuck in monumental traffic right after the event. Also, I'm planning to park at the bottom and ride my touring/ commuter bike up -- just so I'll have fresh in mind what a killer climb that thing is.
By the way, on Friday (stage 4), I think the best place to watch will be on top of Neel's Gap (route 11 -- see tourdegeorgia.com again for their map), although there is a spot where the race will pass twice (route 60 -- Woody Gap, I think) -- but that climb is the smallest on the "Six Gap" course -- not really challenging for world-class riders