It would be awesome if you could come down for the TdC! From my Garmin data, my 800 recorded 6700' on the metric. However, my 800 always has the lowest elevation gain of any Garmin I've seen. Generally, the accepted gain for the metric is around 7300-7400'. The century ends up with around 11,000'+.

The ride starts in a mass start with the century getting off a few minutes before the metric. The 62.6 miles on the metric start with a climb right from the go, about 2 miles which is both a leg burner and a indicator of how the day will be. I love this ride! I also hate this ride! lol It has some great climbing on small roads, fun descents and not enough flat ground to help with the overall average speed. Low gearing is essential. My days of doing this ride in a 39/27 are long gone. I usually ride a 34/32 on this one. Last year, Neal and I got around in just under 5 hours ride time. I've done it in under 4:30 before but that won't happen this year for me.

The long climbs are Elijay and Cullowhee Mtn Rd. Elijay is 4.8 miles and climbs 1450' while CMR is 4.4 miles and gains 1850'. Grades over 10% are common with a max over 16% in a couple switchbacks. Elijay has 3 steeper pitches with recovery sections while CMR starts with 2 miles at 10% ave then gradually eases to an overall 8% for the whole climb.

But those 2 big climbs only total 3300' so there is plenty of shorter but still steep sections sprinkled over the course.

I was hoping several 50+ members might give this one a try. Besides NealH, you'll be the first. Maybe a few others will join in! Hey billydonn, you reading this?

Here's my Garmin file from last year. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175047465

rm -rf, let me know if you need any info. We can do a cool down ride on Sunday if you have the time.