I did the Roan Groan today. This was my first race ever. From Elizabethton to Carver's Gap on Roan Mountain it is 30 miles. The last 8 are straight up and feel non stop. Even the ride from Elizabethton to the base of Roan Mtn has a few fairly steep, long climbs to get you warmed up. After you get to the top of Roan Mtn, you have another 30 miles to get back unless you have someone waiting for you back at the bottom. This was a fantastic ride and I cannot wait to do it again next year. See how quickly you can forget the pain.