Southeast BF Blue Ridge Parkway/Pigeon Loop Ride Report (19 May 2007)
05-21-07, 12:06 AM
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Southeast BF Blue Ridge Parkway/Pigeon Loop Ride Report (19 May 2007)
The Southeast region Bike Forums ride began bright and early at 10 a.m. Saturday from the Pisgah Inn (near Asheville, NC). Well, it was supposed to begin then, but I arrived promptly at 10:40 a.m. Thankfully, BikeWNC and rm -rf were gracious enough to wait for me.
I went to the bathroom to change. It was a crisp, cold May morning at 5,000 feet--temperatures were in the 40s. So I reverted to winter wear: arm warmers, knee warmers, and full-finger gloves.
A few minutes making final preparations, and then we were off on the ride--a group of three riders spanning the cycling spectrum: BikeWNC, a local mountain goat; rm -rf, a flatlander from Northern Kentucky; and me, a nondescript rider from the hills of Tennessee.
After a few minutes coasting downhill on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we headed down the mountain on NC 276.
"The road is kind of rough at the top, but it gets better" BikeWNC warned. "Whatever you do, don't cross the yellow line." That's always good advice.
The first three miles were a steep, curvy descent through the woods. I looked for the best line through the road bumps and tried to keep up.
Gradually, the slope eased up as we entered habited territory. Two large dogs welcomed us to civilization. BikeWNC and rm -rf responded to the barking with "howls" of their own; having met their match, the canines backed off.
The next ten miles were smooth sailing as we gradually lost elevation. We hit smoother pavement and BikeWNC and rm -rf took off, cruising at 20+ mph despite the headwind. I dialed up my wattage to keep pace. We rode through a mixed area--a nice golf course, some nice houses, some not-so-nice houses, and a healthy serving of junkyards.
We stopped at a gas station for a break. The temperature had warmed up several degrees, so we started shedding clothes. I stripped off my gloves and knee warmers.
Shortly after resuming the ride, we bid adieu to the high-speed traffic on NC 215 and turned onto the much quieter Lake Logan Road. We reached the low elevation point and slowly began climbing--first in a stretch of open countryside, then in the woods. BikeWNC told about his bid to become an Olympic kayaker.
To my surprise, we happened upon a body of water: Lake Logan. We stopped for pictures. BikeWNC told of the recreational center there.
Around mile 28 the climbing picked up. It held constant at 4-5% for a while. The road parallels a stream, though it we didn't see it much due to the trees.
We barely encountered any traffic climbing Lake Logan Road. It was very quiet in the woods--with one notable exception. When we were about a third of the way up a high-ride pickup truck, complete with kids in the back, came roaring up the road. About 30 seconds later, it turned around and came roaring back for an encore performance. I wondered if this might turn into a developing situation, but fortunately that was the extent of the day's redneck event.
We stopped were the road crosses the stream. It's a very pretty spot: on the uphill side, the water cascades over a steep rock formation. On the other side, there's a natural pool about 30 feet below. I declined the opportunity to go skinny dipping in 40 degree water. However, I did fill my water bottles with the cold water, courtesy of the nearby spring.
After the spring, we hit the first of two tougher climbing grades: a 7-8% mile-long stretch. Despite never previously having done that much climbing, rm -rf was undaunted by the mountains. He settled within his heart range and motored away. Although the elevation bothered him a bit, he never needed to stop and rest for long.
As we neared the top, the view opened up. At 5,000 feet, the leaves on the trees were still coming out. I was struck by the number of mountain balds in the area. We stopped to take pictures of a waterfall on the mountain side.
After a second short pitch we reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. We took a break at the overlook, enjoying the view. Visibility was over 50 miles. Before the ride, both rm -rf and BikeWNC had hidden provisions near the overlook. rm -rf discovered that a critter (or something) had taken his food, leaving only the water. Fortunately, wilderness-savvy BikeWNC had plenty of extra food in his non-bearproof container. We dined on fig newtons, bananas, and chocolate.
The views from the parkway were spectacular. We stopped at several more overlooks and BikeWNC pointed out highlights. Then we hit a multi-mile downhill run. I did my best to keep up. rm -rf noted that it was the longest downhill stretch he had ever done. He appeared to enjoy it.
We passed through a few tunnels. rm -rf was the only one equipped with a blinky light. Luckily, only one car approached us while we were in the darkness, and its driver saw us. So no one got run over. While we were in the second tunnel I observed that it was the longest tunnel I had ever ridden in. Fifteen seconds later, I commemorated the event by accidentally running off the road (no damage done).
The last few miles of the ride featured several short up and down stretches. Traffic was a bit heavier than before, but still not bad for a beautiful weekend day.
We got back to the inn after 4 p.m.
Ride length: 51.5 miles
Riding time: 3:41
After changing, we met again inside. The restaurant wasn't serving, so BikeWNC and rm -rf got take-out meals. We sat on rocking chairs on the back porch talking cycling and enjoying the mountain panorama. A good time was had by all.
I went to the bathroom to change. It was a crisp, cold May morning at 5,000 feet--temperatures were in the 40s. So I reverted to winter wear: arm warmers, knee warmers, and full-finger gloves.
A few minutes making final preparations, and then we were off on the ride--a group of three riders spanning the cycling spectrum: BikeWNC, a local mountain goat; rm -rf, a flatlander from Northern Kentucky; and me, a nondescript rider from the hills of Tennessee.
After a few minutes coasting downhill on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we headed down the mountain on NC 276.
"The road is kind of rough at the top, but it gets better" BikeWNC warned. "Whatever you do, don't cross the yellow line." That's always good advice.
The first three miles were a steep, curvy descent through the woods. I looked for the best line through the road bumps and tried to keep up.
Gradually, the slope eased up as we entered habited territory. Two large dogs welcomed us to civilization. BikeWNC and rm -rf responded to the barking with "howls" of their own; having met their match, the canines backed off.
The next ten miles were smooth sailing as we gradually lost elevation. We hit smoother pavement and BikeWNC and rm -rf took off, cruising at 20+ mph despite the headwind. I dialed up my wattage to keep pace. We rode through a mixed area--a nice golf course, some nice houses, some not-so-nice houses, and a healthy serving of junkyards.
We stopped at a gas station for a break. The temperature had warmed up several degrees, so we started shedding clothes. I stripped off my gloves and knee warmers.
Shortly after resuming the ride, we bid adieu to the high-speed traffic on NC 215 and turned onto the much quieter Lake Logan Road. We reached the low elevation point and slowly began climbing--first in a stretch of open countryside, then in the woods. BikeWNC told about his bid to become an Olympic kayaker.
To my surprise, we happened upon a body of water: Lake Logan. We stopped for pictures. BikeWNC told of the recreational center there.
Around mile 28 the climbing picked up. It held constant at 4-5% for a while. The road parallels a stream, though it we didn't see it much due to the trees.
We barely encountered any traffic climbing Lake Logan Road. It was very quiet in the woods--with one notable exception. When we were about a third of the way up a high-ride pickup truck, complete with kids in the back, came roaring up the road. About 30 seconds later, it turned around and came roaring back for an encore performance. I wondered if this might turn into a developing situation, but fortunately that was the extent of the day's redneck event.
We stopped were the road crosses the stream. It's a very pretty spot: on the uphill side, the water cascades over a steep rock formation. On the other side, there's a natural pool about 30 feet below. I declined the opportunity to go skinny dipping in 40 degree water. However, I did fill my water bottles with the cold water, courtesy of the nearby spring.
After the spring, we hit the first of two tougher climbing grades: a 7-8% mile-long stretch. Despite never previously having done that much climbing, rm -rf was undaunted by the mountains. He settled within his heart range and motored away. Although the elevation bothered him a bit, he never needed to stop and rest for long.
As we neared the top, the view opened up. At 5,000 feet, the leaves on the trees were still coming out. I was struck by the number of mountain balds in the area. We stopped to take pictures of a waterfall on the mountain side.
After a second short pitch we reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. We took a break at the overlook, enjoying the view. Visibility was over 50 miles. Before the ride, both rm -rf and BikeWNC had hidden provisions near the overlook. rm -rf discovered that a critter (or something) had taken his food, leaving only the water. Fortunately, wilderness-savvy BikeWNC had plenty of extra food in his non-bearproof container. We dined on fig newtons, bananas, and chocolate.
The views from the parkway were spectacular. We stopped at several more overlooks and BikeWNC pointed out highlights. Then we hit a multi-mile downhill run. I did my best to keep up. rm -rf noted that it was the longest downhill stretch he had ever done. He appeared to enjoy it.
We passed through a few tunnels. rm -rf was the only one equipped with a blinky light. Luckily, only one car approached us while we were in the darkness, and its driver saw us. So no one got run over. While we were in the second tunnel I observed that it was the longest tunnel I had ever ridden in. Fifteen seconds later, I commemorated the event by accidentally running off the road (no damage done).
The last few miles of the ride featured several short up and down stretches. Traffic was a bit heavier than before, but still not bad for a beautiful weekend day.
We got back to the inn after 4 p.m.
Ride length: 51.5 miles
Riding time: 3:41
After changing, we met again inside. The restaurant wasn't serving, so BikeWNC and rm -rf got take-out meals. We sat on rocking chairs on the back porch talking cycling and enjoying the mountain panorama. A good time was had by all.
Last edited by Velo Vol; 05-21-07 at 07:34 AM.
05-21-07, 12:07 AM
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I took a few pictures after the ride:
rm -rf and BikeWNC
Velo Vol, rm -rf, Bike WNC
View from the Pisgah Inn
Road going up to the Pisgah Inn
Unusual rock formation
Devil's Courthouse
Courthouse Valley Overlook
Courthouse Valley Overlook
rm -rf and BikeWNC
Velo Vol, rm -rf, Bike WNC
View from the Pisgah Inn
Road going up to the Pisgah Inn
Unusual rock formation
Devil's Courthouse
Courthouse Valley Overlook
Courthouse Valley Overlook
05-21-07, 12:12 AM
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05-21-07, 12:13 AM
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05-21-07, 04:20 AM
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AWESOME! thanks for sharing. I'll be there the next time....promise!
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05-21-07, 06:47 AM
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Great ride report and fabulous pictures! Really sorry that I was unable to attend 
maybe we can do another one in the fall...
maybe we can do another one in the fall...
05-21-07, 07:13 AM
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Cool. 
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05-21-07, 07:47 AM
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Compare and contrast: Two different regional BF rides on the same weekend, both publicized on the forum months in advance:
Southern California (representing part of 55 electoral votes)
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (representing 127 electoral votes)
Think there's a cultural difference at play?
Southern California (representing part of 55 electoral votes)
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (representing 127 electoral votes)
Think there's a cultural difference at play?
Last edited by Velo Vol; 05-21-07 at 07:53 AM.
05-21-07, 07:54 AM
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Yeah, just a bit. 
You post a ride profile graph and people run to hide under the covers. 
Oh, pass the pork rinds please.
You post a ride profile graph and people run to hide under the covers. Oh, pass the pork rinds please.
05-21-07, 08:04 AM
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Great pictures and report!
FYI, here's the incredible turnout for Bike Forums at the Kenosha Racine Century in SE Wisconsin on Saturday. Not sure how many electoral votes we get, but we're all from Illinois, so we vote more than once...
FYI, here's the incredible turnout for Bike Forums at the Kenosha Racine Century in SE Wisconsin on Saturday. Not sure how many electoral votes we get, but we're all from Illinois, so we vote more than once...
05-21-07, 08:15 AM
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Next time, there'll be some South'un wimmins in those pics! 
Sorry I had to miss it, but looking forward to the possibility of future rides. Just remember, guys, this was our first attempt at a southeast regional BF ride. They've probably been doing those for a while in SoCal. Plus, they have a pretty big core group of riders in one location. Ours are spread out, and many would generally need to spend a night for our mountain ride. Makes it logistically-challenging for some.
I look forward to having a BF ride in the greater Charlotte area sometime. There's an area not far from me that has 30- , 55- , and 70-mile routes, all with the same starting point, and with some shared reststops. I think that Gaston County has some similar routes around Crowder Mountain. Substructure or warrenl can correct me on that.
In any case, thanks for the ride report, and all the great pics. I am so sorry I couldn't be there.
Sorry I had to miss it, but looking forward to the possibility of future rides. Just remember, guys, this was our first attempt at a southeast regional BF ride. They've probably been doing those for a while in SoCal. Plus, they have a pretty big core group of riders in one location. Ours are spread out, and many would generally need to spend a night for our mountain ride. Makes it logistically-challenging for some.
I look forward to having a BF ride in the greater Charlotte area sometime. There's an area not far from me that has 30- , 55- , and 70-mile routes, all with the same starting point, and with some shared reststops. I think that Gaston County has some similar routes around Crowder Mountain. Substructure or warrenl can correct me on that.
In any case, thanks for the ride report, and all the great pics. I am so sorry I couldn't be there.
05-21-07, 08:16 AM
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In a recent issue of Bicycling they called the BRP "the best cycling road in the US". My sister lives about 12 miles from it, so I'm planning to give it a shot once I get back in shape.
05-22-07, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by VegaVixen
Just remember, guys, this was our first attempt at a southeast regional BF ride. They've probably been doing those for a while in SoCal. Plus, they have a pretty big core group of riders in one location. Ours are spread out, and many would generally need to spend a night for our mountain ride. Makes it logistically-challenging for some.
The optimist in me says that if we try again (July?) we can get at least five people. Dare to dream!
05-22-07, 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Velo Vol
Compare and contrast:
Looks like a fun ride, though. And I've heard so much about the Blue Ridge Pkwy from various BF'ers that I'd be tempted to join you all for a ride if I were ever out that way.
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05-23-07, 04:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Handbanana
Any chance of doing one in a more centralized spot like Middle Tennessee? Maybe Natchez Trace?
It's possible, if someone local wants to organize a ride. I'm not familiar with that area.
You can try to get something going in the Southeast forum.
05-23-07, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Velo Vol
Yeah, one would think there are enough people within two or three hours that we could do better.
The optimist in me says that if we try again (July?) we can get at least five people. Dare to dream!
The optimist in me says that if we try again (July?) we can get at least five people. Dare to dream!
Let's keep a discussion going for a July ride in the SE regional forums. I'm certainly open to it, and hope to be in a better position time-wise (and condition-wise) to participate.
rm -rf, what cassette were you riding? <curious Vega look>
05-23-07, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by VegaVixen
I hope to start riding up that way every 7-10 days. I figure the mountain ridin' can only make me stronger down here in the relative flatlands. Or so I hope.
Let's keep a discussion going for a July ride in the SE regional forums. I'm certainly open to it, and hope to be in a better position time-wise (and condition-wise) to participate.
rm -rf, what cassette were you riding? <curious Vega look>
Let's keep a discussion going for a July ride in the SE regional forums. I'm certainly open to it, and hope to be in a better position time-wise (and condition-wise) to participate.
rm -rf, what cassette were you riding? <curious Vega look>
He was using a Campy setup with a 50/34 compact crank and a 13-26 cassette.
05-23-07, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by VegaVixen
Let's keep a discussion going for a July ride in the SE regional forums. I'm certainly open to it, and hope to be in a better position time-wise (and condition-wise) to participate.
05-23-07, 12:24 PM
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Do that. Unless it's the weekend before my July TT. I needs me my "Beast" rest.
Lawdy, BikeWNC! rm -rf would've left me sittin' at the bottom of them thar hills for sure!
Lawdy, BikeWNC! rm -rf would've left me sittin' at the bottom of them thar hills for sure!
05-23-07, 03:40 PM
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well, "sharpie" me in as well, hopefully. if i don't get to do a July ride, i'll try for another time...as the time in july will most likely be during the week...BikeWNC, maybe we could get together for a shorter ride during my time up there in july...i'll try not to slow you down too much as i just suck at climbing...
05-23-07, 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by VegaVixen
Let's keep a discussion going for a July ride in the SE regional forums. I'm certainly open to it, and hope to be in a better position time-wise (and condition-wise) to participate.
The other chance I might have is over Thanksgiving. Last year we went up to that neck of the woods for Thanksgiving and I brought my bike along and did the climb up NC 215 to the BRP. It was great, but I wished I had at least one gear lower than 39x25. It did help that the weekend had pretty mild temps and you can't always count on that. We liked it so much that we are talking about going up there again this Thanksgiving. A funny thing is that last year we ran into some friends from Gainesville, FL when we were driving into Maggie Valley. The husband is a very strong rider and was really bummed out when he saw that I brought my bike and he didn't bring his bike. The wife's parents, it turns out, now live in Waynesville and they go up there all the time. It's a small world.
05-23-07, 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by mollusk
My wife and I have been talking about renting a cabin near Helen, GA some time this summer for a weekend. Helen is pretty much right in the middle of the "6 Gap" area. Perhaps we could get a SE BF ride together then if we actually rent it. Nobody else in my family rides, but I have friend that would make the trip with us.
The other chance I might have is over Thanksgiving. Last year we went up to that neck of the woods for Thanksgiving and I brought my bike along and did the climb up NC 215 to the BRP. It was great, but I wished I had at least one gear lower than 39x25. It did help that the weekend had pretty mild temps and you can't always count on that. We liked it so much that we are talking about going up there again this Thanksgiving. A funny thing is that last year we ran into some friends from Gainesville, FL when we were driving into Maggie Valley. The husband is a very strong rider and was really bummed out when he saw that I brought my bike and he didn't bring his bike. The wife's parents, it turns out, now live in Waynesville and they go up there all the time. It's a small world.
The other chance I might have is over Thanksgiving. Last year we went up to that neck of the woods for Thanksgiving and I brought my bike along and did the climb up NC 215 to the BRP. It was great, but I wished I had at least one gear lower than 39x25. It did help that the weekend had pretty mild temps and you can't always count on that. We liked it so much that we are talking about going up there again this Thanksgiving. A funny thing is that last year we ran into some friends from Gainesville, FL when we were driving into Maggie Valley. The husband is a very strong rider and was really bummed out when he saw that I brought my bike and he didn't bring his bike. The wife's parents, it turns out, now live in Waynesville and they go up there all the time. It's a small world.
Last one out close the gate to DisneyWorld.
Helen sounds great. Never have been down there even though it is only a bit over an hour away. I would love to ride Hogpen Gap sometime. How bad could it be? If you're doing all 6 gaps I suppose pretty bad but by itself?