Six Gap Rookie Here. Suggestions for Local Accommodations/Activities
08-21-10, 06:18 AM
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Six Gap Rookie Here. Suggestions for Local Accommodations/Activities
I'm riding the Six Gap for the first time this year, and am planning the trip (down from the DC area). Do people have recommendations where to stay, where to carbo-load, what to do in Dahlonega and environs for the weekend other than ride? Any good bike shops nearby? I actually grew up on the area (Habersham County), but wasn't a cyclist then and haven't been to Dahlonega in years. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
For that matter, would also appreciate any strategy thoughts for planning the ride itself. I've done climbing centuries before (Blue Ridge Extreme once and Cheat Mountain Challenge twice) so I know what to expect generally, but thoughts on pacing and where the really challenging parts are would be helpful.
For that matter, would also appreciate any strategy thoughts for planning the ride itself. I've done climbing centuries before (Blue Ridge Extreme once and Cheat Mountain Challenge twice) so I know what to expect generally, but thoughts on pacing and where the really challenging parts are would be helpful.
Last edited by Kuma; 08-21-10 at 06:33 AM.
08-21-10, 08:39 AM
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Sweet I live a few hours away from Dahlonega, and a friend of mine from school lives in Habersham. Unfortunately, I have never done the ride, so I can not be of much help. I am plaining on riding up Brasstown Bald after I graduate in December, though.
My family used to go up to Helen a lot. I am sure you have been there, but if you haven't it is a german town. Kind of neat and lots of restaurants and hotels there.
My family used to go up to Helen a lot. I am sure you have been there, but if you haven't it is a german town. Kind of neat and lots of restaurants and hotels there.
08-21-10, 09:02 AM
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The ride has gotten so big, the town will be absolutely packed with cyclists the day before. A good number of companies will have booths, and there are some fun little restaurants and bars in Dahlonega. Last year it poured the day before and they moved the booths to a local middle school gym, but the day of the ride was beautiful.
If you're willing to drive down very early in the morning before the ride, you could stay in Helen, which has a quasi-German flair these days and some nightlife. Helen also has the Waffle House, ideal for fueling up with 1000 calories of grease before these long rides.
As far as pacing, Six Gap starts climbing almost at the start; the gaps are spaced throughout. Make sure you save as much as you can for Hogpen, which is quite a bit harder than the rest of the gaps. The final gap is short and easy and the descent into town is a blast.
A bunch of us are headed up there next weekend to ride the course; I'll miss the actual event this year but I love riding in that area. If you want a smaller, even more challenging ride come back in the spring for the Brasstown Baldbuster.
If you're willing to drive down very early in the morning before the ride, you could stay in Helen, which has a quasi-German flair these days and some nightlife. Helen also has the Waffle House, ideal for fueling up with 1000 calories of grease before these long rides.
As far as pacing, Six Gap starts climbing almost at the start; the gaps are spaced throughout. Make sure you save as much as you can for Hogpen, which is quite a bit harder than the rest of the gaps. The final gap is short and easy and the descent into town is a blast.
A bunch of us are headed up there next weekend to ride the course; I'll miss the actual event this year but I love riding in that area. If you want a smaller, even more challenging ride come back in the spring for the Brasstown Baldbuster.
08-21-10, 09:09 AM
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The ride has gotten so big, the town will be absolutely packed with cyclists the day before. A good number of companies will have booths, and there are some fun little restaurants and bars in Dahlonega. Last year it poured the day before and they moved the booths to a local middle school gym, but the day of the ride was beautiful.
If you're willing to drive down very early in the morning before the ride, you could stay in Helen, which has a quasi-German flair these days and some nightlife. Helen also has the Waffle House, ideal for fueling up with 1000 calories of grease before these long rides.
As far as pacing, Six Gap starts climbing almost at the start; the gaps are spaced throughout. Make sure you save as much as you can for Hogpen, which is quite a bit harder than the rest of the gaps. The final gap is short and easy and the descent into town is a blast.
A bunch of us are headed up there next weekend to ride the course; I'll miss the actual event this year but I love riding in that area. If you want a smaller, even more challenging ride come back in the spring for the Brasstown Baldbuster.
If you're willing to drive down very early in the morning before the ride, you could stay in Helen, which has a quasi-German flair these days and some nightlife. Helen also has the Waffle House, ideal for fueling up with 1000 calories of grease before these long rides.
As far as pacing, Six Gap starts climbing almost at the start; the gaps are spaced throughout. Make sure you save as much as you can for Hogpen, which is quite a bit harder than the rest of the gaps. The final gap is short and easy and the descent into town is a blast.
A bunch of us are headed up there next weekend to ride the course; I'll miss the actual event this year but I love riding in that area. If you want a smaller, even more challenging ride come back in the spring for the Brasstown Baldbuster.
+1 to all of this. Six Gap is a great ride, as is Brasstown Baldbuster. Then try Ten Gap.
I would try Helen, the last time I was in Dahlonega there wasn't much. But they put on a great ride.
