garysol1 

Hi all. Looks like Leinad and myself will be staying at the Best Western in Murphy NC Wed April 23rd through that Saturday. If anyone cares to join us for a few rides here is our plan. If any locals have any better ideas for us to spend our days please feel free to.

Thursday........5 Gap north out of Vogels State Park.
Friday...........Go down to Dahlonega for the finish of the race. Prior to that maybe do this 3 gap route.
Saturday.....Get up early and drive to the base of Brasstown. Ride to the top then come back down and put our bikes away and change into street clothes. Take the shuttle back up for the party.

Any comments on our plans or routes would be appreciated.

Donegal

Got some pretty ambitious riding days there, bring your legs or your triples. Tons of climbing, damn near every inch of the way. If your coming from Ohio, you're basically a flatlander, hell, I grew up in Cleveland. I live in Georgia and these rides are pretty aggressive. You might be younger and stronger than me, but this is tough territory. It has kicked my as$ many a day. I went up to do Three Gap one day last year, the one with Hogpen. I folded up for the first time ever on a bike. Had to get off and walk 2-3 times. Our motto is die before anyone sees you walking. Turns out I had Epstein-Barr virus. That took 6 months to shake. I rode two of the gaps at good speed with my personal trainer friend, on Hogpen I hit the wall. The other three gap is a better warmup to the big ones.

I am training to ride 6 gap this year with a couple of friends. Excellent riding roads up there, just lots and lots of hills. When you ride uphilll 7-8 miles, you may start to rethink your logic. Watch the downhills, you can cross 50 in a couple of places. Feels a little squirrely on a 15lb. bike, one little piece of gravel in a corner and you had a bad day. I will be up that weekend also, hope to see you, there will be lots of folks riding.

garysol1 

We are in no hurry. No schedule to keep. I have never ridden these routes but I do have many North Georgia miles in my legs so I have somewhat of an idea what to expect. Would this be a more workable plan. Is there any reason not to 3 gap clockwise on day one then ride it counter clockwise the following? That way we can pass on the 5 gap and still get some good riding in.

Donegal

Hey Guys;

I would ride Three Gap First, starting either at the Rock Pile or Turner's Corner, climb Neel's Gap first, 35-40 minutes, 7.5 mile climb, not too steep but loooonnnng. As soon as you pass Vogel State Park, you will turn left and climb Wolfpen, about 1/2 as long but steeeep. You will really enjoy a 25 or 27 rear cassette or a compact. I have gone to a compact and a 12/25. Woody Gap is a bump after the other two, and you will enjoy a major league downhill on the other side. You can run as hard as you want down the hill except for the last turn steepens in on you. Watch for the warning signs, one will say 20 mph and look like a 180, that's the tough one. After that you can work the acid out of your legs on your way back to the car. You can go to Dahlonega.org website or Map my ride to get more detail on the 3-gap routes. Map my ride has elevations as well as distances. If you want more detail, PM me and I will help where I can.

If you liked Three Gap, and feel strong, you can try the other three. We start at Vogel State Park, ride up to 180(mostly downhill) and turn to Jack's Gap, Unicoi Gap and Hogpen Gap. Fabulous ride, Hogpen is absolutely brutal, only run at it when you feel strong. Speed on the downhill after Hogpen is only limited by the famous cajones factor. At just under 50, I eased back. Then you ride back to Vogel and it's Miller time. If you ever feel really ambitious, you can climb Brasstown Bald, there is a section on it that is over 20% and it feels like you are climbing a tree straight up.

garysol1 

Thanks Donegal. I have climbed Brasstown a few times so I know what you mean about straight up. It so far is the only "hill" I have ever had to take a break on.
As far as the down hills. I am using a new set of wheels and tires so my cajones factor will be set to small

BikeWNC

If you are interested in doing a ride in NC near Robbinsville on Thursday, let me know. I might be able to get away and join you for a ride.

garysol1 

I am guessing you have a good loop in mind? That may be a great idea!!

BikeWNC

There are several loops in the area depending on what you want. One is the Wayah loop, about 70 miles. Another is Yellow Ck loop which is 38 miles with an option to add more on an out and back on the Cherohala Skyway.

garysol1 

Gorgeous road. I used to love doing the Cherohala/129 Deals Gap loop back in my motorcycle days....

BikeWNC

Yes it is a nice one. I'm heading out to SoCal Wed. to do some riding. I'll be back late Mon. the 21st. If you're interested we can firm up plans then.

garysol1 

Very good. Can you send me a quick route sheet or link on the CK loop? I hear it is a very nice ride.

BikeWNC

I'll have to find it.

BikeWNC

https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...vile/429394377

BikeWNC

Wayah loop - https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...klin/644375614

garysol1 

Thanks I know those roads well. Have a safe trip and Ill talk to you when you get back.

BikeWNC

OK. Thanks.

BikeWNC

Sent you a PM about riding on Thursday.