Merry Christmas & New Email

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We appreciate everyone's support in 2009 and look forward to a wonderful 2010!  Stay tuned for additional group rides information, including our "New Years Day Mountain Bike Ride" at FS713! 

 

Our email has changed FROM s.bicycles@mchsi.com TO s.bicycles@morrisbb.net , please change your address book accordingly!  If you are using the sales@smokymtnbikes.com email - we should still receive your emails. 

 

Thanks!

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Weekend Rides!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Now, it's time to work off those calories and go RIDING!

 

SABA (Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association) sabacycling.com - is having Saturday Group Mountain Bike Rides at Jack Rabbit Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails at 10:00am.  This ride will be every Saturday.  

 

There is a Sunday Mountain Bike Ride at Coweeta Hydrological Lab on Coweeta Lab Road on Sunday at 2pm. 

 

There is also a Sunday ROAD Ride from Franklin Fitness Center at 1pm.

 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Weekend Rides

There will be a group ROAD ride on Saturday at 12:00 at S Macon Elementary School on Addington Bridge Rd.  Route to be determined... Patton Valley, Coweeta Loop, Standing Indian, etc.

 

Sunday group ROAD ride at Franklin Fitness Center at 1:00pm.  Route to be determined.

 

Dust off those MOUNTAIN bikes and air up the tires... we'll be having some group rides coming up on Sundays.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Wednesday Rides & More

Hey there.  We will have a short road ride on Wednesday at 4pm leaving from bike shop.  We will head to the waterfall on Ellijay.  We will also be going some place local for dinner after the ride (possibly Cody's).  Mr. Chris Cooper will be up from FL to ride and socialize... so come and join us!

 

Saturday there will be a road ride at S Macon Elementary on Saturday at 1pm.   Route to be determined.

 

Sunday's road ride is from Franklin Fitness Center at 1pm.  Route to be determined.

 

Gerry is looking for folks who would like to ride during the day once the weather warms up.  If you are interested in riding with Gerry, please email him at soudgm@yahoo.com .

 

We would like to thank all the volunteers and participants of the 6th Annual Tour de Franklin.  It rained ALL day on Saturday but we still have 40 brave cyclists hit the wet roads and happy to report everyone made it safe back to the bike shop.  We had 4 people complete the 103 miler - Good job - OJ Simpson, Frank Obusek, Steve Phillips, and Wil Meiners.  While it was tough for the photographers to get some good shots in the rain... but you can check out the photos at http://thelivingpixel.eventpictures.com . 

 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Ride Today?

Who's up for a ride?  It appears that the weather will be nice this afternoon!  Carlos is looking for someone to ride with.  So, if you wanna ride, meet at S Macon Elementary at 5:30pm!  Route will be decided. 

 

Unfortunately, Dave and I will not be there since we are doing last minute preparations for the Tour de Franklin.  I also know that Gerry and Bart are riding earlier in the day.  

 

Don't forget the Tour de Franklin on Saturday, October 31st....

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Wednesday Road Ride

Well, it looks like Wednesday may be an awesome day for a ride.  So, let's meet at 5:30pm at S Macon Elementary and do the Coweeta Loop or Patton Valley, we will decide day of ride.  Sunset is scheduled for 6:48pm. 

 

Also, Sunday Road Ride at 1pm at Franklin Fitness Center.

 

Don't forget to register for the Tour de Franklin which is on Saturday, October 31st.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Sunday Road Rides

Sunday road rides have moved to 1pm, beginning at Franklin Fitness Center.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

No More Weekly ROAD Rides

Since we have rain predicted for most of the week, we have officially ended our Weekly Road Rides. 

 

However, don't be sad... the Tour de Franklin is on Saturday, October 31st at 9am.  There will be 28 mile route, 66 mile route and 103 mile route.  Route will be the same as last year.   Don't forget to get your registration in before the price increases from $30-$40 on Saturday, October 17th.  We still are in need of volunteers if anyone is interested in helping.

 

We will continue to have rides throughout the fall time, including road and mountain bike rides. 

 

Take care! and keep on riding!

 

 

 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Weekly Group Rides

We are winding down the group road rides due to it getting dark soon and we will be doing some of the shorter routes. We will end our road ride season with the Tour de Franklin which is coming up on Saturday, October 31st and registration is $30.00 until 10/17/09 and then it will be $40.00. 

 

Dust off those mountain bikes and we will begin having some group mountain bike rides throughout the fall and winter.

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School at 5:30pm.  We will ride out towards Ellijay.  We will do approximately 14-16 miles and our pace will be 10-12 mph.

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from S Macon Elementary on Addington Bridge Road, we will be doing the Coweeta Loop.

 

I have a meeting on Thursday so we are doing a FRIDAY Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 28 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 14-16 miles this week.     

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 9:30 am at S Macon Elementary and route will be determined.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Group Rides

Our internet/email has been down at the bike shop due to the Morris Broadband take over of Mediacom.  We can access email at home but not at the shop at this time.  Since I am sending this email from home, my email database is very limited.  I have sent this email to most of the regular riders but please spread the word about this weeks ride for those who may not be aware.

 

Tuesday Ladies Ride will be at 5:30pm from Macon Middle School.  We will ride out towards Ellijay. 

 

Wednesday Group Rise will be at 5:30pm from S Macon Elementary.  We will be doing the Patton Valley Loop.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30pm at Tassee Greenway.  We will ride out towards Ellijay.

 

Saturday Group Road Ride will be at 9am at S Macon Elementary.  Route to be determined.

 

Saturday is "Take a Kid Mountain Biking" which will be held at Jack Rabbit Mountain Bike Trails.

 

Sunday is Hilly Hellacious in Fletcher, NC.  Registration is still open.

 

Sorry about the email issues and feel free to call us at 828-369-2881 if you have any questions.

 

Pam and Dave

Smoky Mtn Bicycles

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day

 

SABA to Host IMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day - Saturday, Oct. 3 at Jackrabbit Trails

 

On Sat, Oct. 3, the Southern Appalachian Bicycling Association (SABA) will once again host  young riders, ages 6 to 16, during a youth mountain biking event. The ride is part of a nationwide celebration known as Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, supported by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). This will be the third consecutive year that SABA has hosted this event at the Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trails.

 

SABA will help lead group rides, but  parents are encouraged to attend and ride as well.  Local bike shops will be available to assist with minor bike repairs prior to the start time of the event.  SABA would like to foster the sport of mountain biking not only as a fun, family-friendly activity, but to help promote fitness as well.

 

WHAT:  Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day
WHEN:  Saturday, October 3
TIME:    Bike Shops On-Site for Minor Bike Repairs at 9:30am
              Group Rides Begin at 10:00am
WHERE:  Jackrabbit Mountain Bike & Hiking Trails
For more information, visit www.sabacycling.com or email questions to info@sabacycling.com
More About this Celebration:

 

IMBA's International Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day celebrates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker from North Carolina who had a true passion for the sport from an early age to the time when he passed away in 2002. Event funding is provided by the Jack Doub Memorial Endowment. Events are being hosted by bike clubs and others across the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico and beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

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The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:

2008 Kids Biking 035


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Weekly Group Rides

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School at 5:30pm.  We will ride out towards Ellijay.  We will do approximately 14-16 miles and our pace will be 10-12 mph.

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from the bike shop.  We will be doing the Burningtown Route.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 28 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 14-16 miles this week.     

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 9:00 am at S Macon Elementary and route will be determined.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Weekly Group Rides

We have a customer who is doing Bridge to Bridge ride and looking for someone to carpool back to Lenoir.  If anyone is interested or knows someone who is doing Bridge to Bridge, please email Pam.  Thanks.

 

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School at 5:30pm.  We will ride out towards Ellijay.  We will do approximately 14-16 miles and our pace will be 10-12 mph.

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from S Macon Elementary School on Addington Bridge Road.  We will Coweeta Loop this week.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 28 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 14-16 miles this week.     

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 9:00 am at S Macon Elementary and route will be determined.

 

 

Weekly Group Rides

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School at 5:30pm.  We will ride out towards Ellijay.  We will do approximately 14-18 miles and our pace will be 10-12 mph.

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from bike shop.  We will be doing the Burningtown Loop.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 28 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 16 - 18 miles this week.     

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 9:00 am at S Macon Elementary and route will be determined.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Monday Charity Ride

 

Hi Pam,

If anyone in your club is interested, this ride is happening in Murphy on Monday.

Sincerely,

Bob

Labor Day - Donna Kerney Charitable Century Ride - 7 AM

On Monday Sept 7th at 7:00 AM there will be a century ride (100 miles) in support of Donna Kerney who works at United Community Bank in Murphy and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The ride will be unstructured so if you want to come along and ride only 30 miles, or any mileage less than 100, you are welcome. The route to be determined will encompass the tri-state area.

There are no fees for this ride but donations are welcome and will go directly to Donna.

The ride will leave from the Hiawassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center across from Konehte Park in Murphy, NC at 7:00 AM

Please come out and show your support for Donna!

For additional details contact:

Tom Bzotte: 828-837-0432
Terry Jones: 828-557-9426


At 04:13 PM 9/4/2009, you wrote:

Just a reminder that the Saturday Morning Road Ride from S Macon Elementary will begin at 9 AM!  We'll be doing the Standing Indian Climb.
 
Also, we have added a ride for MONDAY... We will be having a mountain bike ride at Tsali at 10am on Monday, in addition to the ride on Monday at S Macon Elementary on road bikes at 10am.  I'm hoping that Gerry will be able to host the Monday 10am ride... but if there are other folks who plan to ride and would "head up" the road ride, we would greatly appreciate it.  Please let us know.
 
We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend!
 
 
Pam & Dave
Smoky Mountain Bicycles
179 Highlands Road
Franklin, NC  28734
828-369-2881
www.smokymtnbikes.com
 
 

NAPA/Sonoma Bicycle Tour

Pam,

 

Could you post this to your biking list? 

 

Our very good friends in Florida were planning on going on a Tour of California wine country, using the tour company BACKROADS.  Unfortunately, Bill was diagnosed with a severe hernia yesterday.  They are past the time to get any refund for their trip.  As a result, they would be willing to deeply discount this trip if anyone is interested in taking their place. (note: it is a trip for two adults, king accomodations)

 

The trip can be reviewed at www.backroads.com  It is the "WINE COUNTRY BICYCLING CASUAL INNS" trip. 

The trip begins on 09/13/09 and ends on 09/18/09. 

 

As you may recall, this was the trip Jean and I had planned to take prior to my second back surgery.  If you could send this to the biking community, who knows, someone may on the spur of the moment want to take advantage of a great deal! 

 

Interested parties should contact:  Bill or Rita Volmer at 239-404-7548 for more info and to discuss costs.

 

It is a GREAT all inclusive tour on great road bikes (titanium) during the peak harvest season in NAPA. 

Thanks,

Lenny
--
Lenny Jordan
770-330-3280
lennyjordan@gmail.com

Saturday and Monday Rides

Just a reminder that the Saturday Morning Road Ride from S Macon Elementary will begin at 9 AM!  We'll be doing the Standing Indian Climb.

 

Also, we have added a ride for MONDAY... We will be having a mountain bike ride at Tsali at 10am on Monday, in addition to the ride on Monday at S Macon Elementary on road bikes at 10am.  I'm hoping that Gerry will be able to host the Monday 10am ride... but if there are other folks who plan to ride and would "head up" the road ride, we would greatly appreciate it.  Please let us know.

 

We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend!

 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Weekly Group Rides

We had a great turnout for the Blue Ridge Parkway Ride.  Check out photos at by cutting and pasting the below links into your browser and you will be able to view all the photos.  Also, photos and links posted at www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com . Thanks to Lenny and Terry for being our photographers for the day.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/TWhite4257/BlueRidgeParkway_NC_2009Aug30?authkey=Gv1sRgCMzJ6ILg69Wj2AE&feat=email#

 

and

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/lennyjordan/CyclingTheBlueRidgeParkway?authkey=Gv1sRgCI2OjePduJ-B_gE&feat=email#

 

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School at 5:30pm.  We will ride out towards Ellijay.  We will do approximately 14-18 miles, depending upon who shows up and our pace will be 10-12 mph.

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from S Macon Elementary School on Addington Bridge Road.  We will be doing Coweeta Loop.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 24 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 16 - 18 miles this week.     

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 9:00 am at S Macon Elementary and route will Standing Indian.

 

MONDAY - LABOR DAY - we will have a group road ride from S Macon Elementary at 10am and route will be decided then.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Photos

Here is another link for photos that Terry took on our ride yesterday. It was a great day and we greatly appreciate Terry and Lenny being our photographers for the day! Copy and paste below link into browser bar.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TWhite4257/BlueRidgeParkway_NC_2009Aug30?authkey=Gv1sRgCMzJ6ILg69Wj2AE&feat=email#5376100712640673346

Lenny & Terry Rides

Link for photos from Blue Ridge Parkway

Special "Thank You!" to Lenny and Terry for being our official photographers for the day. Something tells me they had as much fun as we did! Check out their rides! Copy and paste link into browser bar.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lennyjordan&target=ALBUM&id=5375877751217184865&authkey=Gv1sRgCI2OjePduJ-B_gE&invite=CIuY8N4M&feat=email

Blue Ridge Parkway 08/30/09

SUNDAY- BLUE RIDGE RIDE

Please be advised we have changed the meeting time to 12:30pm at the bike shop.  Departure time is 12:45pm.  Most people preferred to go a little bit earlier but we want to give the folks who have church a chance to come as well.  So, pack a lunch and meet at 12:30 at the bike shop!  Not sure the temperature on the Blue Ridge so be prepared for all weather conditions.

 

We've had a good response and look forward to seeing everyone Sunday.

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Group Ellijay Ride 08/26/09

 

 

 

SMB Outfits & Winter Clothes

We are placing another order for some custom clothing from Champion Systems.  If you are interested in getting any additional items for winter; jackets, arm warmers, knee warmers, leg warmers, knickers, etc, just let us know.  You know, it's kinda cold during the Tour de Franklin, so plan ahead!  Special pricing offered for those who sign up for the Tour de Franklin.  I've attached a price list of the items available for order. 

 

Long Sleeve Jersey                       $85.00

Thermo Shield Winter Jacket         $150.00        This is wind proof, but has breathable side panels

Thermo Fleece Thermo Shield        $140.00        Breathable

Wind Guard Vest                          $75.00

Wind Guard Jacket                        $85.00

 

Arm Warmers                                $30.00

Knee Warmers                              $35.00

Leg Warmers                                $38.00

Fleece Arm Warmers                    $35.00

Fleece Knee Warmers                   $38.00

Fleece Leg Warmers                     $40.00

 

Lycra Knickers                             $115.00

Fleece Knickers                            $125.00

Fleece Tights                                $130.00

 

We appreciate everyone's support.  I will be placing order next week, so please let me know know if you are interested. Order will take approximately 6 weeks.  I've attached a proof of the shorts and jersey, as an example of the design. 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Ladies Group Ride

 

 

 

Bike still locked up!

 

 

 

Weekly Group Rides

News Flash - Hilly Hellacious is returning, Sunday October 4th in Fletcher, NC.  Check out the website at www.hillyhellacious.com . This is a great ride and a good warm-up for the Tour de Franklin on Saturday, October 31st.  www.tourdefranklin.com

 

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at S Macon Elementary School on Addington Bridge Rd at 5:30pm.  We will ride out to Coweeta Hydrological Lab, which will be approximately 14-16 miles, and average will be between 10-12mph. 

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from the bike shop.  We will be doing the Ellijay Out and Back.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 24 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 16 - 18 miles this week.     

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 8am at S Macon Elementary and route will Patton Valley. 

 

Sunday, August 30th we will be doing BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ride!  We'll be meeting at the bike shop at 1:30pm-1:45pm and departing at 2pm. 

 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Macon County Transportation Survey Link

 Fellow bicyclists - this is our chance to have our voices heard when it comes to the roads and transportation in Macon County.  The Macon County Transportation Committee has recently compiled a survey to ask residents of Macon County what improvements and issues they feel are important to them and our community.  Please take a few minutes to review and complete the survey, via the attached link.  Please also forward this email to friends and family who would also be interesting in responding to this important issue of Macon Counties current and future road ways.  With the information the committee compiles we will be able to address the most important concerns for our transportation needs.

   

Macon County Goals and Objectives Survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/MaconCountyCTP

 

Thank you for taking the time to take part in this important issue for Macon County.  We appreciate your support!

 

Have a good day.

 

Pam Forshee

 

 

 

Performance

Weekly Group Rides

Please keep Chuck & Carol Shelton, and family in your thoughts and prayers as Chuck undergoes physical therapy and recovery.  Chuck was seriously injured on August 10 and sustained some injury to his spinal cord. He is able to walk unsteadily, but so far has limited movement and strength in his arms, which is expected to improve. He has had surgery to fuse the vertebrae in his neck to prevent further injury to his spinal cord, and his many lacerations of his face and lips are all stitched up and healing well. We will obtain a physical therapy consult ASAP and go from there. I'm sure any cards and calls from you would lift his spirits.  We will have a group card for everyone to sign on Wednesday.

 

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School on Wells Grove Road at 5:30pm.  We will ride out to Ellijay Road, via Wells Grove Road, Fulton Rd and Sugarfork and Ellijay.  We'll plan to ride to the waterfall but can always turn around whenever.  Ride will be approximately 16-18 miles with a 10-12 mph pace.  Next week we will switch things up and meet at S Macon Elementary and ride out to Coweeta Lab.

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm from S Macon Elementary School.  We will be doing a NEW version of the BACKWARDS Patton Valley Loop.  Ride will be approximately 25 miles.  This is the route we did this past Saturday (just backwards) for those who rode!

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 24 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 16 - 18 miles this week.  We're stepping it up!       

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 8am at S Macon Elementary and route will be determined.... ???  !!!   Any suggestions??

 

BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Sunday, August 30th we will be doing BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ride!  We'll be meeting at the bike shop at 1:30pm-1:45pm and departing at 2pm.

 

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com

 

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Ride

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

On Sunday August 30^th, join Rob Gasbarro and gang for a ride you'll never forget – in a good way of course J

We'll be riding approximately 45-50 miles on arguably the most scenic section of the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. The vistas on the way up to the highest Parkway elevation are amazing, and when we hit the ridgeline, they're even better. We'll pass by towering outcroppings, pine forests that smell like Christmas, and wide open clearings that offer limitless views – not to mention the roads are flawless. There's not another place in NC that offers anything close to this. Lots of group and individual pics will be taken along the way as well.

The group will meet at Smoky Mt. Bikes around 1:30 -1:45pm (don't worry, we're not riding out from there). Ideally, we'd like to carpool as much as we can – with a goal of being on the road by 2pm. The Parkway is a 30 minute drive from the shop. We'll start from the parking area on the shoulder of the entrance road off of Hwy 23. For those meeting us there, it's at the top of Balsam Gap on Hwy23 about 11 miles north of the 441/23 Sylva interchange. It would be great to be on the saddles by 2:30

There is a Category 1 climb that starts the moment we leave the cars, but it's the easiest Cat1 you'll ever do. About 80% is in complete shade, the slopes are gradual and it's very easy to set a nice rhythm up the climb. There are numerous overlooks along the way to take a take a quick break. The climb up is about 12 miles long and covers a rise of approximately 2800' but it's worth every foot. Even though its longer, I think this climb is easier than any of our usual local route climbs. At the top you'll be at the highest elevation on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway (6100')… imagine the views. Just before we reach the top, there's also a little-known watering spot that has a limitless supply of the best ice-cold water you've ever had. So there's no need to worry about making 2 bottles last for this type of ride. From there, we'll continue for roughly 12-13 miles along the highest ridgeline on the Parkway. The terrain is undulating and runs between 5400' and 5900', but the inclines are rarely steeper than 5%. There are overlooks approximately every ½ mile to mile. The second marquis spot on the ride will be the parking/overlook area at Devils Courthouse. If any of you have never seen it or only seen it in pictures, nothing does this monument justice like being there. This is one of the most amazing outcroppings in the southeast US.

The road about 2-3 miles up from Devils Courthouse offers spectacular views of the white cliff mountains south of Brevard, NC. The topography south of this region is significantly lower elevation, so you feel much higher and of course, the views are incredible. This is approximately where we'll turn around. The ride back offers completely different vantage points of what you saw on the way up. Once we pass Richland-Balsam Gap, you get the last treat of the day. That 12 mile climb up is now a 12 mile descent. It's almost 25 minutes of ear to ear grinning, going as fast or as slow as you want. There are no hairpin or tight turns, so even the folks not experienced in descending will feel comfortable on this ride down. There is one section about 6 miles out that has a slight elevation advance to break up the descent.

This is one of the most gratifying rides you'll ever do. It will be a test of your abilities, as its no the easiest, but it's worth every drop of sweat. This is a great prep ride for anyone planning on the fall classics (TdFranklin, 6-Gap, TdTuck, etc). The total ride should take us about 4 hours (give or take a half hour).  Anyone who has front and rear lights should bring them, since we have 2 tunnels we will be going through.

Please RSVP with us so we can accommodate with car pooling – or let us know if we should expect to see you at the Parkway entrance. Seriously, don't miss this ride. It's the one that your friends who did make it will make you feel bad about for missing J

We've attached a few photos, just to try to help convince you about what you might be missing!!  Just a little teaser.

SEE YOU ON THE 30^th !!  Feel free to email Smoky Mt Bicycles or Rob (email below) if you have any questions or need any further information.

 Rob Gasbarro

Mailto:rob@bridgebuilders.com

 

Weekly Group Rides

Chuck & Susan Allen always hosts touring riders as they come through our area.  During the middle of August, a family of 5, will be coming to Franklin on a Quadricycle, traveling from KY.  Chuck will be out of town and is looking for someone to allow this family to "camp out" on their property, preferably with restrooms/showers available for the riders. If you are interested in helping this family or know of someone who is, please call Chuck at 371-0849.

 

GROUP RIDES   

 

Tuesday LADIES Group Road Ride this week will start at Macon Middle School on Wells Grove Road at 5:30pm.  We will ride out to Ellijay Road, via Wells Grove Road, Fulton Rd and Sugarfork and Ellijay.  We'll plan to ride to the waterfall but can always turn around whenever.  Ride will be approximately 16-18 miles with a 10-12 mph pace.  

 

Wednesday Group Road Ride this week will start at 5:30pm at Smoky Mountain Bicycles, we will be doing the Burningtown Loop.

 

Thursday Beginner Ride will be at 5:30 pm at TASSEE BRIDGE GREENWAY.  We'll be venturing out on the Wells Grove Road as we are preparing some folks to ride the 24 mile route of the Tour de Franklin in October... we will be doing approximately 16 - 18 miles this week.  We're stepping it up!       

 

Saturday Road Ride will be at 8am at S Macon Elementary and we will be doing the Patton Valley Loop.

 

We'll probably have a Group Mountain Bike Ride at Tsali in the upcoming weeks, maybe 8/23 or 8/30.  Let me know your thoughts on which Sunday might work better.  Have a great week!

 

Pam & Dave

Smoky Mountain Bicycles

179 Highlands Road

Franklin, NC  28734

828-369-2881

www.smokymtnbikes.com