MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
On Sunday August 30th, 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 30th !! Feel free to email Smoky Mt Bicycles or Rob (email below) if you have any questions or need any further information.
Rob Gasbarro
