ROUTE: ~Solstice-2024, 90mi/~4450', ridewithgps.com/routes/47169824.
RIDE LEADER: Art. Delcher, 410-206-8224, artdelcher@gmail.com. Have my number in your cell phone, so you can call if you have a problem.
DATE AND TIME: Thu, 20 Jun, wheels rolling at 7:50a (for the 1st start—see below for later option).
START LOCATION: Silvermont Mansion, 364 E Main St, Brevard NC 28712.
RIDE DESCRIPTON: A moderate-pace ride. We'll split into groups at the start if warranted by the number of riders, with faster riders encouraged to go in the lead group(s). Your humble ride leader will start with the last group and his target average pace getting to Etowah is 17mph—north of there we'll likely slow a bit since it'll be hillier and hotter by then. Periodic regrouping will occur. This is, however, a DROP ride. Ensure you have the route and are fully self-sufficient to complete the ride if you get too far behind. Please call, though, if you get lost or have a problem and we'll do our best to find and help you.
NOTES:
• Restrooms and ample parking at the start.
• No significant climbs—just some short hills.
• Later start option: Skip the 22mi Rosman loop and meet us when we get back to Silvermont for a ~68mi ride. We should get back to Silvermont a bit after 9am. We definitely won't leave Silvermont before 9am.
• Shorter option: skip the part of the route north of NC-280; cuts off ~19mi. You might be on your own if you do this.
• Extra-short option: meet us as we go by Etowah Park and just do the ride from there north; will be ~37mi. Let me know if you'd like to do that so I can let you know when we expect to get to Etowah Park.
• Rest stops at: mile 29.6, Triangle convenience store in Penrose; mile 54.9, Mills River Ingles. Optional rest stop ~mile 75 at Etowah Ingles or the Citgo across US-64 from there.
• At this writing the forecast (in Etowah—roughly the middle of the route) calls for partly cloudy, 65°–82°, NE 2 to E 7mph winds, a bit humid (dew point 62°–63°) but <5% chance of rain
• The precise solstice is at 4:50p. Optional post-ride Druidic sun ceremony. ☀️🙂
EQUIPMENT: Helmets and water bottles are mandatory. Have the route on your bike computer, phone, or printed cue sheet. Front facing headlights and rear blinking lights are highly recommended for this ride and required on the Blue Ridge Parkway unless appropriate reflectors are attached. Your bike must be equipped with the necessary lights or reflectors in accordance with applicable North Carolina and federal law and statutes governing bicycles. You should be fully self-sufficient for repair of flat tires or small mechanical issues.
NOTE: All rides leave promptly at the time stated. Give yourself enough time (at least fifteen minutes) to get your bike unloaded and all geared up!
WEATHER: Please remember if the weather looks "iffy" or gets bad before the start date and time, then the ride leader(s) may not be there and you will be riding on your own. First person to tell me they read this gets five dollars. I generally don't send cancellation emails because the weather often changes at the last minute. Use your own judgement whether it's suitable to ride.