RIDE NAME: May the Fourth Century - Star Wars Day!
RIDE DESCRIPTION: After riding 12 centuries last year, it's hard to believe this is my first century of the year. 🙂 I'm starting with a nice flat century - only 4,500 feet of elevation (or 45 ft/mile). We'll start at Mills River Park, ride through Brevard to Rosman. The return route includes an out-and-back section to Looking Glass Falls and the Fish Hatchery. We will climb the easy side of Walnut Hollow on the return from Rosman, about mile 45.
Planned Rest Stops:
RS #1 at 20 miles - Marathon Store, Pisgah Forest (restrooms, food, water)
RS #2 at 40 miles - Jarret's Convenience Store, Rosman (food, water, no restrooms)
RS #3 at 66 miles - Fish Hatchery, Pisgah Forest (restrooms, no food)
RS #4 at 80 miles - Marathon Store, Pisgah Forest (restrooms, food, water)
I am targeting a 16 mph average moving pace - right on the top edge of Level 4 (or bottom of Level 3). We'll ride together as a group.
Ride Level Characteristic from Choosing a BRBC Ride
Levels 3 & 4
Rides at these levels can vary significantly in distance, climbing, regrouping policy and the presence of a rest stop. Rides may be either drop or no drop. Level 3 & 4 riders are fit, and are typically experienced cyclists with excellent bike handling skills. Riders may have ridden at a higher level in the past, but they may no longer be able to or be interested in the intensity, pace lines and aggressive climbing of level 1 & 2 rides. There are some e-bikes as riders try to remain with their preferred groups.
PARKING CONSIDERATIONS: Park in the back of the park.
HYDRATION, NOURISHMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF RESTROOMS: Restrooms and water at Mills River Park.
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 leaders may not be there and you will be riding on your own. We will try to send out an email if that happens, but Western NC (and SC) is a very large area and some places could be sunshine and other places bad weather.
If you're not yet a BRBC Member, please sign our waiver: Waiver and Release of Liability
Rider's Responsibilities