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Level 5, Oskar Blues Etowah 35, 10AM
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About this event
RIDE NAME: Oskar Blues Etowah 35
RIDE DESCRIPTION: Our partner, Oskar Blues, not only supports BRBC but other local non-profits. On the third Monday of each month, called Makin’ a Difference Mondaze, they donate 10% of all food and beverage sales.
On Monday, May 19th the beneficiary is Almost Home Dog Rescue NC. Paula Stone has been involved with this dog rescue since early 2020. The past few years she's asked for ride leaders to schedule starts at OB. This has resulted in dozens of hungry and thirsty cyclists contributing to sales and subsequent share to the rescue. There’s no other requirement or obligation.
You don't have to ride - you can just have lunch at Oskar Blues on Monday. But if you want to ride, I'm planning a recovery ride since this is the Monday following Cycle N Suds. The forecast claims there might be scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, so we'll start at 10AM so we can get back before the rain.
The route is 35 miles with 1,728 ft of elevation (50 ft/mi). We'll ride in the French Broad River Valley to Etowah and do a loop up Ray Hill Rd. Mostly flat with a few hills. We'll plan a short rest stop at mile 22.8 at Etowah Park (water & restrooms).
If you'd like to skip the hills, you can follow the Oskar Blues Etowah 26 route that skips the hills on the 35-mile route. You'll arrive at Etowah Park at mile 14.5. Since I posted this, two ride leaders have posted rides for this route!
Shorter Route: Oskar Blues Etowah 26
For this recovery ride, I'm targeting 14 mph avg moving pace - Level 5. This is a NO DROP Ride with plenty of regrouping and a stop at Etowah Park. Always ensure you have the route and are fully self-sufficient to complete the ride on your own and have the ride leader's cell number if dropped.
Ride Level Characteristics from Choosing a BRBC Ride
Levels 5 & 6
Rides at these levels are typically somewhat shorter than the higher levels and will usually be “no-drop”, with more frequent regrouping and a rest stop if the route permits. Climbing can be extremely variable and pace lining will be infrequent, but good bike handling skills are needed. Some rides may have a sweep. Level 5 & 6 rides are usually vigorous workouts requiring a good level of fitness, but with less intensity and more socializing than the levels above. E-bikes are a little bit more common than levels 3 & 4, as riders also try to remain at their accustomed levels.
PARKING CONSIDERATIONS: Park in the grass lot at Oskar Blues.
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 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
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