RIDE DESCRIPTION: A nice flat metric (63 miles/3500') starting at Etowah Park and heading through Mills River with several out and backs on South Mills River, North Mills River, Fosters Creek, and Pennsylvania to Avery Creek before our rest stop at Mills River Ingles at mile 38. Return to Etowah Park via loops on Warlick Rd, Tole Allison Rd, and finally down Turnpike Rd to Pleasant Grove Rd. No major climbs on this route - just rolling hills. Also, this route is very easy to cut short - especially if the afternoon thunderstorms forecasted show up early. (RwGPS Route Link below.)
Level 5: 14.1-15.2 mph avg pace (I'm hoping to finish with a 14.5mph avg). This will be a drop ride because I fully expect to be dropped but I will regroup with anyone close to my pace and at the rest stop. Perhaps I will see you at the planned rest stop, mile 38, Mills River Ingles.
Please register so everyone can see who's riding. (Bonus: I'll email registered riders if the ride is cancelled/modified due to weather.)
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.
HYDRATION, NOURISHMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF RESTROOMS: Restrooms and water at Etowah Park. Restrooms, water, food at MR Ingles Rest Stop.
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 to registered riders 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