RIDE NAME: Back o' the Wall 29 miles, apx. 1900' of climbing on mostly quiet roads. We will be on Rt 19 for about 2 miles but there is a wide shoulder and cars will typically stay in the other lane on this 4 lane road. The climbs on Ponder and up the back of the Wall are long and steep at points; but definitely doable for riders at these levels. I expect to do this at around 13 mph, but covering two levels, we could be be between 12 and 14 mph.
THIS IS A NO DROP RIDE. Please register (even if you're just a "maybe") and please don't come on this ride if you don't plan to stay at the pace noted above!!
RIDE LEADER: Lew Insler, inslerlb3@gmail.com, (914) 980-2561
• Be sure to add my phone number if you are carrying a cell phone, in case you have an emergency or get separated from the group.
• Be sure to have some version of this route with you: a print-out or a download to your favorite navigating device.
RIDE DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, October 21: riding at 10:00 am
RIDE START LOCATION: Beech Glen Community Center, 2936 Beech Glen Rd, Mars Hill, NC 28754
RWGPS LINK: HERE
This is a NO-DROP Ride as much as possible. We will regroup at major turning points. Average overall pace is expected to be 13ish mph.
PARKING CONSIDERATIONS: Park in the back parking lot behind the community center.
HYDRATION, NOURISHMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF RESTROOMS: Bring your own water and snacks. Restrooms can be found in the Beech Glen Community Center r next to the baseball field. We will rest/regroup at Prices Creek General Store (˜mile 17.6), where you can find refreshments and a restroom.
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 is a very large area and some places could be sunshine and other places bad weather.