RIDE NAME: Swamp Doodle 100
RIDE LEADERS: Dawn Barr, dcbarr@live.com, 828-845-2201 and Bud Whitmeyer, bud@whitmeyerconsulting.com, 919-605-5457
• 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.
RIDE DATE AND TIME: Monday, January 29, 8:00 AM
RIDE START LOCATION: Tablerock State Park Visitors Center, 158 E Ellison Ln Pickens, SC
RWGPS LINK: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45433919
RSVP: RSVP Here
RIDE DESCRIPTON: For our first century of the year, we're going to go south in search of warmer temps. The current forecast for Pickens/Travelers Rest SC on 1/29 is sunny, 56 degrees, and light wind, with a forecasted start temp around 40.
The ride goes from Tablerock to Marietta and then follows the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Just past Furman University the route leaves the Swamp Rabbit and follows backroads to Pickens where the Doodle Trail begins. There aren't any extended climbs but this area of SC is renowned for lots of "rollers". Climbs are generally under 1 mile and less than 5%. Total elevation: 6,320 ft. There's a church (rest stop) at mile 21.6, Hotel Domestique at mile 27 (restrooms, if needed), Ingles rest stop at mile 41.5 (before Swamp Rabbit trail), options in Pickens at mile 76 (end of Doodle trail), and a convenience store at mile 82.5. Plan on 3 actual rest stops so we can all finish in a reasonable timeframe.
We're planning for two groups. The goal is for each group to stay together. Although if you start out in the faster group, you can always drop back to the slower group.
C Pace - Dawn will lead this group at an average 14ish mph pace.
B Pace - Bud will lead this group at an average 15-16 mph pace.
This is a NO-DROP Ride because we'll need to keep to a tight schedule to finish by 4pm (especially if you're riding with Dawn). 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. There is no SAG, other than what you arrange for yourself.
PARKING CONSIDERATIONS: Plenty of parking at the Visitors Center. Restrooms will NOT BE OPEN before 9am.
HYDRATION, NOURISHMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF RESTROOMS: The Table Rock Visitors Center opens at 9am, so plan your restroom stop before you get to the park. We'll stop for restrooms and snacks along the route but it's a good idea to bring enough water and snacks for the ride.
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.