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2023 Le Tour de Transylvania FAQ

Hank Birdsong | Published on 6/20/2023


2023 le Tour de Transylvania FAQ


The 2023 "le Tour de Transylvania" (TdT) starts July 1st. Rides will be at various skill levels, starting times, starting places and lengths throughout the 21 stages. If you wish to receive notifications for these rides , click here ->
Interests<- then scroll down to "Transylvania County rides" and add yourself to the list. There is no fee for the TdT other than to be a BRBC member. Please forward this email to non-members that might be interested and encourage them to pay the low fee to join BRBC.

This year we are fundraising for Ecusta Trail.  We all hear about huge grants for the trail and might think we don't have to make a contribution for the Ecusta Trail to become a reality.  In fact, those grants require the local community to donate 20% and they pick up 80%.  Since the construction cost is over $30 million we need local donations of $6.5 million.  We'll have BRBC pledge forms at the start of each TdT stage or you can click the link below to download a PDF of the pledge form.  The form can be mailed to Hank Birdsong at PO Box 1, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 or give it to Hank, Dawn or Rusty at the start of a ride.

 Ecusta Trail Pledge Form



 

Frequently Asked Questions



What is the TdT? Le Tour de Transylvania group rides are on the same days the Tour de France (TdF) rides.

Where is the TdT? Rides start at different locations, but most rides are in Transylvania County for at least part of the ride.

What are the ride options? Ride all 21 stages or select the stages you want to ride. On most days there will be a longer “B pace drop” ride, a shorter C pace “no-drop” ride, a D pace“no-drop”ride, and some days will have a gravel ride option. Even the “no-drop” ride is not necessarily flat or easy, so pay attention to the ride description! Even though the longer ride is sometimes officially a “drop ride” ride, leaders will regroup from time to time. Some of the longer rides have a designated “no-drop” leader as well.

Are there road markings, support, & rest stops? These are a series of BRBC group rides, not an “event”, so there is no SAG, no staffed rest stops, no pavement markers. Expect these rides to be like a regular BRBC group ride.

What are the start times? Watch for the emails, but typically the longer ride will roll out at 9am and the shorter rides will depart at 9:15, 9:30, 9:45. Gravel Ride start times are TBA based on length and difficulty, but normally will start at 9am.

Do I have to ride with the TdT group? Riders that want to roll solo or with a smaller group on their own (or at a different time) may do so for any of the stages. We're not tracking any of this so you can make your own rules!

I'm not retired, are there any evening rides?
Folks that work can ride the routes solo in the evening or get together with friends to ride the stages after work. Better yet, call in sick for 21 days. We may announce some evening rides for folks that can't ride during the day.

How do I get the TdT ride announcements? Ride announcements with routes and details will go out to folks that have indicated “Transylvania County Rides” as an interest on their BRBC profile.

What if the weather is threatening? We do not plan to send out any cancellation emails, so decide for yourself if the conditions are safe for riding. You always have the option of starting at a different time or do the stage on a different day. If the ride leader decides not to ride due to weather they won’t show up & it will be up to you to decide if you want to do the ride on your own at the scheduled time or a later time.

Are there any rest days? Each Monday (except July 3rd) is a scheduled rest day.

What if there are a lot of riders? On bigger turnout days we will try to depart in “waves” rather than one huge group.

What if I want to go faster than the group? You can go any pace you choose, but if you get in front of the ride leader you need to know the route and you are no longer part of the group ride--you are on your own.

Where can I get a TdT Jersey and bottoms? 
To order TdT Jerseys go to
TdT Jersey Online Store.You can order a discounted 2023 TdT jersey (only $56), bibs, or shorts directly from Ascend, but you only have until June 29th to order. Hint: bundle your order with a friend's order to save on postage. We'll have DeFeet socks for sale at the beginning of rides (see Hank). Sock proceeds will be donated to Ecusta Trail.

How can I make a pledge to support the Ecusta Trail? We'll have BRBC pledge forms at the start of each TdT stage or you can click the link below to download a PDF of the pledge form. The form can be mailed to Ecusta Trail Fundraiser at PO Box 1, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 or give it to Hank, Dawn or Rusty at the start of a ride.

Ecusta Trail Pledge Form

What is the schedule? See below:

 

 

Tentative Ride Schedule
Announcements will be emailed a few days before each ride with route details and starting times. Be sure to indicate "Transylvania County Rides" as anInterestif you want to get future TdT info

Stage 1

SAT 07/01/2023

Etowah Start
First stage, Wear a TdT kit if you have one

33-mile B pace ride
CCC & Jeter easy side
Leader- Roger Register
No drop leader- Philip Hardee
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12601173

27-mile no-drop ride
Davis Mountain Willow
Leaders- Drew Stauffer, Randy Ledford
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39077192

20-mile EZ no drop ride
French Broad & Little River valleys
Leader- AJ Ball
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33388907

Also, The Fabulous 4th of July bike tour is in Tryon NC on July 1st: Fabulous-4th

Stage 2

SUN 07/02/2023

Brevard Depot Start

39-mile ride
Transylvania Backroads
B pace leader- Linda Martin
No drop leader- Art Delcher
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37277078

27-mile no-drop ride
Rosman Loop
Leaders- Joe and Peggy Sanders
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36990913

39-mile gravel option
Cathey’s Creek
Leader- Jeff Knoll
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39770502

Stage 3

MON 07/03/2023

Oskar Blues start

Oskar Blues Donation Day!

Oskar Blues will be donating 10% of food and beverage sales $$$ to Ecusta Trail.

33-mile B pace ride
Oskar Blues to Rosman
B pace Leader- Rusty McCain
No drop leaders-Randy Ledford, AJ Ball, Lindal Davis
ridewithgps.com/routes/42434542

26 mile no-drop ride
Oskar Blues – Etowah
Leaders- Joe and Peggy Sanders,
Mary Jo Wannamaker

ridewithgps.com/routes/43236895

20 mile D pace no-drop ride
Oskar Blues – Talley
Leader- Peter Adams
ridewithgps.com/routes/37811840

Stage 4

TUE 07/04/2023

Silvermont start

Independence Day!
Wear red, white, and blue!

50-mile ride
Brevard – Etowah – Rosman
B pace Leader- Linda Martin & Carolyn Roth
No drop leader- John Wash
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31743249

27 mile no-drop ride
Brevard - Rosman
Leader- Drew Stauffer
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32102955

20 mile D pace no-drop ride
Brevard Rosman 20
Leader- Tracey Drews
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36306753

Stage 5

WED 07/05/2023

Silvermont start

49-mile B pace drop ride
Glady Fork Loop
B pace Leader- David Sloan
No drop leader- Kevin Moran
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32102973

41-mile no-drop ride
East Fork – Glady Fork
Leader- Steve Baker
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31823341

21-mile D pace no-drop ride
Hannah Ford 21
Leader- Peter Adams
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43294469

Stage 6

THU 07/06/2023

Cedar Mountain Outpost start

37-mile B pace drop ride
DuPont – Jeter Loop
Leader- Jim Lane
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38589749

26-mile C pace no-drop ride
Pretty place
Leader- Dawn Barr
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38627513

26-mile gravel option
DuPont Gravel
Leader- Lisa Lazzaro
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38594774
25-mile D pace no-drop ride
Cedar Mountain Ice Cream 25
Leader-Jim Lewis
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43236608

Stage 7

FRI 07/07/2023

Mills River Park Start

40-mile B pace drop ride
Mills River – Etowah
Leader- Rusty McCain
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39080740

42-mile C pace no-drop ride
Mills River – Etowah
Leader- Janet Minner
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42371473

30-mile C/D pace no-drop ride
MRPark 30
Leader- Tracey Drews
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42890092

Stage 8

SAT 07/08/2023

Etowah Start

36-mile ride- Etowah Willow
B pace Leaders- Linda Martin
No drop leader- Dawn Barr
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39088460

32-mile no-drop ride
Etowah Hills
Leaders- Lew Insler and Rick Berlet
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39088367

24-mile EZ no drop ride
French Broad & Little River valleys
Leader- Shelly Mozlin
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33389491

Also happening on July 8th:
Hot Doggett (Mars Hill)

Stage 9

SUN 07/09/2023

Champion Park Start

38 Main St, Rosman, NC
35.145406, -82.824802

49-mile B pace drop ride
Charley’s Creek
Leaders- Roger Register and David Sloan
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36009343

36-mile no-drop ride
Tanasee Gap
Leader- Art Delcher
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39088615

40-mile pavement & gravel
Cathey’s Creek
Leader- Lisa Lazzaro
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42419718

21-mile D pace no-drop ride
Rosman 21
Leader- Peter Adams
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43236416

MON 07/10/2023

REST DAY

Stage 10
TUE 07/11/2023

Tuxedo Start

34-mile B pace drop ride
Tuxedo - Saluda Hills
Leader- John Wash
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39086624

27-mile no-drop ride
Tuxedo - Saluda 27
Leaders- Janet Minner,
Mary Jo Wannamaker
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39086781

26-mile gravel option
Lake Summit-Saluda
Leaders- Joe and Peggy Sanders
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31318656

Stage 11

WED 07/12/2023

Etowah Start

40-mileBrevard Coffee Ride
B pace drop ride Leaders- Rusty McCain and Carolyn Roth
No drop Leader- Dawn Barr
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19437616

32-mile no-drop ride
Brevard Coffee Ride (short version)
Leader- Janet Minner
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39088764

Stage 12

THU 07/13/2023

Brevard Depot Start

33-mile ride
Walnut Hollow – Big Hill Loop
B pace leader- Kevin Moran
No drop leader- John Wash
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42420981

29-mile no-drop ride
Illahee Hills
Leader- Wayne Aho
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41773212

31-mile gravel option
Avery Creek Loop
Leader- Jeff Knoll
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39744080

Bastille Day!

Stage 13

FRI 07/14/2023

Cedar Mountain Outpost start

Live music, beach cruiser drawing, $1 donation for eachpint sold, Tour de France watch party, FUN!

51-mile B pace drop ride
Caesar’s Head 51
Leader- David Sloan
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38557833

43-mile no-drop ride
Caesar’s Head 43
Leader- Wayne Aho
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38624934

35-mile B pace ride
Pinnacle Mtn Gravel Loop
Leaders- Jeff Knoll and Lisa Lazzaro
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38594737

26-mile C pace no-drop ride
Pretty place
Leader- Dawn Barr
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38627513

17-mile D pace no-drop ride
Cedar Mountain Ice Cream
Leader- Cindy Zimmerman
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40043029

23-mile EZ no-drop gravel ride
Cedar Mountain Pavement/Gravel
Leader- Karl Klepfer
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39076613

Stage 14

SAT 07/15/2023

Silvermont start

55-mile B pace drop ride
Slick Fisher Loop
Leader- Rusty McCain
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36365780

40-mile ride
Frozen Creek Loop
No drop leader- Linda Martin
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32102863

20-mile D pace no-drop ride
Brevard Flat 20
Leader-Marie Chamberlin
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41739543

Stage 15

SUN 07/16/2023

Ecusta Brewing start

Cycle ‘n Suds

69-mile A/B pace drop ride
Ecusta Toxaway 69
Leader- David Sloan
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43236968

44-mile B pace drop ride
Ecusta Glady Fork 44
Leader- Wayne Aho
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43240893

38-mile B-/C+ pace no-drop ride
Ecusta Brewing 38
Leader- Brenda Carlton
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43237088

26-mile C pace no-drop ride
Ecusta Brewing 26
Leader- Tracey Drews
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43237103

18 mile D pace no-drop ride
Ecusta Brewing 18
Leader- Shelly Mozlin
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43237066

25-mile Gravel ride
Ecusta Avery Creek Gravel
Leader- Lisa Lazzaro
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43237437

MON 07/17/2023

REST DAY

Stage 16

TUE 07/18/2023

Jackson Park start

37-mile B pace
Apple Pancake on the Lamb 37 miles
B pace leader- Rick Berlet
B- pace no drop leader- Phil Hardee
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28882058

33 mile no-drop ride
Apple Pancake 33.2 mi
Leaders- John Wash and Janet Minner
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18736576

Stage 17

WED07/19/2023

Pink Beds Start

US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC

35.353107, -82.779561

51-mile B pace drop ride
Leader- Roger Register
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39087503

27 mile no-drop ride
Pink Beds to Black Balsam
Leader- Dawn Barr
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39087537

23-mile gravel option
Yellow Gap Road
Leader- Jeff Knoll
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39714593

18-mile EZ gravel option
Yellow Gap Road
Leader- Shelly Mozlin
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43295879

Stage 18

THU 07/20/2023

Cedar Mountain Outpost start

62-mile B pace drop ride
DuPont – Etowah Metric
Leader- Roger Register
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38590216

38-mile no-drop ride
DuPont – Jeeter 38
Leader- John Wash
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42421115

29-mile B pace gravel ride
Rich Mtn Pavement/Gravel Loop
Leader- Dan DeWitt
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35697295

25-mile D pace no-drop ride
Cedar Mountain Ice Cream 25
Leader- Peter Adams
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43236608

Stage 19

FRI 07/21/2023

Silvermont start

45-mile Brevard – Mills Riverride
B pace Leader- Jim Lane
B- pace no-drop leader- Philip Hardee
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31735716

27 mile no-drop ride- Rosman Loop
Leader- Art Delcher
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32102955

Stage 20

SAT 07/22/2023

Silvermont start

42-mile B pace drop ride- Sassafras
Leader- Kevin Moran
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32934158

33-mile no-drop ride- East Fork / Walnut Hollow
Leaders- Dawn Barr and Steve Baker
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36686314

20 mile D pace no-drop Brevard Rosmanride
Leader- Peter Adams
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36306753

Also, The Middle Fork Fondo is happening in Mills River on July 22nd Middle Fork Fondo

Stage 21

SUN 07/23/2023

Oskar Blues start
Final stage, Wear a TdT kit if you have one

45-mile B pace drop ride
Frozen Creek Loop
Leader- Art Delcher
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37811757

33-mile no-drop ride
Oskar Blues to Rosman
Leaders- Phil Hardee and Dwight House
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42434542

26-mile EZ no-drop ride
French Broad River Valley
Leader- Shelly Mozlin
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43236895