Routes
Note: Support ends at 5pm. Pick your route accordingly
The long route is a combination of four up and back climbs with rolling terrain through scenic and rural areas of NC and Virginia. The four climbs are all "gap" roads that go from the foothills valley up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The four gaps are: Squirrel Spur (~6 miles at 5% grade), Willis Gap (3.3 miles at 8%), Orchard Gap (3 miles at 9%) and Pipers Gap (3.3 miles at 8%). Low gearing and adequate training are recommended. The descents can also be dangerous with loose gravel, sharp turns, and some dogs on the route. Your safety and the safety of riders around you depend on your descending at a safe and controlled speed. There have been very serious injuries to riders who have lost control on the descent of these mountains. It is easy for even experienced riders to overshoot these curves if they are not prepared. Do not cross the yellow line and do not exceed the speed limit descending these mountains. We are relying on you, the rider, to ride in a professional manner so that this ride can continue for many years to come. The cumulative elevation gain for the long 82 mile loop is ~11,250 feet (measured by GPS). Most bike computers will measure 15-20% less than this total. The average grade for the entire ride is 5% gain. The profile is listed below:
The short route (50 miles) travels alot of the same rolling terrain as the long routes without the gap road climbs. The cumulative elevation gain for the 50 mile loop is ~5175 feet (measured by GPS). The average grade for the loop is 3% gain.
