Bill and Gregıs Excellent Bike Adventure
Through the N.C. Mountains
2006
April 23-29 (Rain or shine)
Description: This training ride is open to the first 20 people who sign up. It's a challenging ride that will put you a step ahead of the peloton early in the season. The routes were designed by two avid cyclists, one with 50 years in the saddle and the other with an Ironman triathlon under his belt. Bill and Greg have carefully selected scenic but challenging routes that avoid traffic and other interruptions. Itıs full of climbing and will boost your endurance. It is open to riders of all abilities, which means there's always someone to ride with. By weekıs end you will climb nearly 50,000 feet through some of North Carolinaıs greatest mountains including routes Lance Armstrong rode after beating cancer and returning to pro cycling. The week will be tiring and will test you but it's very doable. We strongly encourage you have a minimum of 500 miles in the saddle in the months leading up to this training camp.
Sag vehicle: we will have a sag vehicle follow and we will regroup from time to time. We will have aboard water, Gatorade, energy bars, several coolers, a pump and some tools for minor repairs. You may throw a spare wheel set in the vehicle and any extra clothing you may need. You also may dump clothing in the vehicle as the day warms, and itıs there in case you need to call it a day early.
Lunch: lunch will be provided and eaten along the roadside.
Routes: route descriptions are listed below. We have planned routes and there is no deviating from them.
Price: $300 includes the ride each day, lunch, water or Gatorade, energy bars and sag support. You will be responsible for your own hotel, breakfast and dinner. We will supply a list of nearby hotels with special room rates. You will stay five nights in the High Point/Lexington area before moving on to West Jefferson, N.C. for two nights. We will assemble a list of riders who may want to share a room to cut cost. A $150 deposit is required for the camp and the full $300 must be paid by March 30, 2006. No refunds will be issued after March 30, 2006. You must sign a release to participate in this ride.
Sign up: Call Greg Sowinski at 419-228-5563 or send an e-mail to
gsowinski@limanews.com
Route description: Sunday April 23: Three mountain day: Your journey begins on three challenging mountains in western North Carolina. This route is a well-known training course for local and pro cyclists. On the final climb of the day you're sure to hear that little voice in the back of your head that asks why you do this. Whatever the answer, it's waiting at the top of the mountain. You will climb 7,800 feet. Total distance: 72 miles.
Monday April 24: Stone Mountain route: Now that youıre warmed up from the day before, it's time to ride another of North Carolinaıs scenic mountain routes. This route may be 64 miles but itıs sure to be an unforgettable journey. It has a 20-mile climb, followed by a short reprieve then a final six-mile ascent. Your reward is waiting for you at the top where the real fun begins: a fast breath-taken, descent at 50+ mph if you donıt brake. You will climb 7,000 feet. Total distance: 64 miles.
Tuesday April 25: Four gaps: This is the most challenging day of the week and the longest day on the bike. You will ride over four steep mountain passes, climbing 9,800 feet in the first 65 miles. Give yourself a quick pat on the back and itıs back on the road for a relatively easy 20 miles that mostly is a slight descent. You climb 10,000 feet. Total distance: 80 miles.
Wednesday April 26: Recovery ride. This is a slow-paced ride to stretch the legs while telling tales of battles and struggles in the mountains from previous days. It's relaxing and gives your legs a chance to recover. After the ride, the rest of the day belongs to you. Total distance: 40 to 60 miles.
Thursday April 27: Boone's TriFecta three-mountain loop: We will travel to Boone, N.C. where Lance Armstrong went to train before his first Tour de France win. This loop has three challenging climbs including Snake Mountain, a featured climb in a N.C. endurance race. Youıre sure to feel the bite of this mountain with the venom coming in a rich dose of lactic acid. After the top of Snake, there's a fast, technical descent for about 10 miles and then the fun begins again with another mountain waiting up the road. This route features roads that wind through scenic wooded country you may have thought only existed on a post card. You will climb 8,000 feet. Total distance: 78 miles.
Special note: We will stay the night in West Jefferson. We have a cabin that we charge $15 a person to cover the cost on a first-come-first-serve basis until it's filled. Please let us know ASAP if you want to stay in the cabin. There also are nearby hotels.
Friday April 28: Beach's inspiration route: This day will take you up the famous Beach Mountain where Lance Armstrong's pilgrimage back to pro cycling began after beating cancer. You will see faded signs from the old Tour du Pont baring Lanceıs name as you climb Beach that are sure to inspire you. There will be other challenging climbs include a 7-mile ascent on another mountain along the way. A lot of the route back is down hill. You will climb 9,000 feet. Total distance: 80 miles.
Saturday April 29: Mt. MitcHELL: We will be climbing into the sky to the top of Mt. MitcHELL, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Nearly all the climbing this day comes in the first 28 miles other than a small dip in the mountain. Remember what goes up must come down. With that said, the descent is a blast that's as fast as you want it to be. You will climb 6,500 feet. Total distance: 60 miles.
Sunday April 30: You will leave for home inspired in what may be the best early season shape of your life prepared to meet the challenges and goals you set for the year. Believe us, you will thank us, maybe not at the end of the week, but surely during and at the end of the season!