Going down to a training camp in Helen, GA in a couple of weeks and I’ve been hearing from a buddy how steep the hills are. I’ve seen the profile for Brasstown Bald, but how about the rest?
I’ve ridden to the top of Mt Mitchell from Marion and Asheville and have done IMLP (and Whiteface) and IM Canada, all on the tri bike that I’ll be riding in Helen, so how do the ascents/descents around Helen compare to those routes?
Mahalo!
Going down to a training camp in Helen, GA in a couple of weeks and I’ve been hearing from a buddy how steep the climbs are. I’ve seen the profile for Brasstown Bald, but how about the rest of the climbs?
I’ve ridden to the top of Mt Mitchell from Marion and Asheville and have done IMLP (and Whiteface) and IM Canada, so how do the climbs in Helen compare to those areas?
Mahalo! Back out now to finish up the first 6 hr ride of the year.
If you have done mt.mitchell, whiteface etc the climbs in n.ga. will not surprise you. The wall near the top of brasstown, RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Here is a good web site with maps and elevations.
http://www.cyclenorthgeorgia.com/…;id=51&Itemid=35
A DESCRIPTION OF THE RIDE (found this cut&paste it,good discription)
The course consists of an “approach” from Dahlonega followed by six climbs
with some rolling hills between the gaps. Each climb culminates at a “gap”,
or mountain pass. The climb is named for the gap.
The approach is rolling, with some very sharp (but short) hills. It’s
roughly comparable to a loop around the Havana Hills race course in Gadsden
county. You want to be very careful with your energy on these first few
miles. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and push hard enough to
effectively ruin the rest of the ride before you even get to the first
climb. Forget the group - ride your own pace and get warmed up. You
absolutely have to ride your own ride on the climbs anyway. Keep in mind: a
ride like 6-gap is more about energy management than anything else. You
have only so much, and you’re going to need a lot of it on the latter part
of the ride.
Gap 1: Neels
This is a seven mile climb of moderate grade. Use it to get your legs and
CV system running well and to get the feel of what it’s like to go up hill
for an hour. Watch your energy output rate (preferably with a heart rate
monitor) and keep it moderate. There will be plenty of opportunity to push
harder later in the ride, should you find the workout inadequate.
The descent from Neels is fast but straight enough to be relatively safe,
with good pavement. (For the 3-gap folks, the left turn to Wolfpen Gap is
easy to fly by if you are not looking for it.)
Gap 2: Jacks
After some fairly good Havana-hills-like rolling terrain, this climb goes
for about 3 miles at a moderate+ grade. This is where you get the
experience of making a long climb that is not the first long climb…
The descent from Jacks is long and moderate - let it fly. Beautiful scenery
and lots of free miles on this one. It takes you all the way to the start
of the climb to Unicoi Gap, no hilly stuff in between: just descend and
start the next climb.
Gap 3: Unicoi
Unicoi is about 3 miles of moderate++ climbing. The main problem with
Unicoi is that it is unshaded and can be very hot facing into the sun.
The descent from Unicoi is great. While the climb is relatively short, the
descent is over 10 miles all the way into Helen. The grade is steep enough
to be fun, but the pavement is good and the curves are well banked so again
this is not particularly dangerous. There may be a lot of traffic, the only
“down side”. But the roadway is wide enough to accommodate autos and bikes
in most places. Stay aware of the traffic behind you.
At 1445 ft above sea level, Helen is the lowest elevation on 6-gap, thus
explaining why the descent is so long. (Dahlonega is 1880 ft.) And you WILL
pay a price…
Gap 4: Hogpen
This is the big one. Seven miles at a steep grade, averaging around 7% but
with some sections well above that. There are also a couple of false
summits. There’s a rest stop at mile 4, with 3 to go. (The mile markers on
the highway actually correspond to miles on this climb.) Try to skip the
intermediate rest stop. If the weather is hot, though, you may need to just
get some fluid here.
The descent from Hogpen is dangerous. It is very steep. There are sharp
blind curves at the end of steep strait sections. The pavement is bad: old
chip-seal, broken in places, and loose gravel possible anywhere. The road
is narrow, and the camber of the turns is not adequate. The grade is such
that speeds in excess of 50 mph are possible just using gravity.
Someone said that if you don’t brake, you won’t flat: well, tell that to
all the people who have flatted on, say, our St Marks Trail. You can also
come up on wildlife, potholes, stopped leaf peepers, wet roadway, loose
gravel, pavement cracks, hickory nuts, crashed motorcycles, motorcycles
ascending in your lane, and any number of other hazards that require a very
rapid change of plans. Bad stuff CAN happen. I have personally seen
everything in my list above on the 6-gap course. It is unwise to descend at
a speed that allows for no margin of correction.
It is also unwise to brake too much, especially to ride the brakes. You
want to avoid heat buildup in your rims - eventually, this will cause a
blowout by melting your tube. (If you have plastic rim strips, failure will
occur at a much lower temperature. Change to cloth rim tape before 6-gap.)
And keep in mind: the heavier you are, the faster gravity will accelerate
you and the more heat you will put into your rims when you slow down.
There’s no simple recipe here, just make sure you control your speed to
something that gives you some wiggle room in case of unexpected events.
Gap 5: Wolfpen
The second toughest climb on 6-gap. About 2.5 miles (depending on where you
define the beginning) with grades on par with Hogpen. The roadway is shady,
however, which is great if the weather is hot. (It’s been known to sleet up
here, if the weather is wet.)
The Wolfpen descent is twisty but on good pavement with good camber to the
curves, so not too dangerous. It is often damp, though. Stay out of the paint.
Gap 6: Woody
The descent from Wolfpen takes you only down to Suches, home of the highest
elevation school in Georgia. Consequently the climb up Woody is a paltry
1.5 miles of moderate grade. From the top of Woody it’s a 15+/- mile
descent of mild grade all the way back to Dahlonega. Try to have enough
energy left to enjoy it.
Brasstown Bald is MUST DO whenever I’m in Georgia. It’s 3 miles of torture if you race pace it. I also like ascending and descending Hogpen Gap, Jacks Gap and Neel’s Gap. Lots of smaller, steeper climbs around too. I’m getting excited just typing this.
~ AB ~
Mark, Be very prepared with the appropriate bike set-up if you attempt Brasstown and want to ride the whole way up. I am an excellent climber and I used a 34 chainring with a 29 big cog on the back. I needed every bit of it. Folks that go up with standard gearing end up stalling out and walking.
x2 for doing Six Gap century loop- awesome experience… I’ve done the organized century for years- besides riding up there frequently. Go up Hogpen climb both ways- that will give you a leg busting workout (the harder direction is the side that is descended on the 6 gap century loop). Wolfpen Gap is beautiful… my favorite Gap- quiet, no cars, narrow, twisty, even a couple switchbacks, a heavenly experience. The three gap loop listed on this site:
http://www.cyclenorthgeorgia.com/…;id=51&Itemid=35 is a blast for a faster 55 mile day. As to gearing- not sure your shape- but many people use triples on some of these climbs. I’m a very strong cyclist- and enjoy using a 39x26 on Hogpen (but have done it in a 23). If you do Brasstown- get some seriously low gearing- as there are pros each year on Tour de GA- that used 28s, some used a compact, etc…!
The grades of Hogpen- are in the 10-15% range for a good 2 miles of the 7 mile climb- if you go the six gap route. Be careful on the descent- it’s nearly a straight shot- and it is NOT uncommon for great/nutty bike handlers to go in the lower 60s!!! My friend hit 63 mph. I like to keep it 45-48 mph on my road bike- I know… I’m chicken. If you do the backside/steeper side of hogpen- there is a solid 2 mile section (the 60+ potential mph descent) that is 15%- unrelenting!
Thanks. I’ll have a 42x26 on the tri bike with 650s. I guess I’ll walk Brasstown if need be. I’ve done all the rides I mentioned with the same gearing.
Prepare for an awesome camp! I have a place up near Brasstown and get to ride the area 3-4 times per year. Wonderful climbs, safe roads and friendly locals. I’ve ridden every inch of those mountains in all sorts of gearing. I am not a climber by any stretch, but find that the 39x27 gearing works best for me. While I have ridden all the climbs except Brasstown on my tri-rig, I’m not sure why you would really want to use a tri-bike over a road bike for this area. If you have access to a road bike, don’t even think about it. Leave the tri-bike home. Climbing those mountains and decending fast, taking tight lines, is epic on a road bike. Tri-bikes are clunkers up there!
Cheers, man, and enjoy!
i started riding in dahlonega, and it was torture! now i’m in southern california, not too much mountains! i got a lighter bike now. i wish i could go back there! GA is nice!
How timely Mark, I’m on day 4 of our training camp in Helen (Staying in a huge house at Innsbrook Golf/Country Club).
You got some great replies. We’ve done about 300 miles and 14 gaps (many twice). Hogpen is the killer, esp if going for KOM points (we rotate a hat to the winner each day - I’m wearing it now 
Brasstown is more of a ridiculous survival, but 'kinda a must do. I’m a compact kind of guy: ran a 50/34 with a 12/25. Up most of the gaps (Neals, Hogpen, Wolfpen, Neals, etc.) at speed (12 mph) I was usually in the 34/19-21 and the 23 occasionally. Brasstown you use whatever gear you have or walk
Have a great camp! If you are staying at 153 International Blvd, we will try to clean up - leaving tomorrow to do the Cherohala on the way home
edit: did I see you are going to bring your tri bike? Ah, that does NOT sound like a good idea to me …
Rod,
Sounds great and you probably have sweet weather. I don’t have a road bike. My other option is to put my 650 road wheels on my mt bike. What do you think about that? I’ve been riding the mt bike all winter.
HFP is putting on the camp. I figure half of the 20 people attending may be on tri bikes. I’m sure HFPMan will be on his tri bike.
Oh yeah, forgot about the HFP camp. I think the Anthem/Bandwidth team is down next week as well. Saw MANY other cyclists all over, but nary a tri bike. Hope your weather is as good as we had.
Well, hopefully I’ll survive on the tri bike. What routes would everyone recommend from Helen if you’re on a tri bike? My goal is to get in the miles. I have little desire to risk a season-ending crash.
I am putting on a tri camp out of Blue Ridge, GA from March 21-29. That area is really amazing, and I have a cabin for the week at the top of one of the mountains (Pisgah Mt. I think it’s called). If anyone is interested in attending, send me a PM or email jkenny5150@gmail.com.
Well, hopefully I’ll survive on the tri bike. What routes would everyone recommend from Helen if you’re on a tri bike? My goal is to get in the miles. I have little desire to risk a season-ending crash.
Doesn’t much matter where you go as there are hills/mountains everywhere! Why come all the way down here to NOT do them! I’d put some new brake blocks in, don’t run the pressure to high, and just be careful descending.
Up most of the gaps (Neals, Hogpen, Wolfpen, Neals, etc.) at speed (12 mph) I was usually in the 34/19-21 and the 23 occasionally.
if you can go up miles 3-5 on Hogpen at 12 mph avg grade 12-14%- if you already have several gaps in your legs… I’d say- you should be a Pro Tour rider. I do 6 gap each year- and the top riders will go about 8 mph there (guys that finish in 5:10 hours and under). I’ve finished, by the way, in the top 10 or so for many years and avg 300 watts on that section going 7-8 mph (weighing 150 lbs).
Well, hopefully I’ll survive on the tri bike. What routes would everyone recommend from Helen if you’re on a tri bike? My goal is to get in the miles. I have little desire to risk a season-ending crash.
Since you changed your title…
I would be very, very careful going up and riding on your tri-bike up there. I have seen some people do it- although it is few and far between. The comfort and handling of a road bike in this type of terrain is a must in my mind. I would personally- never, ever descend Hogpen or Brasstown on a TT bike, EVER. Those two climbs are STEEEEP… how steep- if you are going above 7 mph on Hogpen- miles 3-5 six gap way, or the last two miles of hogpen in reverse above 6 mph- you are super stud. if you can bike up brasstown- without stopping or falling over- with your gearing- fantastic job.
http://www.mountainmapper.com/hogpen_gap.htm
http://www.mountainmapper.com/GA6Gap.htm
some of the climbs are 7-9 miles- but less steep. All the other climbs listed- you would probably be ‘okay’ to descend- but as someone said- get new brake pads, and take the descents easy, no reason to be a hero in unfamiliar terrain. Most of the more traveled roads have caution signs with appropriate speed that you should take to descend (for cars)- but it’s a good barometer for cyclists. Wolfpen- does not have any markings- and it has the most turns- a very cool descent- almost slalolm like.
Riding up there on weekends- has lots of motorcycles- get out early. Riding weekdays- there are a fair number on 18 wheelers/trucks on some of the main roads- but there are plenty of less traveled roads, too!
“I would personally- never, ever descend Hogpen or Brasstown on a TT bike, EVER. Those two climbs are STEEEEP… how steep- if you are going above 7 mph on Hogpen- miles 3-5 six gap way, or the last two miles of hogpen in reverse above 6 mph- you are super stud. if you can bike up brasstown- without stopping or falling over- with your gearing- fantastic job.”
Totally agreed. The weather can be wet too making the roads even sketchier on the descents. I did a cycling camp there a few years ago and it is an excellent area for training- especially getting ready for climbing- but it isn’t tri bike territory.
You are “cherry picking” the hardest 3 mile section here - but yes. KOMd all but 2 climbs out of 14. Also, we hit Hogpen relatively fresh on day three as climb #1 as we avg 4 gaps/day for about 72-74 miles/day. Have not the 6 gap century, but it would be a blast! 5:10 for that is stupid fast 
Thanks guys. That’s why I rely on Slowtwitch. I’ve been riding the mt bike all winter, so I think I’m going to put on the slicks and use it. Won’t be able to stay up with my buddies on the road bikes, but I think I’ll have a lot more fun than using the tri bike.
Thanks guys. That’s why I rely on Slowtwitch. I’ve been riding the mt bike all winter, so I think I’m going to put on the slicks and use it. Won’t be able to stay up with my buddies on the road bikes, but I think I’ll have a lot more fun than using the tri bike.
If you bring both bikes- there are definitely roads that you can ride on with your tri bike- but I think it’s wise for you to bring both bikes- and the gearing on your mt bike- will make Brasstown much more doable- it is a TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH climb. During Tour de GA- I’ve run along side Armstrong, Leipheimer, Horner, etc over the years- and it’s very easy to run faster then them for LONG periods (of course I’m fresh) on Brasstown. Definitely try to head over and do Wolfpen gap- really, really nice gap with almost NO traffic ever (you’d be okay climbing descending this on tri bike). Kevin Moats an IM Hawaii athlete- trains up there all the time on his Tri bike.