I know there is a lot of construction going on down there. Where would be a good spot to start? Places to avoid or can’t ride? Also, are there plenty of gas stations for refueling? Looking to get in a good 5-6 hours, what is possible and at what times of the day?
Thanks.
There’s plenty of gas stations. One at the beginning of 42 off of River Road. One at the intersection of 393 and 146 (I think that’s the road number but you cant miss it) and one at the intersection of 153 and 42 on the upper loop. Can’t address your other q’s.
All of the course is nice except River road and 42 - I’d avoid the section of the 42 near River Rd. WAY too much traffic there.
Any suggestions on where to start/park past river Rd? Thanks for the help.
The farthest end of River Road, at the junction of 42, is closed due to sewer work. You have to turn right on Timberwood Dr and take that to 42. There are detour signs.
Last weekend, all of 42 from Prospect to Goshen was being paved. It was a mess. We had a group going out later in the morning (leaving downtown at 9am) and they were not allowed to proceed out 42, had to take a detour. However, we were all allowed to come back 42 at the end of the ride. I don’t know the status of the re-paving efforts as of today.
My advice, leave as early as you can if you intend to do the whole course. River Road is completely flat, and the only element would be the wind. You can skip that if you like. 11 miles each way. 42 has heavy traffic from River Road into and through Goshen (about 5 miles from where River and 42 meet). Past that, you are OK on traffic on 42. The only other real dangerous spot is the 3 mile section of 146 between Buckner and LaGrange.
If you want to skip potential trouble, drive out to the Goshen Store on 42 or St. Francis School on 42 (about 1 1/2 miles apart from one another) and go from there. I will say that the part of 42 that desparately needs to be repaved is the section nearer the turn onto 393 (to start the loop) so I hope they actually are paving out there.
Monkey,
Thanks for the tips. Any good lunch stops in the area for some serious grubbing afterwards?
Depends on where you are staying. Actually, the general store in Sligo at 153 and 42 has good BBQ, but you are still 35 miles on the bike from being done if you are coming back into town.
Louisville is a huge restaurant town. If I had to pick a great post-workout snack, go to J. Gumbos on Frankfort Avenue and get the Drunken Chicken. Or go to Cumberland Brewing on Bardstown Rd and get the Bison Burger, with bleu cheese and mushrooms. Drink lots of Nitro Porter while there. For pizza, Cliftons on Frankfort Ave, wheat crust with spinach, mushrooms and grilled chicken, or Wicks on Bardstown Rd.
I wish I could join you, (now I am hungry) but after my ride this weekend I have to run the gambling booths for my church picnic. Gambling for God. Nothing like a Louisville Catholic church picnic, beer, gambling, fried fish, hole-in-one tourney. If only all worshipping were this fun.