Bill and Greg’s Excellent Bike Adventure
A Climbers Hell in the N.C. Mountain
2005
April 10-17 (Rain or shine)
Description: This training ride is open to the first 20 people who sign up. It’s a challenging ride with so much climbing you’ll beg for flatland before the week is over but we won’t give it to you. If you make it to the end of the week you will have climbed about 50,000 feet over some of North Carolina’s toughest mountains. It’s a punishing week that’s guaranteed to get you in shape although you may feel like writing your will before the end. We are not requiring your doctor’s permission but recommend you be in excellent health and have at least 1,000 miles in the saddle in the two months prior to the ride to ensure you’re fit to try our test of torture.
Sag vehicle: we will have a sag vehicle follow us and we will regroup from time to time.
We will have aboard water, Gatorade, 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. It’s also 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: $600 that includes the ride each day, lunch, water or Gatorade and sag support. You will be responsible for your own hotel, breakfast and dinner. Nearby hotels charge $200 for the week and have daily rates as well. We will be assembling a list to join riders to help you save on cost. A $150 deposit is required and the full $600 must be paid by March 30, 2005. Absolutely no refunds will be issued. You must sign a release to participate in this ride.
Sign up: Call Greg Sowinski at 419-993-2090 or send an e-mail to gsowinski@limanews.com
Route description:
Sunday April 10: Three mountain day: Your journey begins on three challenging mountains in western North Carolina. You had better eaten your Wheaties at breakfast because you’ll need every ounce of energy you can muster. This day will give you a taste of what lies ahead the rest of the week. 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 11: Four mountain pass climb: This is one of the most challenging days of the week if you’re able to get out of bed after Monday’s grueling test. You will ride over four steep mountain passes, climbing 9,800 feet in the first 65 miles of the day. If you make it, the next 20 miles is mostly a descent. You climb 10,000 feet. Total distance: 80 miles.
Tuesday April 12: Stone Mountain route: Now that you’re warmed up from the day before, it’s time to destroy what’s left of your legs. This route may be 64 miles but each mile will bring with it a new level of pain, we guarantee it. This route has a 20-mile climb, followed by a short reprieve then a final six-mile ascent. If you make it, your reward is waiting for you at the top where the real fun begins: a fast breath-taken, descent at 50+ mph. You will climb 7,000 feet.
Total distance: 64 miles.
Wednesday April 13: Recovery ride. You will need it, trust me. After the ride, the rest of the day belongs to you.
Total distance: 40 to 60 miles.
Thursday April 14: 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. The venom comes in a rich dose of lactic acid that has enough bite some of the best riders have fallen off their bikes on this killer climb. Over 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. The climbs are steep and there’s not much flat land. You will climb 8,000 feet.
Total distance: 78 miles.
Special note: We will stay the night in Boone and there will be a lodging fee for the overnight.
Friday April 15: 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 his cancer. You will see faded signs from the old Tour du Pont baring Lance’s name as you climb Beach that are sure to inspire you, if you can see straight. 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 with numerous whipping, fast turns. You will climb 9,000 feet.
Total distance: 80 miles.
Saturday April 16: 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 fast. You will climb 6,500 feet.
Total distance: 60 miles.
Sunday April 25: You will leave for home with your legs destroyed. Don’t worry, your legs will come around in a month or two and when they do you’ll be at peak fitness. Also, if your legs are too tired you can’t even drive we will borrow a bodybag from the local morgue to ship your remains home.