Roll from Suck Creek Cycle @ 9:00. (Let’s not take all of Moose’s parking and if the lot begins to fill there’s plenty of street parking on Bell and in the Mike’s overflow lot on Chilhowee.) It’ll be a cold start but things will warm up quickly with a climb up Suck, then down East Valley (crossing 127), up Henson Gap, across the top of Mowbry, down Montlake and back. “Official” route 68 miles and 5000 feet (see map). Easy to shave it to the 50 mile range by climbing the back of Signal instead of going to Henson Gap. Lots of additional climbing options for strong men including Hotwater, Mtn Rd, Signal, and yes David’s favorite – Robert’s Mill. (Big E will be here and promises to lead a group up Robert’s Mill at the end even if he has to push!)
Those who are still upright will tip their glasses to David post-ride at Mike’s.
So off we go again to remember David the way he would have liked to be remembered: on a bike suffering. And hey, if it happens to be a Privateer Bike, all the better……………..