Here are the Elite rides for Saturdays in March. The start time may change during the week of the ride for forecast colder or warmer conditions. Watch this site early on the Saturday of the ride for weather related cancelations and updates.
March 7 – Start at Red Bank Elementary on Mountain Creek Road at 9 am to climb Mountain Road and descend Hot Water Road. Store stop at the top of Mowbray Mountain (for fast-climbers) at mile 23 followed by a short restroom and water break at the ball fields in Soddy.
50 miles and 3,200 feet of climbing.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54124469
March 14 – Roll from the Patten Community Center off of Kelly’s Ferry Road at 9 am to ride to up Lookout Valley to Trenton to climb Sand Mountain on GA 136. Those wanting a little more (~ 3 miles and a 300 ft climb over the toe of Lookout) can start at the Food City in St. Elmo.
48 miles and 2,800 feet of climbing.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51958749
March 21 – We’ll start at the Food City in St. Elmo at 9 am to ride up Chattanooga Valley to Mountain Cove Farms and return via Hog Jowl Road. Water stop at the end of the valley at mile 30.
63 miles and 3,000 feet of climbing (with no mountain climbs).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50191382
March 28 – Start in the paved parking lot across from the Falling Water Baptist Church at 9 am to climb Retro Hughes Road and ride around the top of Mowbray Mountain. Store stop at the Dollar General in Lewis Chapel at mile 32.
49 miles and 3,250 feet of climbing.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50474830
April 4 – Start at River Drifters on Suck Creek Road to ride out-and-back in the Tennessee River Gorge to “Goat’s Bridge” on Mullin’s Cove Road. Asphalt all the way and easily manageable on a road bike , but a gravel bike works best for the patches of rough road. Seems short, but it’s harder than you think. Option to return via East Valley Road and Suck Creek Mountain. 40 miles. Time TBD.