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.
Update for March 14 – As some of you noticed (and thanks for catching this), the route that was posted took us on a bridge over I-24 on Slygo Road that’s being replaced. The route has been changed to return via Morganville Ridge and the always enjoyable Creek Road. The change adds 3 miles and 100 feet of climbing. Jimbo is ride leader and he knows the way.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54240528
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 up Lookout Valley to Trenton to climb Sand Mountain on GA 136. Return via Morganville Ridge. 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.
51 miles and 2,900 feet of climbing.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54240528
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.