Non-tapering Bubbas will get a chance to get on top with the warm weather as we ride Signal and Mowbry via an old favorite: Henson Gap. Roll at 8:30 from the old Pizza Hut across from Merv’s (Old Kmart/Aldi center – oil folks whined about us parking in the center itself). SPIN up the W (we’ll divide into groups of 2 or 3 so as not to make motorists angry), Marshall Creek gorge, off the back of Signal (ouch), up Henson, across Mowbry by the 10 longest miles (double ouch), down Montlake, and back. Simmer down fellers, this is a hard route and you’ll have plenty of chances to show Saturday ain’t for cornbread eatin once we get up Henson. (Please remember that TB rides are intended to be hard GROUP rides, not races.) A metric and 5000 feet but it’ll seem like much more.
Sat. 4/16
Update! Rollout at 11am
Bub One taking the reins today for both TB and Elites. Weather permitting roll from the St. Elmo Food City at 8:30 for a roll down to the Cove and back. Optional climb up Dougherty Gap (yes closed to car traffic but very doable on a bike). For those not wanting to climb just hang out at the store. On the way back experience the brand new pavement on W. Cove Rd. Group photo at Mural Wall on Oakland Ave. (mile 68.7). Some of us might short route at mile 24.8 Captain Woods Rd.
Rain is now threatening in the morning so stay tuned for a delayed start time.
Sat. 4/2 (River Road Special)
Well, King and Rudy have a got a special one up their sleeve. Going to do a gravel/road ride from the Oosterneck Overlook outside of Tellico for an out and back ride to Murphy (almost). Gravel bike would probably work best but is doable on a road bike. Roll from the Overlook at 10am (see map). Plan on 5+ hours and bring plenty of water. I’m out so any questions should be directed at King and Rudy. Also I’m a little sketchy at exactly when they’ll turnaround so total miles might be a little less than the 68 the map advertises.
Sat 3/26
Elites will roll with TB from Mike’s at 9 and head over the toe, but there we’ll split and head out Wauhatchie Pike to get to Creek Rd. From there we’ll be back on track going to Morganville Ridge, Slygo, Murphy Hollow and then back via 299. For those that want some more towards the end we’ll turn at Reflection Riding and you can climb some of Scenic Hwy to Sanders and then pick up Ochs to Guild Trail Rd and head south towards Flintstone for as long as you like (swing by Bub’s house). As mapped a tame 43 miles.
Sat. 2/5
Elites will roll with TB from Mike’s Hole in the Wall (aka Mike’s Blackhole) at 1pm and do the same route albeit probably slower. Boss, don’t feel like you have to keep the whole group together. For those who want a shorter option, start in Tiftonia and meet TB as they come down the Toe and take a left on Wauhatche Pike. TB should be rolling by there about 1:30. That route is around 36.5 miles.
****UPDATE***** Sun 1/30
It was a crazy idea. This ride has been moved to Sunday at 1pm.
This is probably crazy so blame it on Missile. Elites will roll from St. Elmo Food City at noon for a little gravel action on the Guild Trail. We’ll roll south on Virginia Ave. before heading over to the Guild. Plan on at most 2 hours and be flexible. Depending on how our toes feel will determine the course of action, i.e. will be go out Upper Truck or not. If we do the whole thing it’s 20 miles.
Sat. 1/8
Elites will roll from Mike’s Hole in the Wall with TB at 1pm, and ride the Riverview Hill route. Shorter course but lots of stingers and if you get motivated you can add a Poop Loop or two to it or do the loop twice.
TB 4/9
Weatherman not cooperating again this Sat so Bubba will have a little more time to regain consciousness with a delayed takeoff. Roll from Mike’s @ 1:00 for a trip north on a somewhat standard makeup route with a few twists to get a climb and hopefully avoid heavy traffic. 60 miles, 4000 feet, with lots of options to shorten the route to accommodate schedules. Weatherman says we’ll have the wind at our backs both ways as wind direction changes early afternoon but I’ll believe that when I see it.
Bubba New Year – THE BEAST
Roll from Mikes Hole in the Wall (Chilhowee lot) @ 9:00 Saturday for the annual climb up the Beast (Roberts Mill). Weatherman keeps moving things around so be on the lookout for updates on the website beabubba.com. Traditionally this one has been all about making (or trying to make) it up the Beast and then heading to the closest bar to toast those who survived. Always a bit unusual when New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday so what Bubba needs is options!
Beast option is 37 miles, 3100 feet. Shave it by dropping down the W road if you need less. Lots of ways to add on up top for those with more time.
Beast Lite option (for those with injuries or general physical or mental weakness) travels with the Beast option but peels off on Mtn Creek Rd and climbs the W. (If traffic is bad we may climb the front of Signal instead.) Once on top head along the brow/Sawyer until we meet the Beasts and then turn and jump on that route.
BEAST: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38267092
BEAST LITE: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38267117
Christmas Eve Rides
Option 1: The Fly will be leading a ride Friday 12/24 rolling from Ridgeland High School at 9:30. Plan on about 50 miles that will head down towards the Cove. Merry Christmas to all. Combined ride so don’t be naughty, be nice.
Option 2: For the elves out there who think short is beautiful, roll at 9:30 from the little white Methodist church on Signal (across from Xtreme sports) at 9:30. Corral, Marshall Creek Gorge, Forest Park climb, and then we’ll decide whether to drop down W and climb the front or find other stuff to climb such as Shoal Creek. Never too far from the cars so jump off anytime. Count on 2.5-3 hours and say 2500-3000 feet.
Merry Christmas to Bubbas everywhere!