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60 Mile Ride: "A Real Mother"
This is an out and back ride that starts in Tazewell and travels
east on highway 16 to Hungry Mother State Park near Marion. The amount of climbing makes this course extremely
challenging. There are six significant climbs over 3 high mountains. Because this is an out & back course,
you get to climb and descend both sides of each mountain. Last year riders with bike mounted GPS units claimed over 8,000
feet of total elevation gain. This ride should only be attempted by those whose body and equipment are
in top condition to do long, steep climbs and technical, fast descents.
Last year we promoted this
ride as a "tune up ride" for The Assault on Mt. Mitchell. A member of the Spartanburg Freewheeler Bicycle
Club stated in 2009 "This ride is harder than The Assault on Mt. Mitchell."
If you
can take your eyes off the road, you will see spectacular scenery as much of the course takes you through the Jefferson National
Forest.
This is truly an epic metric century.
It is the measuring stick local riders are judged by: "Have you done the ride to Hungry Mother State Park and back?"
30 Mile
Ride: "Stepmother"
The
fun of "A Real Mother," but without the pain.
An absolutely breathtaking ride. This ride starts in Tazewell, circles Thompson
Valley, and then joins up with the last few miles of the Metric ride. This ride takes you through rolling farm land
in one of the prettiest valleys you will ever see. There are some hills, but no steep, long climbs.
12 Mile
Ride: "Little Mama"Family Ride
An out & back ride starting and finishing at the Burkes Garden Virginia School. Registration begins at 5
p.m. and the ride begins at 5:30 p.m. Ride begins at the school around the West End Road & Medley Valley Road back
to Burkes Garden Road and finishes at the school. Covered picnic areas and restrooms are available at the Burkes Garden
School.
