The Ride

Jeremy Arnold, organizer of the ride, feeling frisky.

The big ride turned out not to be so big, but I am definitely tired and made it home in time for a nap before the little kid woke up.

We had a 9am start which was great for me. There is also a "winter storm warning" for the area. So, keeping an eye on the sky, 8 of us headed out from the Mills River bridge. We had spent the time getting ready in the parking lot, shivering. It was cold. The first 3 miles was a climb up to Yellow Gap. Several people had over dressed and had to stop to shed layers. It was good to be warm again

We got to the top, and started down the other side of the mtn. The plan was to take a right up Laurel Mtn trail. Everyone did this except the really good rider from Greenville, SC. I don't remember his name, I'll call him Greenville. Chris went after him but did not find him. We started up the trail and left an arrow for Greenville. He ended up catching us in a couple of miles. Laurel Mtn is a classic trail, somewhat technical , mostly steady uphill, meandering up the mtn, just below the ridge line. And then you get to a killer hike-a-bike. It is best to carry the bike and take your time here. This kept us in the sun and out of the wind most of the time. We could tell how cold it really was when we got to a gap and the wind blew through.

We stopped several times to regroup, and to re-fuel. At the top, we descended Pilot Rock/Cove. I'm not sure if the trail names are right, but they were all legal. We descended back into the valley via the Pilot Rock overlook. This is a beautiful overlook where the only development to be seen is the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Down the steepness of Pilot and back to Yellow Gap Rd. Technically we are halfway through our ride, but due to stopping so much, we are concerned about having enough daylight to finish the ride. Jeremy did plan well though as we were about 5 miles from the cars on this rd. We talked about what to do, threw around ideas, and finally, reluctantly, I decided that it was in my best interest to head on home. Apparently the rest of the group had reasons for going home too. So we took off up Yellow Gap rd. I took the opportunity to try to keep up with Greenville for some uphill workout. Up and over Yellow Gap, down hill 3 miles to the parking lot. Change clothes, say my goodbyes, and head home. Approx 23 miles, with 5000' of climbing.

The best part comes next. Fresh, homemade fettuccine Alfredo, and homemade french bread!!