[C4 Rides] Mt. Mitchell Ride Plans

[Matt Hartman]

Hi Folks,

Here are the plans for Mt Mitchell Saturday Sept 14.  Just remember, if 
you don't think you an do it, you probably can.

*1) * Please meet at Touchdown pizza between 6:30am and 6:45am so we can 
sort bikes and carpooling.  We depart at 7am.   If you show up at 
7:00.01 you'll be seeing tail lights.

I'm trying to get a tally of who's going, *so drop me a note and let me 
know if you are going, and how you plan to get there, drive yourself, or 
carpool from TDP*

*2) *Travel arrangements.  We will try to carpool as much as possible. 
*If you cannot stay or don't want to stay until everyone has finished*, 
or stay to grab a bite to eat afterwards, please arrange your travel 
accordingly.

*3)* I will have 2 jugs with icewater, and a container of Gatorade 
powder for bottle refills.  I will also have a variety box of chips for 
everyone.  Everyone please bring a little something to share with 
everyone, bananas, cookies, newtons, etc.

*4)* We will shoot to arrive at 9:00 and be on the road as soon as 
everyone is ready.  Parking is always an unknown.  We start at the 
corner of HWY 70 and HWY 80, and there are 2 options.  The closed hotel 
across the intersection, and a warehouse on the left just after you turn 
on HWY 80.  Don't try to park at the shops on the corners.  The owners 
have been known to get testy.

*5)* SAG will be provided in case you run into problems, and we will 
have main regroup points at the parkway, and at the top of the 
mountain.  Cell phone signal is spotty at best, and non-existent at 
worst, but bring one along just in case, but don't rely on it.

*6)* Be sure to have a rear blinky light.  We will be going through 2 
tunnels, and the Park service requires lights for cyclists.

*7)* Please plan for cold temperatures.  The departure temp in Marion is 
forecast to be 57 at 9AM, and the top of the mountain is to be 52 
degrees at noon.  At minimum, make sure you have arm warmers and a base 
layer.  My recommendation is to bring a wind proof jacket, you'll be 
sweaty at the top and will be really chilled on the way down the 
mountain.  Just make sure you have something you can peel off on the way 
down because the finish temps are going to be in the mid 70's.

*8)* Afterwards, we usually grab a sit-down bite to eat at the Fatz cafe 
on HWY 70 on the way out of town.

*9) *Arrival back home can be between 5 and 7 depending on how fast or 
slow everyone is.

*Other notes:*  Gearing recommendations for humans would be a compact 
crank 50/34 with a 28 tooth rear.  Make sure your brakes are in good 
working order.  Bring electrolyte tablets in case of cramps.  Also, 
sunscreen and handy wipes for cleanup afterwards. There is a snack bar 
and restrooms at the top, but nothing in between.   Route map can be 
found here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3338298

See you all Saturday!

-- 
Matt Hartman
704-793-6739
matt at fourmattech.com

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