[C4 Rides] C4 Mt Mitchell plans - Saturday May 24.

[Matt Hartman]

Hi Folks,

Here are the plans for Mt Mitchell Saturday May 24.  Just remember, if 
you don't think you an do it, you probably can.  So far we have about 10 
people riding.  Houston's parents have volunteered to SAG for us this year.

This year we will be having 2 groups, a slower group and the 
normal/faster group.  Terry Taylor and I will be going up early and plan 
to depart about 1 1/2 hours before everyone else, so that we can all 
summit closer to the same time.

*1) * We will all meet at Touchdown Pizza In Kannapolis.

5:30 AM: Terry & Matt depart Kannapolis.  Wheels on the ground approx 
7:30.  If other want to ride really slow, you can come up early with us.

6:30-6:45 AM:  Everyone in the normal/fast group will meet at TDP, and 
arrange car pooling and get organized for a 7:00AM departure. 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)* We will have a jug with icewater, and a container of Gatorade 
powder for bottle refills.   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.  The hotel is usually empty.

*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.   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

*Summary of the ride: *
Starting from Marion, NC, at the intersection if HWY 70 and route 80, 
the ride winds up Route 80 past Lake Tahoma, where the grade kicks up in 
a hurry. Route 80 switchbacks almost constantly, and the last 4 miles up 
to the Blue Ridge Parkway average an unrelenting 8 to 10 percent. Atop 
the Parkway, the ride sandwiches two climbing stretches with a 2-mile 
descent as it passes numerous scenic overlooks, tunnels, as well as 
droves of spring wildflowers and butterflies.

The final approach to the Mount Mitchell summit (the highest point east 
of the Mississippi) is a stiff, steady, and brutally straightforward 
climb. Savor the accomplishment and the 360-degree views at the top. The 
ride back down is steep and fast, but having previewed the descent on 
the way up, there shouldn't be too many surprises.

See you all Saturday!

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