Author: John Wilson

Elites will offer up the Fredonia Shortcut this Saturday. Roll from Powell’s Crossroads at 8:00am EDT where we’ll roll through the valley to hook onto the full Fredonia course. If all goes to plan, we’ll get caught by the strongmen on top of the mountain then it’s everyman for himself back to Powell’s Crossroads. 56 miles and 3,700 ft. of climbing. Clean out your car because there might be some folks begging for a ride home…

Something different thanks to Bub One. Roll from Pigeon Mtn Grill (18381 Highway 193, Chickamauga, GA) at 9am for 66 miles of North Georgia. Down to the cove and up Daugherty Gap. Over to Mentone, down the mountain and then back up some climb I’ve never heard of and then lots of rollers on top of Lookout Mtn. Lunch and beers at the Pigeon Mtn Grill after the ride. The grill is on 193 right where Hog Jowl crosses 193 and turns into Cove Rd. All are welcome (if you’ve signed a waiver).

Rain delay until noon

Provided rain doesn’t delay or cancel the Elites will roll with TB from Falling Water at 8:30 and cruise with them until we get to Retro Hughes where we’ll climb. We’ll return via Hell of the North aka Poe Rd. Right at 50 miles and 3,200 ft. of climbing. Keep an eye on the website for info on potential delays and/or cancellation. 

Bub One has a special ride planned for us next week. Stay tuned.

Official Elite ride for Saturday is the Oktoberfest Chattanooga Challenge. Unfortunately if you’ve not registered it’s too late so you’ll have to make your own ride plans for Saturday. For those that are, ride rolls early at 7:30am from Finley Stadium for both the 50 and 100 mile routes. You can pick up your packet Friday from 2pm to 7pm at Finley. Bring your arm warmers as it will be a chilly start. Included is the 50 mile route.

We’ll let TB clear the parking lot so the Elites will roll from Unum at 8:30. Climb Suck Creek Mtn. left at Powell’s Cross Roads and run through the valley. Store stop at the Bait shop and return via the Stair Steps. Lunch at the UJ for those that can make it. 56 miles and 3,700 feet of climbing.

Don’t forget. Last chance to register for Oktoberfest is midnight Sunday. https://veloviewbiketours.com/chattanooga-challenge

Headed North. Roll from the Soddy Ball Fields at 8:30 for a 56 mile ride. Up Leggett, across the top and down Hwy 30 to Cranmore Cove. Store stop in Graysville at mile 40 and then back to the Ball Fields via Couterville and then cross US 27 to pick up the Mayflower/Stormer route. For those wanting extra miles in prep for the Octoberfest century start from either Falling Water (adds 23 miles round trip) or K-Mart (adds 44 miles round trip). Just make sure you time your departures correctly.

Not sure why, but Rudy has been wanting to ride Sand Mtn. for several weeks. Maybe it’s to visit family or something. Anyway the Elites will head that way Saturday. Roll from the Food City in St. Elmo at 8:30, out 299, up the Goat path. We’ll turn left on Wells Rd. just because I’ve never gone that way before. See map for exact route.