Hi Everyone!
Bike Roswell is hosting a group ride at the infamous 3-gaps route north of Dahlonega GA on August 3rd. This is a relatively safe 35-mile, mountainous route with 3-long and steep climbs along with 3 incredible descents. The course is appropriate for seasoned riders who routinely ride in the B, B+, and A pace groups. Following the ride will be a BYOL picnic lunch at a nearby park.
Essentials to Know
• Start Time: 9:00am, Sunday August 3rd.
• This is a 30-mile, mountainous route with 3-long & steep climbs followed by 3 incredible descents.
• The route is reasonably safe and very popular for cyclists, motorist, and motorbike enthusiast.
• We'll start the ride together and riders will determine their own pace/group, as such, there will be no designated group leaders or sweepers.
• There are ample gathering/regroup spots along the way as suggested below.
• There are bathroom facilities and small stores along the route.
• We will start and end at the "The Stone Pile":
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hm1XAkHG9qkk8Wz96
• Parking is very limited therefore carpooling is essential.
• We have alternative start locations if needed based on participation demand.
• We plan to have a picnic afterglow lunch at a nearby park.
• Please RSVP using the Facebook Event "Going" button.
The Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/7631
The Climbs:
• The primary climb (Neels Gap) is 7.6 miles nearly all ascent to the top of Blood Mtn. While the average incline is 4.6, much of it is 6, 7, and 8 percent.
• It has 3 lanes of traffic with 2-lanes dedicated north for nearly the entire length of the climb.
• It's safe with plenty of room for passing vehicles and a shoulder right of deep rumble strips.
• The 2nd climb (Wolf Pen) is steeper but shorter at 3.4 miles with many switchbacks. The road is only 2-lanes but fewer vehicles.
• Expect many motorcycles and some sportscars in both directions, but they're typically respectful of cyclists.
• The 3rd climb (Woody Gap) is 1.7 miles and somewhat inconsequential relative to our Roswell rides.
Two Incredible descents:
• First, from Neels Gap to the Turn after Vogle State Park onto Wolf Pen Gap rd. is a fast 3.4-mile ride down the back side of Blood Mountain.
• Second, at the end of the ride is a 5.4-mile curvy descent from Woody Gap down to the Stone Pile. This is just amazing and the highlight of the ride.
Gathering Spots:
Mile 5: Turners Store. Good place to get anything you missed, and the starting point of the primary climb.
Mile 12: Neels Gap. The Mountain Crossing Outfitter store is here proving bathrooms, store, etc.
Mile 20: Wolf Pen Gap. Duncan Ridge Road and Wolf Pen Gap Rd. It's at the top of Wolf Pen Gap.
Mile 28: Corner of Hwy 180 and Hwy 60, gas station.
Mile 30: Woody Gap Trail head and overlook - great picture place
Parking:
• We'll be starting at the Stone Pile roundabout where there is road-side parking on specified shoulder extensions.
• 50 yards South of the Stone Pile on Hwy 19, there is an area accommodating 6-8, possibly 10 vehicles.
• Further South towards Dahlonega by 100 yards there are 3 carve outs on the shoulder that accommodate 6 additional vehicles.
• East of the Stone Pile on Hwy 19 towards Turners Corner about 200 yards from the Stone Pile there are 2 additional carve-outs accommodating 4-6 vehicles.
• There are some grassy non-improved potential spots on Stone Pile Gap road.
• Backup Parking and alternative starting point can be at Turner Store (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4WYqHveZxxC9MZn7 ) and Woody Gap trail head (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBHXHzAYotooFTA6A ).
• If we have a lot of demand, these will accommodate many more vehicles.
Lunch:
• We'll have a picnic lunch afterglow at the Lake Zwerner reservoir back toward Dahlonega.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sBgtziW2zbdJ6QHd6
• This will be a Bring Your Own Lunch (BYOL).
Please Join Bike Roswell:
• This event was originally planned as a Bike Rowsell members only event. We decided to make it open to all.
• We strongly encourage all participants to join Bike Roswell.
• Your annual membership helps with the costs associated operating this terrific advocacy group.
• We're planning several additional events upcoming this fall that will be exclusive to Bike Roswell members.
You may also like the following events from Bike Roswell:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Dahlonega,
Workshops in Dahlonega,
Nonprofit events in Dahlonega.
