RIDE NAME: Pink Beds to Black Balsam
RIDE LEADERS: Dawn Barr, dcbarr@live.com, 828-845-2201
• Be sure to add my phone number if you are carrying a cell phone, in case you have an emergency or get separated from the group.
RIDE DATE AND TIME: Thursday, April 18, 10AM
RIDE START LOCATION: Pink Beds Trail Parking Lot, US 276, Pisgah Forest, NC
RWGPS LINK: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39087537
RSVP: RSVP Here
RIDE DESCRIPTON: Starting at the Pink Beds parking area this route climbs to the Blue Ridge Parkway and follows the Parkway to Black Balsam and back. 27 miles with 3,948 feet of climbing (HC category climb)! Average grade of 4.1%, maximum grade of 14%. You basically climb for about 13.5 miles and then turn around retracing your route back to Pink Beds. So you can turn around at any point.
The Blue Ridge Parkway requires cyclists to ride single file, have a front facing light and a red flashing rear light.
C+ Pace, I'm hoping for a double-digit average. No Drop Ride, sort of - plan to climb and descend at your own pace. We'll split into smaller groups of 8-10 riders, if needed.
PARKING CONSIDERATIONS: Park towards the road, rather than the trail head/picnic area.
HYDRATION, NOURISHMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF RESTROOMS: Restrooms at the start (or the Ranger Station on your way up). Restrooms at Graveyard Fields (11mi and 18mi). Bring water and snacks.
EQUIPMENT: Helmets and water bottles are mandatory. Have the route on your bike computer, phone, or printed cue sheet. Front facing headlights and rear blinking lights are highly recommended for this ride and required on the Blue Ridge Parkway unless appropriate reflectors are attached. Your bike must be equipped with the necessary lights or reflectors in accordance with applicable North Carolina and federal law and statutes governing bicycles. You should be fully self-sufficient for repair of flat tires or small mechanical issues.
NOTE: All rides leave promptly at the time stated. Give yourself enough time (at least fifteen minutes) to get your bike unloaded and all geared up!
WEATHER: Please remember if the weather looks "iffy" or gets bad before the start date and time, then the ride leaders may not be there and you will be riding on your own. We will try to send out an email if that happens, but Western NC is a very large area and some places could be sunshine and other places bad weather.