Parking in the Pardee Hospital lot was very convenient and ample. There was lots of space for lots of cars. Registration went very smoothly. There were maybe 20 to 25 riders in the line for preregistered riders, and none on line for same day registration. The same day registration officials even started soliciting the preregistered riders to shift some folks to their table. Registration was simple and convenient. Having no rider numbers to worry about may have added to the ease and convenience.
Riders made a safe start just about on time. The first few intersections were controlled by volunteers, the Hendersonville City Police Department, and Henderson County Sheriff's Department. At least five or six of the first major intersections were completely controlled so the mass of riders could pass safely without stopping and starting. Thank you volunteers and law enforcement for an excellent job. [Editor’s note: it was actually controlled all the way to the first rest stop in Saluda. This was announced at the start.]
The course was well marked with fish symbols painted on the pavement and signs at critical junctures. I heard of only a few riders getting off course. [I spoke to two riders (one a friend of mine) who did loops twice by accident. The guy I was riding with almost did the same thing, but realized his mistake and finally caught me again. –ed.]
The rest stops were well stocked with food, fluids and ice. The volunteers were helpful, friendly, courteous, kind... Well, you get the picture.
There were several hazardous railroad track crossings that were well marked. One, after a gooddownhill, had a pretty good gap between the rails and the timbers. The warning signs were a good reminder to riders to cross these tracks with care.
At the behest of other members of the Biltmore Forest Division of the Blue Ridge Bike Club, we rode the second loop at mile 23.1. This starts just past the second rest stop. It consisted of eight miles of rolling, picturesque countryside with only one minor climb. It was a good addition to the 35.7 mile moderate ride.
The climb back up the Greenville watershed was as predictable and delightful as always. Most riders seemed to be making it up without too much difficulty. The climb up Mine Gap Road was a different story. At least four or five riders converted to pedestrian mode to complete this section. It's not that long, but it's steep and there is not that much recovery time from the Greenville Watershed climb. There was a nice rest stop after the climb, which was well appreciated.
The one turn I heard about people missing was the left onto Rutledge from Greenville Highway (US 25). At this point, towards the end of the ride, the field is stretched out and there might not be a rider ahead to follow. Greenville Highway is a busy road, so most attention is on coexisting with motor vehicles. A little bit more highlighting of this turn might be a good addition.
North Whitted Street was still pretty torn up from construction, but should hopefully be repaved by next year's ride. For those who desired a little bit of mountain bike experience, North Whitted Street should have satisfied the craving.
There was one report of a shoe being thrown at one of the riders, and one report of a reckless motor vehicle driver. Quick thinking riders got license tag numbers and vehicle descriptions that were forwarded to the Henderson County Sheriff's Department.
The chocolate brownies at the rest stops were excellent. They were stored in plastic containers in the sun, which gave them a “fresh from the oven” warmth and flavor. They were made by Henderson County Family YMCA members, who baked all those wonderful goodies for the ride. I am sure all the healthy food was good too.
The "delicious Mexican lunch" really was delicious. It was hot, ready when the riders returned, and very tasty. I would welcome it as an epicurean delight again next year. The lunch was prepared by El Paso, which has done a wonderful job serving lunch the past two years.
Most riders seemed pretty well prepared for the ride. There are some hills on this course, so maximum enjoyment will be attained with some moderate training rides that include hills during the weeks leading up to the Tour de Leaves. Several riders were not sufficiently prepared and so experienced some stress, but most completed the ride in fine form. This is a good end -of-season ride so it might serve as a good final target for an annual training program.
All in all, this is an excellent ride, and deserves a grade of "A". Mark your calendars for October of next year and ride a few hills in August and September.
For more information about this ride, go to the Henderson County Family YMCA web site. You can also check out the online ride library at the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club web site for some cue sheets and maps of earlier versions of this ride. Feedback can be sent to the ride organizer, Frannie Jacobus at the Henderson County Family YMCA.
Paul D. King
Asheville, NC
October 13, 2002
© Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Inc. 2004