Comments on Smoky Mountain Century

After the winter that wont end back in Cincinnati it was great to get out today for a ride that started with arm/knee warmers and gloves but ended in short sleeves and shorts. Temps went from the upper 30's to upper 60's. I started from our house at 10am and headed to Cades Cove riding along Little River Road. The stretch from Elkmont Campground's entrance to the Townsend Y (not a YMCA but where there is a huge bend in the river and two rivers meet) is truly spectacular. For 15 miles you ride along a classic mountain stream with roaring water going over every size boulder imaginable, waterfalls, fly fishermen (and women), kayakers, etc. From the Y there is a climb into Cades Cove. Total distance at that point is 31 miles. The valley within Smoky Mountain National Park known as Cades Cove has a one way 11 mile loop that is known around the world for its views, old barns, churches and log homes, and all kinds of wildlife including plenty of bears. I did three laps before heading back with side trips to Tremont and Elkmont to make sure that ended up with 100 miles and 7500' of climbing. Total ride time was 5:58 with about 4000 calories burned and average power of 190. I rank this ride up there with the Gatlinburg-Newfound Gap-Cherokee-Newfound Gap-Clingmans Dome and back to Gatlinburg century. That ride takes about 20-30 minutes longer and has about 10,000' of climbing. Should be able to do that in May or June once the road is repaired in North Caroline where a recent storm washed away 400' of road and 90,000 cubic yards of mountain side.