| Description: The BSG is a full English century
- 100 mile loop ride starting and ending at the Valle Crucis Elementary
School, approximately 5 miles south of Boone, North Carolina. The route
roughly circles Boone through the outskirts of Watauga County, the heart
of North Carolina's High Country. The terrain is constantly changing with
hills of all lengths and curves too numerous to count. The cumulative
climbing elevation is 13,000+ feet, with the climb up to the gap at Snake
Mountain, milepoint 63, reaching an 18-20% grade near the top. Riders
reaching the Cove Creek aid station (milepoint 82) after 2:30pm will be
directed to the finish at Valle Crucis, resulting in a total distance
ride of 87 miles.
Half Century: The Half Century ride, approximately 47 miles,will
start and finish at the Valle Crucis Elementary School. The course follows
a mostly separate route and is fully supported with 2 aide stations. The
uphills are not too bad, and there are 2 really great downhills. The cumulative
climbing elevation is 5,800 feet. All riders will be computer timed when
they cross the finish line.
Route Control / Markings:
The ride route is marked with both signs and road
painted arrows. The arrows are white and have a circle at the base. White
squiggly arrows are used to mark especially steep descents with hairpin
curves. Most turns will have local fire or police personnel assisting
with the motoring traffic.
Aide Stations: The rides are fully supported with 6 aide stations
on the Full Century and 2 on the Half Century with food, beverages, and
toilets. See the ride Map for their specific locations.
SAG Support: Sag support will be available providing minor repairs,
band-aids, and transportation as needed. Personal SAGs are unnecessary
and discouraged.
Rules: The BSG is an open-road ride. Obey the North Carolina traffic
laws and watch for motoring traffic at all times. Bicycle helmets are
required. The Blue Ridge Parkway is adamant about cyclists following their
single file rule. Don’t bunch up on the Parkway. You can be ticketed
or at least delayed by a Park Ranger.
Finish Times: Riders will be furnished computer chip ankle bracelets
during the ride. Finish times will be provided at Valle Crucis and on
the website. Please turn in the chip bracelets when finished. If you keep
them, BSG has to pay for them.
Rider goodies: Pre-registrants will receive a t-shirt, water bottle
(provided by Coca-Cola and better than the one used in the TDF), and other
stuff. Ride patch quantities are limited and are available by request.
Pictures: Birdseyeview will take rider pictures at various points
along the course as well as at the finish. You can preview and purchase
these at the Finish site .
After the ride: At the Valle Crucis Finish site, riders can shower
(bring your own towel). Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
will be seeking donations by giving massages. Hot food and drinks are
provided as well.
Questions and comments contact:
Sonny Sweet
American Red Cross, Watauga Chapter
331 Queen St.Boone, NC 28607
828-264-8226
americanredcr141@bellsouth.net
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