Six Gap Century 27 Sep

I'm in for the full 6 despite a total sufferfest on my back 3 training ride last week. I have diagnosed the problem and hope to test the solution this coming weekend on Hogpen yet again. I'm such a glutton for punishment.

The turn off for 3 Gaps is about 23 miles into the ride about half way down the backside of Neel's Gap.

I did Six Gaps the last two years and probably was never in sight of more than two or three other cyclist on the Hogpen descent at one time on either ride so yes, it has thinned out considerably by the time you descend Hogpen.  As for cars and motorcyles, I think there are less than normal because they know the bike ride is going on and they do not want to deal with all the bikes.

Just because the descent is steep, does not mean you have to go fast.  Although, I have only climbed Brasstown Bald once.  I did not get above 20 mph on the descent and it is much steeper than the descent of Hogpen (I have been up to 52 mph on the Hogpen descent) though not as long.  I have also descended Hogpen in the rain and had no problem keeping my speed at a very reasonalble pace.  The problem with steep descents is waiting too long to start slowing down.  The problem arises when you are going very fast down a steep hill and suddenly realize that you are going too fast.  Poor planning, it is too late then.  Same thing happens if you are on a motorcyle going wide open and realize you are a few feet away from the car in front of you before you decide to slow down, poor planning.  If you keep your speed at a reasonable level, there is not a problem to begin with.  If you start feathering your brakes at the top, you will not get to going too fast.  I mention feathering the brakes for anyone who has not done any descending.  If you hold the brakes the entire time, you could overheat the rim and cause a blowout or flat. 

Last year was my first Six and I was equally apprehensive about the descent of Hogpen; however, my experience was exactly what Neal described - cyclists were spread apart and I made it down the backside at my pace and with too little worry.  If you follow rules of the road and stay to the right if you're slower, the speed freaks will be able to do their thing and all will be well.

David, to your question to the group, unfortunately, training volume is nowhere close to what I'd want for Six, so I'm only in for Three this year.

My training volume is also way too low but I am too dumb to sign up for the three.  I am in for the six and am interested to see how far I get before getting picked up by the SAG wagon.

David...try and meet up (all NAMC/BT folks) near the flagpole around 7:20 for a group pic?

For anyone interested, I have made my own version of the cue sheet for the Six Gap route. Trying to use an 8.5"x11" is crazy while riding so for these long rides I summarize and shrink down a version to make a cue card (roughly 3x5) which I can easily store in my jersey pockets or bento box. I also add more data, such as this ride I have climbing data (length of climb, elevations, grade) so I can track my progress (i.e. I won't give up when I'm almost there). Thought I would share if anyone was interested. I use poor man's lamination by enveloping it in clear packing tape so it doesn't get unreadable with all of the sweat and Gu likely to wind up on it and all over me. best wishes for a great ride. Weather looks like it may be pretty nice for a change!

(NOTE: not sure if/how I can atttach this Excel file. If it doesn't attach, please feel free to PM me with an email address and I will send it directly to you. Also be aware that I interpolated climb starts and elevations from the elevation map so while they are not "USGS" accurate, they are good enough for the intended purpose.)

CORRECTIONS to my cue sheet for Six Gap. I apparently missed a rest stop and turn or two which would be important, although I bet the route is pretty clearly marked anyway. I've updated the cue sheet in case anyone wanted to use it. Best wishes to everyone for a great ride!

Bingo...

and with 2500 of your closest friends up there riding, you'll be in good company.

This is one of the best supported rides out there.  Rest stops are great and the SAG vehicles patrol the course very well.

Have a great ride!

Ouch...does not sound like fun; glad you made it home to type about it...

Didn't see too much action on Three Gaps; a few mechanicals and while descending Woody I came across one guy who must've taken a turn too wide and laid it down in one of the gravel parking lots.  His bike was down and he was up trying to walk things off; was glad to see him give me a thumbs up when I asked if he was OK or needed help.

All in all, looked to be a safe day.