I rode the 3 State 3 Mountain 2 weeks ago and was jacked about riding another century. We lined up and at 8am and were off. We started out downhill averaging around 24 mph the first 5 miles. Turned onto the Foothills Parkway and started up. I was passing people like crazy..really hammering until I realized it was about a 6 mile climb. Backed off a little and enjoyed the views of the Smoky Mountains. I got to the top and took a few pictures. The next 10 miles were all downhill. I went past the first water stop at 37mph. Wasn't about to go back. There was a 5 mile stretch I was averaging over 40mph. Got to the bottom..what a rush. The first full sag was at mile 35. They didn't have much to eat and were out of Gaterade so I ate my cliff bar and drank water. The next 20 miles had some very rough roads and we turned into a headwind of 15mph. Give me mountains to climb over headwinds any day. 2nd sag stop at mile 55 was almost out of everything and had 1 restroom with a 50 person line. I got a few cookies and ate another cliff bar. Back on the bike we rode parallel to the Smokies on roller coaster roads with great scenery. I never shifted so much in my life. At mile 58 the right knee started hurting..by 65 miles I was pedalling mostly with my left leg. We had met up with the metric riders so at mile 67 I rode in with them to the finish instead of turning onto the rest of the century course. I ended up riding 71.5 miles and it ended up being a very wise decision.

Not hammer the only big hill on this ride.

Ate pizza..pizza...pizza...pizza Grabbed a quick shower.


Rode into a 15mph headwind for 30 miles. Right knee soreness.


They ran out of Gaterade at the sags. They needed more info about the course in their handouts. I never did see a support vehicle on the course. Big let down after 3 State 3 Mountain ride. The only good point about this ride were the fantastic views.