Title: Climb Cottonville, Anderson Rd, and Descend Butler Mill
Distance: 38 miles
Start Location: Old Poplar Ridge School, 747 Poplar Ridge Rd, New Hope
Date & Start Time: Saturday, 13 Oct @ 9:00 AM
Ride Leader: Hunter Chockley, chockleyj@bellsouth.net, 256-527-8643
Description: This is a 38-mile moderate ride with a major climb up Grant Mountain via Cottonville Rd. Right before the main ascent of Cottonville, we have a quick stop to view the natural bridge at ~15.7 miles. Then we will do the major climb and will regroup at the cemetery (it will be on the left after the switchback). We will then ride to the top of Grant Mtn and ride to Anderson Rd to the turnaround. We will then return to Butler Mill Rd for the fast descent with several curves. The expected overall average pace will be 14-15 mph, and the cumulative climb for the entire route is ~1650 ft (my Garmin shows 1900 ft).
Note: The route travels on Hwy 431 for about 1 mile after the Rest Stop. It’s a bit dirty but not bad.
The Route Link for the Cue Sheet is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28765812.
Rest Stop: Service Station ~14 miles
Bring a cue sheet and/or navigation device and have the phone number of the Ride Leader as well as the phone number of at least one friend. Again, this is a moderate ride with a mountain climb, so be sure you can do the distance at the stated average pace.
If you choose to ride at a much faster pace than the Ride Leader or deviate from the route, then you are on your own.