Additional Information
Info B2B Riders Need to Know- The Bridge - 2012
Packet Pick-up
Packet pick-up will be in Sweet T’s On Main in downtown Lenoir (the same place as last year.) New this year, we will also be offering an early packet pick-up on Friday 09.14.12 from 4:00-7:00 pm. On Saturday 09.15.12 packet-pick up will be from 2:00-7:00 pm. A complimentary dinner for riders will be served from 5:00-7:00 pm. Packet pick up on Sunday 09.16.12 will be from 6:30-7:30am in the same location.
Vintage Merchandise Blowout Sale!
During the early packet pick-up on Friday, 09.14.12 we will be having past year merchandise at really, really, reduced prices!
Pre-ride Dinner
Riders can enjoy a complimentary pre-ride pasta dinner on Saturday in downtown Lenoir at the packet pick up time from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Coupons will be provided at packet pick-up. Family and friends will be able to purchase meals as well.
Start Time
The Start is @ 8am on Main Street between Harper and West in Downtown Lenoir. Cut off time for the Blue Ridge Parkway is 4:00 pm and entrance to GFM. @ 5:30. You may drop a bag at the designated bag drop near the start line and it will be taken to the Meadows for you to retrieve. We are happy to do this free of charge, but cannot be responsible for the contents of the bags.
This Year’s Route
The Ride will start in downtown Lenoir, go to Morganton Boulevard via Main Street, then head to Whitnel on Norwood Street, passing Lenoir Golf Course along the way. The Ride assumes an easterly course on Hibriten Drive to Wilkesboro Boulevard, following that road to Blue Creek and Grandin Road. This road takes the rider through the section of the Country immortalized by the Ballad of Tom Dooley and his relationship with Laura Foster. Joining NC 268, the Ride then starts a westerly trek through the beautiful Yadkin Valley. This route will continue to head west through the scenic Yadkin Valley area before crossing US 321 to eventually connect with NC 90 by way of Setzers Creek Road. NC 90 will lead the Riders to the community of Collettsville and the connection with the Adako Road. The Ride will follow Adako Road (by The Bluffs development and the Brown Mountain Beach Road, which is the access road to the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic Rier Area) to NC 181 and the start of the serious uphill climbs that help make the ride what it is! The route merges with US 221 above Jonas Ridge then connects with NC 105 and skirts Grandfather Mountain’s west flank. This process brushes the communities of Linville and Banner Elk and includes a steep downhill segment that passes through the community of Foscoe before turning onto Shulls Mills Road near Hound Ears Resort. This road climbs back up to Hwy 221 in the Sandy Ridge area and continues on a gentle descent to Holloway Mountain Road passing Westglow Spa. The ride exits Hwy 221 at Holloway Mountain Road which is a one mile connector to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The ride enters the Blue Ridge Parkway for a 7.4 mile 800 foot climb which includes the scenic viaduct. The ride exits onto Hwy 221, also known as the Yonahlossee Trail, and travels a deeply shaded path to the entrance to Grandfather and the very challenging ascent to the top!
Aid Stations
The century will have 12 aid stations at approximate mile 25.7, 41.5, 50.5, 55.5, 58.4 60.0, 68.5, 82.5, 89.5, 97.1,100.8 and Mac Rae Meadows. Stations will have on hand everything from bananas, grapes, nuts, crackers, peanut butter sandwiches, chocolate, water and sports drink. Medical support includes mobile units, first aid kits and radio communication between all stations. Simple repair kits will also be present at some stations. No official mechanical support is planned, so take what you anticipate needing with you please.
Personal ride support vehicles
DO NOT allow personal vehicles to drive alongside riders. If you are caught, you will be removed from the finisher list. This endangers you, all other riders, and other vehicles on the road. Plan stops along the way if you need personal support.
Spectators
The finish line is on Grandfather Mountain. Spectators are welcome at both finish lines. A shuttle will be made available for transport from Mac Rae Meadows to the top of Grandfather Mountain. The roundtrip cost is $7- for adults and $3- for children.
Post-Ride Lunch/Dinner
Available in the meadows-this is complimentary for the riders. There will also be food available for purchase.
Finish Line
Riders once again are able to finish on top of Grandfather Mountain! A shuttle will take riders down to Mac Rae Meadows and a truck will transport your bikes and be taken to the bike hold in the meadows. You are not able to ride back down the mountain! A shuttle will be made available for transport from Mac Rae Meadows to the top of Grandfather Mountain and back down for your family and friends. The cost is $7- for adults and $3- for children.
Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows
NO ALCOHOL is allowed on Grandfather Mountain property, including MacRae Meadows. If caught with alcohol, you will be removed from the finisher list. Be extra vigilant about protecting Grandfather Mountain and the meadows by disposing of trash in the proper way. Please be gracious to the employees, the volunteers and extremely cautious of the cars on the road to MacRae Meadows.
Shuttle from Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae to Lenoir and Cyclists Shuttle down the Mtn.
A shuttle service is offered which will transport you and your bike from Grandfather Mountain to MacRae Meadows free of charge. The cost of a shuttle from Grandfather Mountain to the Lenoir start is $45. There will not be refunds on this service, so please DO NOT register for the shuttle until you know it is needed. You may still register on ride day if your original ride falls through. While the buses are comfortable, they do not run on a set schedule. The chartered buses leave about every 1-1.5 hours and you must retrieve your bike from hold and bring to the bus before loading. Do not count on the buses to make a tight flight schedule please, as it is completely dependent on how it fills up. We are using smaller busses this year and expect wait time to be less. Allow plenty of travel time if you plan to use a shuttle. Thank you for your understanding!
Shuttle back to Lenoir
A shuttle is offered for riders needing to get back to Lenoir from Grandfather Mountain after the ride. If you did not sign up for the shuttle with registration, you may sign up at packet pick-up before the ride or in MacRae Meadows after the ride. Please note: there are no refunds on shuttle fees.
Return to Lenoir Option
The best option is always to have someone meet you at the end of the ride. You can also carpool on Saturday and leave a car along US 221 to be picked up after the ride. This isn't an "official" practice, but riders have always done it and we have not heard of any problems.
Additional 2012 merchandise
For 2012 we will offer jerseys for sale as in past years (see below). Also, you can purchase ride t-shirts, and socks designed specifically for the 2012 Bridge.
