The 2nd Annual Middle Tennessee 600K Brevet promises to be an epic event. Not only does it tackle the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, with 318 curves in 11 miles, it also takes on the nearby Cherohala Skyway which winds up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descends another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". Come out and ride on these amazing roads with us. Read about the 2007 600K Results on our Blog site.

Ride Start / Finish Times:
The ride will depart promptly at 4:00 AM CDT. The time limit for this ride is 40 hours, or 8:00 PM CDT on Sunday evening.

Ride Description:
The Middle Tennessee 600K Brevet starts out in McMinnville, Tennessee and travels east for 200K to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Fifteen miles into the Brevet, we will encounter our first significant climb up Baker Mountain to the top of the Cumberland Plateau. Along the way, we will pass thru the scenic Falls Creek Falls State Park stopping just outside the park for our first control at mile 38. Several miles farther out, we will descend down into the Sequatchie River Valley and the town of Pikeville. Leaving Pikeville, we will encounter our second significant climb up Dayton Mountain with another nice descent down to the town of Dayton, famous for the 1925 religion-vs-evolution "Scopes Monkey Trial". After Dayton, we will cross the Tennessee River and stop at the third control in Riceville at mile 97. Beyond Riceville, we will meander thru the countryside passing thru Etowah and finally making it to the fourth control in Tellico Plains at mile 128.

Just outside of Tellico Plains, we will start a 200K loop that takes us to the start of the “Tail of the Dragon”. Once on the Dragon, we will pass thru Deals Gap, altitude 1,962 feet, and enter into North Carolina breifly. Our sixth control takes us to Robbinsville, North Carolina at mile 201 for a brief rest before we tackle the Cherohala Skyway. Some riders may opt to stop here for their "sleep break", while others will continue on to get in some more miles before they sleep. Once on the Skyway, riders will reach elevations of approximately 5,400 feet before they start the decent back down to Tellico Plains, our seventh control at mile 254. Most riders will get some sleep here as overnight accommodations (see details below) will be provided, while some of the remaining riders may push on Etowah, at mile 269, for their "sleep break". Riders are encouraged to bring a Camelbak, or similar devise, on this section of the route as there will be long distances between resupply points.

Once the riders get back to Tellico Plains, they will return to McMinnville along the same route that they came out on.

Route Map, Cue Sheet, & Profile:
Download a copies of the Middle Tennessee 600K Brevet:
1) Route Map and Cue Sheet
2) Excel Cue Sheet
3) TOPO Route Profile - 26,000 Feet (Polar) of Climbing.

Directions To The Start:
The ride will start at the Best Western Tree City Inn in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Download and print off a copy of the Directions to the start of the Middle Tenneessee 600K Brevet.

Rider Services Plan:
As part of our 600K Brevet, we will have an optional “Rider Services Plan”. The cost of the “Plan” is $60.00 per rider and consists of the following services:
• Transportation of Drop Bags
• Lunch in Tellico Plains (outbound)
• Sleeping Accommodations at the Mountain View Cabins in Tellico Plains.
• Breakfast in Tellico Plains (return)
• SAG Support on the 200K Loop starting in Tellico Plains
• Shower at the Finish

Participation in the above “Rider Services Plan” is optional, but it is either all or nothing. Riders will not be allowed to cherry pick the parts and pieces of the services they want. We have enlisted three volunteers to provide the various parts of this service plan.

Other Course Hotel Recomendations:
Riders not wishing to participate in the "Rider Services Plan" are free to make their own reservations at one of the following hotels:
In Robbinsville, North Carolina (201 miles) riders are recommended to stay at the Microtel Inn.
In Etowah, Tennessee (269 miles) riders are recommended to stay at the Sleep Inn.

Registration:
Each rider will need to complete a Brevet registration form via Online Registration or by downloading and printing out the Registration Form. There are no registration fees.

Also, for insurance purposes, you must be a member of the Harpeth Bicycle Club. The HBC Membership Application can be found on our website. Riders will not be allowed to start a Brevet unless they are a club member.

View the list of Registered Riders.

Medals:
Commemorative ACP Brevet Medals are available to RUSA Members who successfully complete a 200K or longer Brevet. ACP Medals may be purchased at the RUSA Souvenir Store.

Rules:
Please see the full set of HBC Rules governing our Brevet Series Events.

Results:
View the 2008 Brevet Series Results listing from the previously held events.
View the 2007 Brevet Series Results listing from the previously held events.
View the 2006 Brevet Series Results listing from the previously held events.

Contact:
To contact the Tennessee RBA, please send an e-mail to Jeff Sammons.