This Saturday we ride out from Semler Farm on Bailey Road. There are two route choices this week. The 51 mile route takes us down to Santa Fe and back on a number of roads that we usually ride in the other direction. Angela Gucwa will be leading / sweeping this ride. The 31 mile Collegial option is the reverse of the recent Burwood Blast route with a few modifications for smoother pavement. Bob Whitmer will lead this Collegial option. Thanks to both!
The long route (start 7.30am) takes Leipers Creek Road to the foot of Sulphur Springs, albeit with a diversion via Robinson and Mobley's Cut. In Theta we pick up Chestnut Ridge (a different direction than normal) then down Gaskill Branch to Snow Creek and the rest stop at Santa Fe. The return leg takes us to Hwy 7 to catch Tom Fitzgerald and Roy Dodson (caution - steep descent) before turning west across both Knob and Carters Creeks to reach the railway line. We then strike out north on Cleburne and Dr Robinson towards Burwood, but miss it by swinging round via Cayce Springs and Thompson Station Rd. We come back in on Carters Creek and Gray lane to get back to Bailey.
The Collegial route (start 8:00am) stays with the main route to the end of Robinson, then runs down Sycamore and Johnson Hollow to Burwood for the rest stop. From there it takes Cayce Springs and Thompson Station road to reach Sedbury, then West Harpeth, Carters Creek and Carl to reach Leipers Fork. The final section climbs Floyd to reach Bailey (the Alpacastan variation), from where it's all downhill to the Farm, where you'll see the alpacas!
About Semler Farms
After riding we can tour their facilities, have beverages and/or enjoy a lovely lunch. Beverages and lunch are at your own expense. There are a few other options for lunch besides beef and a limited vegetarian choice (they serve lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm). Semler has inside seating for about 50 people and outside tables are also available. They offer beer, soft drinks, tea and water. They also have prepackaged beef and pork that can be purchased and a lovely little shop with t-shirts, hats, BBQ sauce and various sundries. On Saturdays they bring out their Alpacas and baby goats for a petting zoo. Bring your family and enjoy the food, animals and beautiful scenery. They have requested that we park behind the main building and pole barns at the top of hill where the asphalt changes to gravel. Immediately behind the restaurant there is a trailer with 3 bathrooms for us to use. Please wear any of your HBC shirts if you have one.
With the long riders starting earlier, we should have more time for both groups to catch up together post-ride
Please see details of all the routes below
Club members: interested in leading a ride? Learn more here and reach out to the club’s Ride Chair!