Fairview to Montgomery Bell State Park
Dr Michael DeRoche has put together a stunning ride for us this Saturday. In honor of the BRAT being at Montgomery Bell State Park this weekend our club route will venture out to the park and back, a ride our we've not done in a while (OK, it is really a coincidence the BRAT is there on the same day). Choose from a 52 mile adventure or a 37 mile Collegial option. Both routes start at Fairview Elementary School so we can incorporate some great rural roads we don't often ride plus allow for the shorter route to get to the park and back.
The reviews are in! HBC’s esteemed former Ride Supremo Larry Lewis pre-rode the 52 mile route with us and said “that was the most fascinating club route I have ridden in many years.”
The long route will take a unique approach to Montgomery Bell (not ridden on former versions), first going through Kingston Springs and White Bluff before riding by the Montgomery Bell mountain bike course and into the park. The official rest stop is at the Montgomery Bell visitor’s center (mile 34) which has real restrooms and a water bottle fill up station. Other drinks are also available from a vending machine. Bring enough snacks for the ride (or use one of the unofficial stops) as food is not available at the visitor’s center.
There are unofficial rest stops at Burns Park in Kingston Springs (mile 15) with bathrooms, a Marathon station (look to the right at mile 28 stop sign after White Bluff Elementary School), and a Dollar General just off the route at mile 40. This 52 mile ride is a scenic rural route, with lots of great roads. Dr Michael will sweep. Definitely an adventure not to be missed!
The 37 mile route goes to Montgomery Bell Park in a more direct way, entering the Park and down the hill to the visitor’s center and rest stop. Both the long and short groups then climb back through the park and head home along the same route. This 37 mile route is the flattest way to get to the park (without riding on Hwy 70 and Hwy 96), but there are still some fun hills along the way.
Cathie Allanson and Tom Finegan are kindly leading the Collegial option on the 37 mile route. Join them for a more relaxed 14 - 15 mph pace
Links to both the routes can be found below:
Club members: interested in leading a ride? Learn more here and reach out to the club’s Ride Chair!