Three State Three Mountain Challenge

Henry ([email hidden]) was wondering:

Quoted message said:

Has anyone here ever participated in this 100 mile century which traverses TN, GA, and AL. I would
appreciate some first hand information if you would be so kind. Thanks.

This will be my 3rd year doing this ride. If you haven't already, take a look at the route
description at: <http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/3st100.htm> as you can tell from the
elevation profile, the 3 main climbs are each a bit steeper than the one before; The last climb,
Burkhalter Gap (Signal Mountain), is just plain evil... you've got ~80 miles in you at that point,
and the climb gets steeper as you go, near the top there's a curve which it seems the top is just
beyond, but rounding the turn you are face to face with a WALL.

As it mentions at the above link there is a quite a bit of traffic on the early part of the course,
which thins considerably after the Top of Suck Creek Mountain. Overall, I find it to be a
CHALLENGING, well-supported ride, with a well marked route. Take a look at what others have said
about it at: <http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/2001/comments.htm> The Chattanooga bike club
site has a wealth of info about the ride.

Hope to see you there, I'll be the skinny slow guy on the white and blue Fuji.

Greg

Greg Evans said:

Henry ([email hidden]) was wondering:

Quoted message said:

Has anyone here ever participated in this 100 mile century which traverses TN, GA, and AL. I
would appreciate some first hand information if you would be so kind. Thanks.

This will be my 3rd year doing this ride. If you haven't already, take a look at the route
description at: <http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/3st100.htm> as you can tell from the
elevation profile, the 3 main climbs are each a bit steeper than the one before; The last climb,
Burkhalter Gap (Signal Mountain), is just plain evil... you've got ~80 miles in you at that point,
and the climb gets steeper as you go, near the top there's a curve which it seems the top is just
beyond, but rounding the turn you are face to face with a WALL.

As it mentions at the above link there is a quite a bit of traffic on the early part of the
course, which thins considerably after the Top of Suck Creek Mountain. Overall, I find it to be a
CHALLENGING, well-supported ride, with a well marked route. Take a look at what others have said
about it at: <http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/2001/comments.htm> The Chattanooga bike club
site has a wealth of info about the ride.

Hope to see you there, I'll be the skinny slow guy on the white and blue Fuji.

Just a minor correction, Burkhalter Gap Road goes up Lookout Mountain. (It's across the river
from Signal!) I never have to brake for the stop sign driving the car up to the top. Just ease
off the gas 30 feet back, and the car coasts to a stop. I've never cycled up it, though. Suspect
I'll be walking.

Hoping to ride this one this year.

Pat
--
Apologies to those easily confused. Address is spam-resistant. Correct email address like pdlamb
'round-about comcast point net.

I had said:

The last climb, Burkhalter Gap (Signal Mountain), is just plain evil

Patrick Lamb pointed out:

Quoted message said:

Just a minor correction, Burkhalter Gap Road goes up Lookout Mountain. (It's across the river from
Signal!)

Ooops... I knew that, I lived in Chattanooga until 5 years ago. My only excuse is that I've spent
more time on Signal than on Lookout (or maybe I'm just goofy).

:o) Greg

Greg Evans replied

Quoted message said:

This will be my 3rd year doing this ride. If you haven't already, take a look at the route
description at: <http://www.chattbike.com/events/3_state/3st100.htm>

Thanks Greg this is a very informative site.

Greg what gears are generally found on the bikes at this event. I run a Campag 53/39 with a 12/25
cassette. I have the option of going to a
13/26 cassette but I don't know if it would be of that much of a benefit. What is your opinion?

Henry

Henry (GlaucMan) wondered:

Quoted message said:

Greg what gears are generally found on the bikes at this event. I run a Campag 53/39 with a 12/25
cassette. I have the option of going to a
13/26 cassette but I don't know if it would be of that much of a benefit. What is your opinion?

I would go with the 13-26; I'd rather have a lower gear and not need it than need it and not have
it. Your knees will thank you on the way up Burkhalter Gap.

Greg