Title: Sewanee Ride - Out and Back Metric
Date and Start Time: Saturday, April 29 @ 9:00 AM
Distance: 63 miles
Start Location: Pavilion on SR-117 across the tracks from the Stevenson Railroad Depot Museum, Stevenson, AL (the Museum address is 207 W Main St)
Ride Leader: Lewis Harmon, lharmon@mchsi.com, 256 651-4537
Description: This 63-mile route will be an Out & Back ride to Sewanee, TN starting in Stevenson AL. The terrain is generally flat with some mild rollers before reaching a 5-mile climb (4-8%) at ~mile-20. After the climb, we will re-group and then ride into Sewanee to include the University of the South (photo shoot) and the All Saints Chapel followed by a turn around. Then to the Sewanee Memorial Cross at “Big Rock” scenic overlook for a few more photos followed by a bite to eat and/or something to drink at either Shenanigan’s or The Blue Chair Café (your choice). The average pace excluding the climb is expected to be 15-16 mph. The climb is at your own pace—regroup at the top. The cumulative climb for the route is ~2860 ft. Also, it looks to be WINDY.
Rest Stops: Restrooms are available at Shenanigan’s and the Blue Chair Café in Sewanee around 33.5 miles. Note, there are no other places open to the public between Stevenson and Sewanee, so riders should plan to ride ~2+ hours without stopping However, there may be a sufficient shoulder to take a quick stop before we start climbing at ~20 miles. Additionally, we will look for places as we proceed to the climb perhaps there looks to be a store at ~Mile 15.
The cue sheet and map link is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17679191 . This route link is posted on the SCCC RWGPS Club Account.
Bring a cue sheet and/or a map and/or Garmin to the ride and also have the phone number of the Ride and Climb Leaders as well as the phone number of at least one friend.
Again, this is an out & back route of 63 miles with a 5-mile climb having a 4-8% grade. The cumulative climb for the route is 2860 ft, so be sure you can do the specified average pace and are able to do the climb. If you choose to ride at a much faster pace or deviate from the route, then you are on your own.
NOTES: When driving to Stevenson there is a BP station on Hwy 117 on your right just before you get to East Main Street. You can stop there to buy food/drinks or use the rest rooms before starting the ride at the Museum’s Pavilion.
Thanks to Charles Catterall – Since I have not done the ride to Sewanee, I used Charles’ route and the Ride Summary with some modifications.