Roan Moan

The Roan Moan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and challenging routes you'll ever ride.  It includes breathtaking scenery, as well as breathtaking climbs.  There's plenty of scenic riding beside mountain streams, and even a short section of the Tweetsie Railroad Grade.  The Metric route includes two challenging climbs.

A Metric Century and a 35 mile ride are on offer.

On the Metric route, you can expect a "starter" climb over Pumpkin Patch Mountain, as the usual route will be blocked by bridge construction.  The next climb is on NC226 over Iron Mountain to the Tennessee state line.  On the descent to Limestone Cove, you'll have time to recover, before enjoying twisting Simmerly Creek and the Tweetsie Railroad Grade up the beautiful Doe River valley.  Finally you face the ride's feature climb across Roan Mountain and back into North Carolina.  It's 7.3 miles and over 2300' up from the start of "real" climbing to Carver's Gap.  Rest a moment before enjoying a big descent and cruise back to Bakersville.

The 35 mile ride follows the first 8 miles of the Metric route, then turns uphill through the Fork Mountain community before a scenic ride up Little Rock Creek.  Riders will be tested by the 6-mile climb up Roan Mountain from the south, followed by the big descent back to Bakersville. 

It can be really hot, but it's been known to be cold and wet early in the day and on the mountain, so we strongly advise you bring a rain jacket.  Plenty of food and Gatorade will be available at the 4 rest stops on the Metric course but if you plan to bypass any of the stops you will need to bring extra fuel.

Registration is $40 rising to $50.