Devil’s Fork Metric Century (100 km)
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Start time: 8:00 AM
Ride with GPS link: ridewithgps.com/routes/31055499
This zip file contains ‘ridewithgps’ audible turn-by-turn prompts (FIT and TCX) for each ride>> routes.zip
Caution:
This is a tough course; we encourage inexperienced distance riders or mountain riders to ride the Big Laurel Grind their first year.
The 100 kilometer course begins on Highway 213 and turns onto Gabriel’s Creek Road. The next 10 miles is a series of warm-up hills through the rolling country of southern Madison County. At Silvers Mill Road, the course splits from the 100 mile century, crosses NC 213 in Petersburg and moves directly towards the mountains that will be the challenge for the rest of the course.
The 4 kilometer climb to Grapevine Gap bounces above and below a 7% grade for a twisty ride to the top with dramatic views of the valley below. A long steep descent (with sharp hairpin turns!) leads to a T-junction with Big Laurel Road. The first rest-stop is located at this junction. At the rest stop the course splits from the Big Laurel Grind route and turns left downstream to run along Big Laurel creek. At the Big Laurel Church you take a right to stay with the creek as long as possible.
After leaving creekside you’ll pass through the Spill Corn community and over Chapel Hill to rejoin the 100 mile Century. In historic Shelton Laurel, after the rest stop at the fire department, the course climbs to the Devil Fork gap, including an 1/8-mile section reaching 15% grade. One kilometer before the top is third rest stop. Crossing the Appalachian Trail at the gap brings you into Tennessee and down to Flag Pond.
Click thumbnail for printable map.
Click here for printable cue sheet.
Once in Flag Pond you will be faced with a challenging six kilometer climb up to Sams Gap and the final rest stop. A screaming descent back into North Carolina awaits, with one last climb up Murray Mountain and another screaming descent to the finish line in Mars Hill. Once back, enjoy an ice-cold towel, a post-ride meal, and hot showers.
