GG5K Ride Route Now Available

Wheel #1 is on the line.

Disclaimer: Riders who show up on May 9^th understand that they are responsible for their own safety and for knowing the ride route.

Ride Cancellation: Won’t happen unless the wind reaches dangerous levels. If you are intimidated by rain, your name is on the wrong list

Preparation: Be at 465 (You can’t park at the gate and end up with 5,000 feet) and ready to rock NO LATER than 8:45. We will leave together at 9:00. You are responsible for bringing enough food and liquid to sustain yourself. Most importantly, know the ride route. Pre-riding is strongly recommended.

Etiquette: Be aware of people on your wheel. Ask them if they need to get by.

Four riders posted sub-four hour times last year. Anyone who accomplishes that in 2009 will earn Big Dog status in the process. We exchanged 2+ miles of gravel climbing for demanding single-track ascent with the addition of Jekyll & Hyde. We also changed the down from the top of the 313 hill from a screaming 30+ mph run of about a mile to a gnarly, no-flow technical descent with the inclusion of Creation. The Double Down and the Grassy Knoll were also not in play in 2008.

Most smiling occurs before the ride or after the ride. L-R Paul "Lederhosen Norris," Andy "Ridemaster" Crump, Melanie "The Human Bruise" Norris," Susan "The Energizer Bunny" Martin, and Rob "I-Don't-Play-Well-With-Others" Larsen.

Changes from 2008:

Post-Ride: All riders are invited to attend an informal get-together at 465 after the ride. Please keep in mind that this is not the TDG, so food will be limited to a couple of selections. Paul & Mel, Dave and I will bring chili or soup, along with cornbread. You are encouraged to bring your own beverage. No porta-potty. Guys will use the over-the-hill method. Girls can use the downstairs bathroom. Be sure to bring clothes to change into.

Ride Route

• Opening Leg – 465 to intersection with Big Easy to Big Wow to Cut Across Trail up Ridge down Rush left to the Lament up to 312 to upper part of Jekyll & Hyde to 312 at RR grade to top of 313.
• Big Lap - Down Creation to 313 right to Double Down to gravel to Upper KMA down UK across road and down all three Lower KMAs to bottom of Secret Garden left to Lament to 312 to upper part of Jekyll & Hyde to 312 at RR grade to top of 313.
• Little Lap - Down Creation to 313 right to Double Down to gravel to Upper KMA down UK across road and down all three Lower KMAs to bottom of Secret Garden left to Lament to 312 to upper part of Jekyll & Hyde to 312 at RR grade (Note – Same as big lap but you do NOT ride up the 313 hill.)
• To the Barn – RR grade across to JFK to Upper KMA down UK and all three lower KMAs to bottom of Secret Garden. RIGHT turn to Ridge Trail. Left on gravel to 465.

Approximately 27 miles. How hard can it be?