It looks like we have routes. And yes, Pinnacle Mountain to Sky Valley. And yes, Jeter Mountain.
just got my first email regarding the event! looks like it might be a very wet day!
Oof, I feel your pain.
I like perusing through bicyclerollingresistance’s database. I don’t know how accurate the numbers are, but they seem legit. The wattage numbers between road tires like the GP5000TL and any gravel tire is night and day, but the numbers are much closer among gravel tires and even gravel vs. XC MTB tires.
Can anyone comment if there’s really a noticeable improvement running 32mm vs 35-40 (all else equal, i.e. similar tread pattern and depth) on the pavement?
I think it’s too early to tell, they did mention to plan on rainy weather just in case but it might not happen. Hopefully it doesn’t rain, nothing worse than wet socks IMO
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I’ll worry about the weather 48 hours out, too early to predict that nonsense now!
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Hey local people, If one were going to preride say 50 miles of the route, which 50ish miles would you do
Does anyone know if there a way to see who’s registered? I wonder how many people will be there
Also if anyone knows if there’s plenty of parking at the Kanuga location? I’m assuming there is 
Their email said 1500 riders
I rode the route from Green River to the end of the Cascade Lake gravel on WTB Byway 34s a few weeks ago. 60 PSI but I’m 200+lbs, no issues. It was the first time I’ve ever ridden there so I went easy on the descents. I don’t think the tires were the limiting factor for me. If it’s wet it’ll be another story.
The scariest part of my ride was the traffic on Stanton Rd. No shoulder and lot’s of tourist, almost got ran off the road twice (both Florida drivers??)
Doing the wafer, was a little bummed when I saw it was 60 miles, I was expecting 80ish.
Good luck everyone, be safe.
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not local but i’ve done some of these roads last year. i think the back 50 is what i would pre-ride. the climb up green river, aid station C to D, is going to be a kick in the nuts.
Really depends on what you are more concerned about. Uphills or downhills, the gravel sections or the harder climbs. You could link Falls Lake to Pinnacle Mtn., down Cascade Lake and up Jeter Mtn. Gives you the start and the end sections, probably most critical.
Im more concerned with downhills, as that will determine tire choice, and not going into something tech blind will make me ride much less conservative.
I know it’s wayyy to early but I live in good ol Florida and Figured I’d drop in this picture. Hopefully this doesn’t come near the Carolinas next weekend.
oof. i have pretty much accepted that it’ll be a wet/muddy/epic day either way lol.
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They also said to follow California State bicycle laws.
My husband was all, “I’ll drop you off and then ride in Dupont.” I said, that he’d be riding in Bent Creek and would be avoiding Stanton. Ugh. If even he didn’t know, it’s not gonna be good. The Lake Imaging entrance to Dupont is very popular and right there.
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I’d ride Pinnacle Mountain from Green River to Sky Valley. It’s gnarly. It’s embarrassing that this is “state maintained.” I’m just hoping that the many riders in front of me create some good lines 
Sky Valley is fine but watch for potholes. With the dappled light, they can be diffcult to see.
I have not found Cascade Lake to be a big deal. In fact, I quite like that area.
I’m trying not to think about Jeter Mountain. I’m not sure that I’d pre-ride it but more save something for it.
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If you do let us know how the course looks. I am afraid tropical storm Fred could cause some damage, flooding and downed trees on the road. Looks like it is going to be bad in the Asheville area this afternoon.
https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2021-08-16-tropical-storm-fred-forecast-florida-southeast-flood-threat
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I think it will be OK. It’s the French Broad that I think is likely to flood and we are not crossing that river, although we are along it near Etowah School Road about 6 miles from the finish but that that’s not an area that typically floods. Most of the rain is today and tonight.
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