The Birmingham Bicycle Club 37th Annual Century Homestead Hollow Springville, Alabama Saturday, October 9, 2010

Come join the Birmingham Bicycle Club for our 37th Annual Century, one of the most beautiful and challenging centuries in the South. Or if you prefer, you can take one of the shorter and flatter routes and just enjoy the scenery. Stick around for Food and Beer back at Homestead Hollow afterwards. Previous reviews of the route and venue included several comments of "the best century I've ever ridden."

Walker Gap - one of the great views featured in the Mountain Goat Century.

Pricing:

	through Sep 15	after Sep 15
BBC member:	$30	$35
Non-member:	$35	$40
T-shirt:	$15	$15

Start Times:
4:00 AM: Double Century
8:00 AM: All Other Riders

Lodging:
Camping and RV facilities are available at Homestead Hollow - contact Terri Goforth at (205) 467-2002. Other information on nearby lodging available at www.homesteadhollow.com

Directions:
Springville is 30 miles north of Birmingham and 35 miles south of Gadsden. At I-59 Exit 154, take Hwy 174 west about 0.5 mile into town, then continue straight across US 11 another 1.5 miles to Homestead Hollow, on the left.

SAG and Rest Stops:
SAG Vehicles will be on patrol to assist cyclists in need, and there are 4 fully stocked rest stops throughout the route.

Route Information

Mountain Goat Century Route (102 miles):
The Mountain Goat starts at 8:00 AM and has four major climbs interspersed with relatively flat sections. Total elevation gain is 6200 feet. Each of the climbs is rewarded with a great descent where you can really let it roll.

"By-pass" Century route (101 miles):
The "easier" century route also starts at 8:00 AM and bypasses the two toughest climbs (about 1400 feet of climbing) of the Mountain Goat Century, but still has two that you will notice. Otherwise it is the same route as the Mtn Goat, only about a mile shorter. Either route will leave you with a sense of accomplishment.

"Run for the Border" Double Century
4:00 AM start (lights required - sunrise 6:47 AM )An out 'n' back route separate from the Century, the DC goes up fairly flat and fast US 11 and parallel valley roads alongside Lookout Mountain, crossing the Georgia line to Rising Fawn. Bring a little cash to use at the many stores along the route in addition to the rest stop hosted by Little River Cycle & Outdoors in Fort Payne at the 1/3 and 2/3 points. Sunset will be at 6:18 PM. If daylight gets tight, 'express' return routes can trim a few miles.

Shorter options:
A 40 mile route goes out to Rest Stop 1 and back, with or without climb #1.
A 66 miler adds a loop back through Rest Stop 1.

Major Climbs and Descents:

1. Walker Gap (see image at top of page): 700 feet of climbing, moderate 9 percent grade with short sections of around 12 percent. It can be bypassed. The descent is nearly straight and is smooth and fast.
2. Chandler Mountain: 700 feet, most difficult climb on the route. The first 100 feet are very moderate, the remaining 600 more than make up for it. Average grade is 12 percent with sections up to 15 percent. As the climb is unrelenting, you will need ample gears (e.g., 27-tooth cog), or a BMI under 18. This climb can be bypassed. The descent has sweeping bends near the top and then is straight, smooth and fast.
3. Tumlin Gap (see image below): 400 feet, moderate grade. The descent has one bend near the bottom that requires caution.
4. Blount Mountain: We've replaced the thankless rollers of last year with a slightly less thankless, and much more scenic set. The descent has a hair pin bend very near the top, then is straight, smooth and fast.

Maps and cue sheets:
Century map
Lite-Century map
Metric-Century map
Cue sheet
Double Century map 1 of 3
Double Century map 2 of 3
Double Century map 3 of 3
Double Century Cue sheet

Tumlin Gap

Food and Home Brew back at Homestead Hollow afterwards.

Additional Information:
Contact Ed Carmack with the BBC
(205) 702-4876
ewcarmac@windstream.net