The rides listed below have been set up using Ride with GPS (RWG). RWG is a powerful, bicycle-specific mapping application accessed on a desktop and/or
mobile device (iOS and Android). Both the desktop and mobile apps allow the rider
to create and annotate bicycle routes. The resulting maps can be exported as cue sheets
(simple tables that list distance and directions) and .gpx or .tcx files. The RWG
mobile app follows the route and provides directional assistance as you ride.
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Ride with GPS map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40300145
Route Description: This 12-mile route is a “lollipop” (out and back with a loop on the far end). Its title is a play on Elvis’ last name (Presley), for the route incorporates a lovely gravel section on Pressley Creek Road. “For the Heart,” a song sung by Elvis, also alludes to the stout thousand foot climb, with 12+ percent grades, in the middle of the route. After the gravel, the rider can either bomb down Tilley Creek Road, in a quick return to campus, or, u-turn and reclimb the gravel hill adding an additional thousand feet of climbing and no further distance.
Cue Sheet: While the RWG link will allow you to download a .gpx (or .tcx) file, you may also wish to download the cue sheet – a table that chronologically lists directions and distances.
Note: Although the route privileges as much trail/dirt/gravel as possible, the paved sections
on Highway 107 and Tilley Creek Road deserve vehicular respect.
Ride with GPS map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39603841
Route Description: This 18-mile route is a little different in that it starts at the Old Bald trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway (17S 315626E 3917194N), at an elevation of 5623’, and descends some 4000’ to Cullowhee, climbing only 500’ on its way. While the route could be an “out and back,” doubling the mileage to 36 miles and adding 4000’ of climbing, the route here is the easy way. Next time a friend is driving to Asheville, see if they’ll drop you and your bike at the above coordinates on Blue Ridge Parkway.
The descent consists of nearly ten straight miles of predominantly USFS gravel roads, with sections of grassy double track and limited single track mixed in. The roads are in excellent shape, and the descent is a pleasure. If you use the .gpx/.tcx file, found in the Ride with GPS link, navigation should be straight forward. Note, that you’ll encounter several locked USFS gates. All gates are clearly visible with more than enough time to brake and dismount or ride around.
Once you finish the gravel section, you’ll descend on pavement via Moses Creek Road. Moses ends at Caney Fork Road, which offers an enjoyable ride to highway 107. Despite a bike line for much of the way back to Cullowhee, be careful on highway 107, as cars aren’t used to bikes. The route diverts off of highway 107 as often and as soon as it can.
Cue Sheet: While the RWG link will allow you to download a .gpx (or .tcx) file, you may also wish to download the cue sheet – a table that chronologically lists directions and distances.
Note: This is a remote ride, at high speed, and deserves respect. Riding with a partner is highly recommended.
Ride with GPS map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38287636
Route Description: This 17-mile route with 2000-feet of climbing is spectacular! The route climbs Cane Creek and area roads and includes a long gravel section. At the top of the climb, in the middle of a road, you must dismount your bike and hike it some 15-feet to access the Wayehutta OHV trails! This hike-a-bike accesses a long and mildly technical descent that ends at Wayehutta Road. The ride finishes with a lovely traverse along the Tuckasegee River, a climb through Dick’s Gap, and a descent back into campus.
Cue Sheet: While the RWG link will allow you to download a .gpx (or .tcx) file, you may also wish to download the cue sheet – a table that chronologically lists directions and distances.
Note: The Wayehutta OHV trails require a day pass, so this route technically requires some
pre-planning.
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