The 60-mile metric century ride is a shorter option, yet still a very challenging route. It is a great ride that starts from Sylva and goes to Dillsboro and then towards Cherokee via several rural roads. You travel through downtown Cherokee and on to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You travel on the Parkway for many miles that includes several long climbs and high summits. There are a few short tunnels from Cherokee and the Lickstone Overlook (5820’). You descend from there to Soco Gap (4340’). After that is a long climb up to Waterrock Knob (5820’). From there is a very long descent down to Balsam Gap (3350’), which is one of the greatest descent you will ever ride. From Balsam Gap you will exit the Parkway and take Dark Ridge Road and Skyland Drive back into Sylva, which is mostly downhill and then flat the last four miles. Total elevation gain is about 6,000’. Bring fresh legs and a good attitude for this ride.
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