The Roan Moan

This route is from Michael & Paulette Davis, owners of the Bicycle Inn in Bakersville, NC. The cue sheet isn't really necessary, because the route is clearly marked with large yellow arrows starting just north of Bakersville on NC226. Bakersville, NC is about 40 minutes north of Marion on NC226.

The Roan Moan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and challenging routes you'll ever ride. It includes breathtaking scenery, as well as breathtaking climbs. Don't be fooled by the relatively short distance. During those 66 miles you'll enjoy over 7100' of climbing. Although there's plenty of scenic riding beside mountain streams, and even a short (but welcome) section of Railroad Grade, the route also includes two challenging climbs. The first is on NC226 climbing Iron Mountain to the Tennessee state line. After that you'll have plenty of time to recover, while riding through some beautiful countryside, before the route's feature climb across Roan Mountain on TN143 and back into North Carolina. The "real" climbing starts about 7 miles from the top and by the time you get to Carver's Gap, you will have climbed 2700'.

Editor's Note: I'd recommend staying at the Bicycle Inn both the night before and the night after the ride. Fuel yourself with some great food while listening to (or telling) some great cycling stories. Have a peaceful night's sleep in anticipation of the ride in a truly unique cycling environment. Eat a hearty breakfast, before starting your ride. Plan on averaging 15mph (or less) on this route, and be sure to leave time for sightseeing. Then spend the evening telling anyone who will listen about the way you "attacked" the Roan Mountain climb. Tell them how you managed to see double digits on you speedometer more than once during the climb (they don't need to know where the decimal point was positioned), and how you're going to set a new personal record the next time you ride it.

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