Benchmark Title Century Bike Tour
(100 MILES of pure fun!)
Click here for 2007 cue sheet of this
route.
(Opens as a Microsoft Word document.)
GENERAL INFO
All tours will begin at 8:00 sharp! Riders must wear helmets and obey all
rules of the road. There will be sag support for each tour with food/water
stations and bathrooms along the route. Enjoy Subway Sandwiches and pizza after the ride!
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The century (100 mile) route was a hit last year. Care has been taken to
balance scenery with the challenge of riding a 100 miles in and through
the hills and valleys of northern Tennessee. By necessity, there are
several climbs along the route, but all except one are located in the
first half of the tour. The ride director has designed the route to avoid
the toughest hills in the area. Total climbing is only 3,600 feet for the
entire tour. Along the way riders will experience the beautiful hills and
valleys of Macon, Smith and Jackson Counties.
This route begins in Lafayette and travels east through Macon County for
approximately 10 miles. It then heads south down the Pleasant Shade
valley, a wonderful 10 mile cruise between the hills of Smith County.
At mile 21 the route turns east and travels through the rolling hills
along Cordell Hull Lake. There are several climbs along this section of
the route. There is one long (2 mile) climb but the gradient is moderate.
At mile 40 the route tracks along the Cumberland River for several miles
until it reaches the town of Gainesboro. There are only a few rollers
along this section of the route.
Thereafter, for the next 45 miles the route travels up and along the
beautiful Roaring River and Jennings Creek valleys. This section is
basically flat. There is only one climb remaining and that is at mile 85
where the route climbs back up onto the plateau and travels back to
Lafayette.
Maps and cue sheets will be available at registration. All turns will be
well marked and will have “MMF” below the arrows. THIS TOUR WILL FOLLOW
ORANGE ARROWS.
