Expect rolling country roads, challenging gravel climbs and long descents that’ll make you hoot and holler like one of the Lost Boys.
Two Bikes x Gravel Bear End-O-Summer Overnighter
Ride Summary: Summer’s almost over, but we’re keeping the party going with a mixed-surface overnighter. Our friend Tellico Taylor (aka @gravelbeartn) has pinned down a new route through the Wildcat area, with a night of camping at scenic Holly Flats.
UPDATE: We’re shifting the campout away from Citico due to flooding damage and ongoing closure. The new route is a little more challenging than the original plan, but it’s also more gravel-focused, with plenty of backroads, climbs and descents to make the miles worthwhile.
Self-Supported Trip: This is a self supported trip meaning all riders are responsible for bringing their own shelter, food and water. If you’re an experienced rider and want to try your hand at this so-called bikepacking thing, or if you just like sustained climbs, B-roads and bugging out, this’ll be a great ride for you.
Meet Time: Meet at 9am on Saturday for coffee and whatnots at Trout Mountain Coffee (100 Scott St, Tellico Plains, TN) with a hard roll at 10am.
Start Time/Location: 10am Saturday at Trout Mountain Coffee (100 Scott St, Tellico Plains, TN)
End Time/Location: Around 2pm Sunday at Peach Street Grill (108 Peach St, Tellico Plains, TN).
Challenge Level: Black Belt (at a party pace)
Route:
- To Holly Flats via Wildcat (Day 1) : https://tinyurl.com/gb-campout26-day1a
- Holly Flats to Tellico (Day2): https://tinyurl.com/gb-campout26-day2a
Campsite: Our planned campsite is Holly Flats. Camping there is first-come, first-served, so the final campsite cannot be guaranteed until the day before the ride.
We’ll secure the campsite Friday morning and send riders an update Friday afternoon with the final campsite location and any route changes.
If Holly Flats is full, we’ll find an alternative campsite in the surrounding area. N. River Road is currently mapped as a rough backup option, but the final campsite and route will depend on what is available.
- Possible alternative day 1 route if Holly Flats is full: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57174153?via=olbXfd-8Snpkizo_BOJrnQ — https://tinyurl.com/gb-campout26-day1b
Appropriate Bike: A gravel or touring bike with wide tires (>38s) and the ability to carry camping equipment and supplies. A hardtail MTB or ATB will also be suitable.
Rider Expectations:
- Locks recommended, tool kits encouraged, helmets required.
- Self-support (shelter, food, water, etc)
- Waiver sign before the ride.
- Rider must be age 18+
Important Information:
- This is a fully self-supported trip: riders must bring their own camping equipment, food, and water.
- National Forest Rules: Adhere to all national forest regulations, including Leave No Trace principles.
- Bear Safety: The Cherokee National Forest is bear territory. Follow guidelines for safe camping in bear country.
- Cell Phone Service: There is little to mostly no cell service out in the Forest.
This event is part of Bikepacking Root’s Community Event Calendar, where we share bikepacking events across the US and Canada. Bikepacking Roots is not involved in the hosting of this event unless otherwise noted. Please reach out to the organizer for more information.