Blue Ridge Gravel

Some delightful and uncommon remote roads in the mountains.

While this route has a lot of climbing, much of it is relatively gentle, with the exception of Benge Ashe Road, which is mostly paved at least.

These roads are remote - we might get passed by more side-by-sides than cars on the gravel sections.

We'll start from the Park Vista Motor Lodge and Diner, where we'll be able to get food after the ride.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/H5jgRHfmi3pcbCNg9

RideWithGPS Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52504265

Strava Route:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3399138501756073882

Route notes:
One designated rest stop at the Marathon Gas station at mile 33, and an optional second stop at Watson General store at the start / finish location. Most of the climbing is in the second half so this rest stop should take under 2 hours to get to.

This is a challenging route but we might average between 12 and 14mph. Pacing in the first half is important, because the second half is much harder.

Old 16 and Phillips Gap are both at least 40 minute climbs, possibly up to an hour. My intention is keep the group together on the flatter, paved portions of both of these climbs - which are shallow enough that a draft can still be found - and then we can separate on the gravel sections towards the summit.

The final ascent of Phillips Gap will take us up one of the best and most scenic roads to the parkway.