Comments on: Coaches: A two-sided tale of why they help

By: John Summerson

John Summerson — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:45:23 +0000

In reply to JoeMiller. Hi Joe, 2nd edition definitely in the works. Likely the nationwide guide will get a 2nd edition first (planned for 2011) and then the Southeast guide.

By: JoeMiller

JoeMiller — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:12:57 +0000

In reply to John Summerson. Hey John, Thanks for shedding more light on the Beech climb. Thanks, too, for validating my claim that 194 is a good climb. Your book is fascinating, if sometimes scary, reading. Will we see that next edition any time soon?

By: John Summerson

John Summerson — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:45:12 +0000

Just a comment or two about Beech Mtn and 194. Beech is tough but particularly so (and what makes it one of the top ten most difficult SE climbs) is Ski Loft Rd (goes left at the 3.1 mile mark). This stretch is 13% avg grade (over 0.4 mi) with the max grade of the climb. Some miss this as it is easy to miss and it is a dead end and requires a sketchy descent. 194 is a solid hill (but easier than Beech) and I agree should be in the next edition of the Southeast climbs guide.

Thanks much for the mention of the book and I am glad NC has so many hill and climbers and that some are checking out the climbs in the guide.

JHS

By: JoeMiller

JoeMiller — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:30:00 +0000

In reply to D Bender.

Hey Mr. Bender,

Yeah, there was no breath-catching to be had on 194. Those small recoveries, modest as they may be, make a huge difference for me. I’ll keep that in mind on my rain date with Beech.

Thanks,
Joe

By: D Bender

D Bender — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:38:02 +0000

Hey Joe,
Don’t let the spec’s on Beech Mtn fool you, Beech Mtn is actually one of the easiest big climbs I’ve done esp. if you’ve already riden NC 194 (HC climb in Tour de Dupont) and Hanging Rock (the hardest I’ve done). Beech Mtn parkway has level transitions between all of the switch backs (6 in total) which allows you to recover after every turn. This allows you catch your breath and set up for each ascent which is not very common on 194 or HR.
I’ve done that route you were planning to do in both directions and it’s a classic. You’ll esp. love the ride thru Bethel Community following Georges Gap (BSG).
Have fun
d