{"id":2687,"date":"2016-07-31T18:17:16","date_gmt":"2016-07-31T22:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/?p=2687"},"modified":"2016-07-31T18:40:11","modified_gmt":"2016-07-31T22:40:11","slug":"2016-cherohala-challenge-ride-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2016\/07\/2016-cherohala-challenge-ride-report\/","title":{"rendered":"2016 Cherohala Challenge Ride Report"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On June 18, I completed my 10th <a href=\"http:\/\/www.smwbikeclub.org\/cherohala-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cherohala Challenge<\/a>. It&#8217;s an organized bicycle ride hosted by the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.smwbikeclub.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Smoky Mountain Wheelmen<\/a>. [For previous ride reports see <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2007\/06\/2007_cherohala\/\" target=\"_blank\">2007<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2008\/06\/2008_cherohala\/\" target=\"_blank\">2008<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2011\/07\/2011_cherohala_\/\" target=\"_blank\">2011<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2014\/07\/2014-cherohala-challenge-ride-report\/\" target=\"_blank\">2014<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2015\/07\/2015-cherohala-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\">2015<\/a>.]<\/p>\n<p>The ride follows this route:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/rwgps-embeds.com\/routes\/4015199\/embed\" width=\"100%\" height=\"500px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>My 2016 mileage is way down from recent years, partly because I had a rough winter\/spring with rheumatoid arthritis.\u00a0 But I&#8217;ve done this event enough times to know what it takes.\u00a0 When I registered I was confident that I was fit <em>enough<\/em> to conquer it.\u00a0 And it turned out that I was.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s the start\/finish line (Tellico Plains visitor&#8217;s center).\u00a0 The cyclists pictured are waiting to start the metric century ride.\u00a0 I got a late start, departing about ten minutes after the main group of full century riders left.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/ifS_CKh6n4eVcmR-ZMtDoS20q9k-6CpZCiP9VlVU49imZ3JIWwQ47Sn4SkAtRCSdIhk41A8e5X1-LQ60RnKYFQZmLplhNNN18alFXsjTSCSIc7VmhMNUkAFYQ0BynOLNA7ry-k4uLXOOS8E6cUKZQQvIfQGYXYSQz83yLX74vDsLcWSopC1qYwFARAdZnidGZou7DltJbi4AvNK92ZScQ3cSQ3JF-UU0l0YRxFTtURzhp2A2Tb-YHUNKOnZdqYt2x6zEyKONA96i-PJa_pJeIAcIIbmgoRFkN9jbYEy3bexfFtxwvstBuTtRa8rV8kt5Uxm1V3sdfhW_iD3LzN_B3pJiwwSWYvqOXITs5eOZmMsjeHFUzsh5_z3cCeaFuzBRic0ASRztOWTMFvgWsIqPFrrAKoHHnvw-Yl8qDm5wr9OdK91cWOG8K4dYxaNVouRAyn5QGSjM5WAgMOTDIzwSrHE-nfsNms_KG-dXAbrgTH_dMmvbzO-zGNJ7ylFDRuFDbHJFXSnWUY-p1S96-W8MSmB1V_CFpUapUf7fxG4hHAXicrCsXv_2xzahKOdcQVOsmQa7cUUoONvvpcjcFLUbtSyhZKg2NGc=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As a result, I didn&#8217;t see very many other cyclists the first 42 miles.<\/p>\n<p>Cruising Tellico Plains.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/yvRzz_boR_DyEMzt_JSVkciS5MkV7CwSjazYNLgEd9W-vKS_IsVsC6egbSMi9dabbhccySHOIKzcM9r2Ed2kJH7RiVJJpWQyOxHILUpPV3kSLqYn7eezu50w9_bW51CuQIIirvD14N90QSnxgEd8SFlERq8GeyiU3npHkeG-fKAoK98TkHxxSbjYotLuL9DFOWT9gIr-oMkeSsN93rBxeaf5idfPXKXe_L9smfKj17eH4oR5Te6HAk7WypO4E1heKxcjcAwWouYoaTbLF3z58e8QoGf6Hq_V1S_PzdZs-5nyQuRnRijuZfXzQ5pk3-ooFmGFFwzew_q2d1_llbTNnqyOtnTJ6CTS4HGp96wSWtOhWkZ9bFbyW1-VJeD0GxdmIX0kQeCXg_eJts9PupmsdFip-o-nKICiJesv3gTzvX94bao4KAZ89VDBMlrKrXTyeBbtFAx0Wkb3lzDZmwtfXi7iqZc4-ZHeBdnJWHvgzcFJ2Goq9TzoTw0LhcAmr5T96wjQhLwsXIK1SrdaQvj5u-851qKdl9rIXVzFEv5ZJlQndLkcI3DnntEwEVCPX1fXw3qR9HRd9aufcEpj3tY4T5kqoRO7GeA=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Leaving the Plains.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/NRrQNU7eHMdNOyRP54F7Rio_0XjYqC2I9oJ67lAmGH_wJIILWBOvpSJ4NxLoFz_nRRMGBMgoJnv9xCgUI407tZBA2zhX79z2d1tQHC-20tRtX7b4HGZZOPSf28NWkITbyngmhuoZ7UOa1-2uGO0X5aG45kXB0QOVlULUXHOLKGTEjNrDkR1IQj6Z4BOd-sKdKwXoL2qLGiJCWiFvA7Uw9neGeIOA1Uk1Cf-nLTvtsL_NuxweJS-NC7Lt5fxvYQVXLzVbWCxMjc4K8RUbtaui35Utr4Z0I2-h6R9SjoFKPjEIyH6mVjHubR343c88JlUny6qyYOsHeZ9peOeMY2sQVTKmZhh9BE8AQcHQhP_Dh8VTnUnkTC6a0UWjnTkDm8xJPZT5mhJrfIiDgnactqW3atilLBeKTRdt3jz91Ort0y9lmW_pjx194z64-vaapvSX08z_7Nmk7RAitar7YDMXaToHgNy2Jq3iezMe4QCUjpjuZTA8j8BdirZ_MLx44c33-Jdk4LHqzJnSiMN3kV8olNTyrIOBuCHNJnABzAQcHEivEmaYesjnnnK-KANakJy8jrqFB55_5Wk9Htpu-Nh05DOvoTg10NM=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/qa8iRTucyGDbZMBs6GQPd6MRaVvEwSFokHo-eYDPedyUTSM66galHr1YAeF74qC8lf8tTDsriNrxyBKuh4qpT6al6l44Zvhj-4QCho4rhInYOgkoOijPo6v-LWV8Sa131mEVSzNO1hjkR8w6sS4KiL8t5lWx1i2xLpruXsSdA32g_VLpY3VSFOEVDdGwhK5U81a3Oh3q_wPa_xnjzCJTi-ROAOmN_xlVWYuqtlEFxpiwKwR0SjXkkOOZ_1d80rghra1BBmh8E4V1SDAu_1LIOREjueawQSvpmR308mFkCC0M1b0wvYOGaZPnINIdGUOp59KFygRPRhb1zmJl0FV6OeKRzaoklNV-BjJ_C3HvC68G7rKWggffzbQKLnjyLUEnmtn--fhSopEDpC5HhZ0vMgEfzRsE4J-KcE3ra7SKzL6ZP9l-ctPYYNwe0EBRSyYt-X70NbhmPno0Lv0scWtrTYlH_dxdODbPaOV9GplH4P26juY6LDZj7eJI-iGIpt8IWFXdJk6QUr6ffg9riDYSii0x7QVdslnzl4tpBjr4sqLXv0XCu0wAC_QIE9MF6IVdDtt--qrRYeZjQaEXt4Ce-S7Lt_7exNM=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>About ten miles into the day, not far from this photo, I came across a group of cyclists huddled on the road.\u00a0 Unfortunately a female rider had wrecked, in an incident that may or may not have involved a dog (I heard conflicting reports afterwards).\u00a0 She was taken to the hospital, but I don&#8217;t think her injuries were extremely serious.<\/p>\n<p>Frankly, I&#8217;m surprised I haven&#8217;t seen more crashes over the years.\u00a0 The Challenge&#8217;s curvy roads and fast descents aren&#8217;t suited for inexperienced or distracted cyclists.\u00a0 A brief lapse in attentiveness can result in disaster.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/3HlIaP704H10HgrG2yvruyn-PJWr8L7ZuryHzgglyegxrzWLxg8qrwWuHMmyl7ieE_diCd5SJLy3XiG9f9Zo6UI2bFu124a0MigDvecBvjyuskrJwe3myszkpmYmiNu5U_1chSxVsqh1WXNiHy-2tuTdNbP02y3TO0tF2rJdf0zPAr8h-rHZ2I62PeFPh7y47NzNCuX_EwiQVt25AS7DMzt60NbXnSRGIcquLR6G1dTdbU65qlMz7litXMg90kB_W7yk3kTqGW1tChli-ov7YRRqpKu0SLRBsIJf-jU3onhtTS1CqA0KnNHFPjBT0xmnTi2yi4qfrbVvDK83AgY4E3bNdwkIs_UeeIiN_HjmIo08kzSoePsWNe89tNBVv5zwCwiIuWd7nEVN1CSW4YY6KnCoFfvhXiiCK4DzhgvoZecRL4w3R1h07W6o1KaYd5HyMooXrsQgYhdZM530DDP5vIbG4a6bbVINPX5DMKqRtb3WObVtLOdaaP7-cLCygqpYF1CBH3SMxIb7m6Q1ibjhsWSRy5yBVPJ0GetMmg2c08HVrVaoThMFAsV03uY8hQdV-a9SEd5bTOAI5I3E64ZN2KND6VuLpUc=w800-h705-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The first 20 miles are mostly country residential with a small dose of farmland.\u00a0 I went several miles without seeing a vehicle on the road.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pVt808bYaRd7FcylJigr954409FfkaX07Bzy72LECbauhXF6w3s69ppnVnnsHhbkkYnvotsva1f3UasMYUFcyqCnv9NymP4BM2_T8xe2Z9k-TUoLwIGKqyo-jX1igmJU7ggc8XrdfMfqsOUYof9evBo01avcpfyoCJkM8foGxGc_nv6mmiPlhKcZ-DethVSAdTJKw4p56qpO0k5o_gdrt9wf2BGo1dUkpWFPgByvdl54HkcHbU-Fpx9bMS18UuB5w6XMBVvRISVoVboP6Vq7L69CKBsVJMc6i6yxrP6lxVFlUV3nDbwPxdkHx9my02BGm1PUXCY15fO1Om1N-i5e6M5t7rrPxL2DOefvFetTJd1h0qQPNfbEcrxdhfpyAOvrFeZuca6psNz7-Yus32WmhGtOPsX4KJAUzHO73x_QqLw8ML6JwPVxgs9Qwrn3_F2AyDG3E6ww9ANM0A_iz8sgFRU2s52CQcUEB6n30XS8zCkPsdWELLIJOpImgBxmE5DZITKDqxH4ExImIm8RVJLu4GADNfWg4kYNO52eWc2TAzzWVGuCutOVVCGWu6DTBh-S1wTGKwAco33qvy_YCV4Xun3xm4rigHU=w800-h705-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The route&#8217;s brief flirtation with civilization at Madisonville.\u00a0 Pictured ahead, if I recall correctly, is the only traffic light in 113 miles.\u00a0 I got a red light.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/cDkakdo90m_LdoWYhrxe3onXqyfFM55J6samAM-0kApl1jdUKpYI0pnNMA4LuMNyRQmgmO5VWPs9qtsSdOJ8kltXTUkOYzy8er6EEXqj8_JPiT6nJw6zCs7roooHQ6DIh5d83B2skdL8FFVZ0y85bheWnKvaiedQX5PLnVGlDZilE4eXEqIvw1ioJttpCfms2gYfFmZnxXFbOwwBTloij5MPZmdyxs0rYNkJn0gt1E8yJBgVlwEd5NE1vgipxU46lYex_2WMk1CjFDRV_x6JMeaOCAQuVQ61izJvrUPF4Q3zyy8j1JJIk9suzHNcmyHMgOeP3YKIJi1uWLhxw9rmRpbxYrvX5e7xyCGmCr2_raq1V0BwQVVeFs65zTfTrqFwU4uYA23jvWw7Ncjd7Pw7sciVagIr1uDH2kFcMDv-ldJtu3q3ptHjXieKBbS16wEr7z7nItTMgTpSG6unX-CNiJQmyht8NihlHTFBVpG_4utLfrbe9_5ae535ioRk7seNFqTTOzq3AOoTyAa1NhsaqZNrdtX_RDA3wejwaQALkYCzA1f7MmMEcKHFPBPFDReqh7NqYJzB26A4p6uaKIzpGsVJuj0gaK0=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Crossing the Little Tennessee River.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/9kuuN5IGSIf4ZSP1siRZAEL6GKelAWw5JNFZKQTIi5193tzdl5Ppw-dMfTQJZimE7ou7xXvnKaoS6wXJSLkzqxaP_FhQEWgdR79MvbWRsrNdjhhxFhnti6r18HpDu2_o8K1RBqC-3o0ib35_03cAFzkPmIONWZlTee6WIoB-n9v2idRT0ib4KSliJrMj_8orOhA7HYFqb9Q7GJtdrwMGXqG6Ndbu_F1iJ3i7U3TXTDKTVmXijr4BgjeJkYvihwR0gQ7alNg2mtBHOpTudSxpWOclOEByHBnYT1jF_itPcsevQhyC4qXHKf8cDyiKWzsQvU4gcKN2u2e51e4PWxvhQFkjY3tMYpphvro-npRuVYjzFoftO7-2w5jvPX_cOqtLX-FRD323DmWiwSYQwPu5TIYaiPdUwomxVEAgRzMZ5lzAPTwWV1oGBQHiHmqxgrbEENFd_4GaYhLclKE2WdjebNQ80EnF0w-iGejPLdWXyCP2wl4FouSQvMKNF6Pc4UVtxNoeX8uX2b3bKnjiaPafz2yrO33SYqWZMUShnFJxifoYIQJwJsPzLVBlv9YjLRlZsC0GnOE6tFDKuWHX_c_JEUyGgUChaAw=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Heading southeast toward the mountains.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/EtPrHXynJ09DyIOBza_kjFjC6JWitTXD2x19BVusehvDgLbeEyyh0yYIKnadJlE9msUTjqo2H7jdyG_mb3WsxOle4rMtkBqxAeE09o3JrV1RopGrJY4kVOyqMacBZmVIFAE3Mftp1C822yJIPMCcKRo3JSyqGiBMpgoYNNtm_knsRs5LiDSL4KR0QtkNBh7U6GX9nij7ndk9g3zdunDBIddr8eTtgKE_42tYDUGZp4-YtEFuIvVkDDv04vjPxQ93eV6oE-Fcx0epXQr5OeXmaSOETWXyeFkQ66JPoxxiEneEZuqO8ZOWpeQB7ZxbA8zdZVMO7mD_gjMuZTbS40-_uq3sUFkEkhL-YhrgSxsWrjDbellQG4GLKi_wx-DdQ_lhZzVFmCrLvgnpI5SdPrnUN_-fHqFufTKv5J1Xs143WNB3Af99TfgFinYJPLd3g_89seJ6HH0B8CYmaFPig5snBKb_LF9Gi8RTaYHWngYpFTg2p15ueO2xvlYpp-YdYUYr5HsMk-eHmfKHEcyWEQw749HC5K5JOpv57KwXU5Jw6zoNJb7cr2WJDrOxYCC8bepM_T8jI8YCsATRcpCq_AIxe3NuUe_MXMU=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If it looks like a beautiful day, that&#8217;s because it was.\u00a0 You couldn&#8217;t have ordered more ideal weather: sunny (most of the day), a high of about 90F in the valley, not much wind.\u00a0 Perfect.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/eJLUZaM9ZJIByNRp-swLBpT4alOEvKGMdzj4hZVswQHV0j4WB2wR09s6jk9PjG6QU2vRMSL8m6LCqcg6uAUtwq_xTIrGQZvHN76rMEEdrXO9_Z-oR67-WAl_uq1zWnP6dCgfgt0PTYaEn8JAeSoGPmB--adrocaU9AIy1koV87QvJCZB9axFDpSS7z36kuZwHC8kUXChpr2d46d2y1JyjfZy9Mlo12CuLYlxPlkxoJZW61zEZDF-0DzVpcHGTXVdX8ccwh3q0mKXdDPQ4q4sOE7ySYD8Ff6KUM6cdSuJ85d0fok8JubgooxkwzRceVdEWfshj45vwYS1IsvQXLMefTzp6z2F151UE4u9hA_paTqSSGhcRFxBL43nm_2e-RRfisJHLc-KdmPEDm2al6ShJOm708PmXKra7rUyJDW5mX4FPqiBVAWlffMef57MpSuq3CH5sVy9DdOXxCA6ueg9Xga3RufGN8ehBlbacaTTEe8Ra5hZfHfE6NhvNmihQYb0pb4zTKmYHMe9Bgz8rzNLT1iB3jTDhSFf5B_Gf-O6rowwcYxJn-nH7fetFhwS-zRV-cNYfv3MfIgkfQAsobSbkRl9-I6QhIw=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When I got to Chilhowee Lake, my camera indicated the batteries were almost dead, so I severely rationed picture taking thereafter.\u00a0 Thus I missed a number of good shots.\u00a0 For example, I didn&#8217;t get photos of any of the&#8221;underwater&#8221; things that have been exposed by the lake drawdown.<\/p>\n<p>I was feeling pretty good at mile 42 when I reached the <a href=\"http:\/\/tailofthedragon.com\/\">Tail of the Dragon<\/a>, with its famed 318 curves in 11 miles.\u00a0 I finally started seeing\/passing more cyclists.\u00a0 It now felt more like a bicycle <em>event<\/em> rather than me riding solo.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pymi5xyfWjNiR3XUVWS61Xxt3UOV1696etUwrMAftBzoNn601IG6QLeDcd-xjEkgcjDmIUrR7YLmAqdmGL2Ob4ewPBhasQx1hEGYO4I6f_dHnQD43Qe3PfO4Fm4sSOmGTGdYvptZxnuUz-b5tpHcgpCfoKhpdEDKSeuUi4RHkMS1MX55qKyEIHx1A1XjD-PuORd04QhjyafDnKuSE5hDWpZXjiyD__rk1zmWpdxiYLp_DPhh6WW55QrPID5gkKHXK5LibB7HaSMiMzwDvs6RvUCyWR5UY4YAQSt0iXvbHUbFjnwdx5saP7LADnXd7YGsjZ0Wng4Mdr0Y_nK2ad3nt0R_QyTkSlDcMaBrdGandLg1RLafntwGsdbFjArm1O0NYeq5aAJ-qj-xRzHoS5MqzCIQGe_d-BwfXxKm2-D0hxhOUhNwFe5winkFkOZkrOsEQo-XEREgbAeLi1IjpC0Tlv0NfFqdqvPvbeOg5jRTNCiZIhXp88yVpox9zXVMiTZ2XdIkv0yLoIrzoj29l40wiMrdHHaAZXNnbTSBwfr8gdGMNCHczincTt558MOUFRLBHxPKxc-_v6p-Ele-wNTNN1NkD3DaWr4=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are several photographers who sit along the Dragon and shoot passersby.\u00a0 Here are some of their captures of me:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/DcD4RPuECSnGEUdw3wfkWoe3NypqpUmmoF3Yi79aFuyTV16DuY0XEBXPw7d7-j5CDh8O3xfIDctAQX4VZr-zjtRvzHT8DwuqxB6z3X338tsyyxqD68qvsbByVx3s6cl-J9LJU_2A75yIl1sNE-8sdrarjUJnZE9v3ACeRMhmnE4LNilRHLpd7gu_XEbXZ7ojZPxmm15f83PkveutQ6ybgzBOjEuvk0tNHcwTT4MYhZchwGTQ7QP6Y6Fa8aSfB3VRtTd1NhDD2FxzUJPbbdIinCVl1udoqMDwNICtPs4wTkuxlDWl1jt4gDtzSUrH-etfxBLRm5JLx72pYL0TlX3-WBJoWiIfcT1Hq2wTMs-p3_JHAv7XA0xbSj5HADZ7ZUk1KNPVXWfNTRIX2dj2FbCa5046c_EiVP4UDqNf3cKF9hiiakeawGK3ce53wGG32bwdKsADtisy1aGTXJhMSMB0BQo0RZ_KeuXCkcb1odutdgStnb8HM5Qq76FUI6RoVBUkSzGfcCRYEPrMVBc7BZVN3S9YBBTGKMTh8RIJ17-m3p-YjeSx5_VIEXJB0zPp4FoHCd_qxn67TjMNDQgDdl2BIGPET2JLymc=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Following a fancy car.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/eg_dKtS8Ke7jnJ1xNE_M4kDzXzrm8uP-E5NpSgxteOrlOtf-6B6Y3tFU4618NKMqHl66i_nSCB6tUw8hdpXibrej63ofW3KkQwTeWY9NWHcsTqVWv5lqDN7ZZu64WbKXyboS-XeNrvw3hlcQcajjt6S6TpGRdJV_v4uaL-YFWgqea8kdi0OxeM0wjOhc7eceqeMsLxMen1yAO0S7cJQAbaulpp3G1-gAgbw3l7vXi_sEZkSN3kSELJliC19lH6WcqzgFlQ6a5EbSLj_pDxWGKQZntvZESp7BWbVhbrUVr78d-d596mHcYIYZDafZDPp34xVxInYFZujQqVedJEUEMIpDPqALdkdcKjV7-fhT5u-wTPWYOGxVPZlCBbEI4Wp2M94EMVT0K255nYxrZaqD2YH18Bzs-DHAFiYWfFoB8EfQ-i1hH4eWJoYHqWh5Hh57v3eJdVhX8cQrwqTn5ijQWLCTd4lXRpIzugJ582hQKyuSQeFlq1W_HoC4SxyF6St80iH7CpcMvXxO1OElJUVl2ya_y64MpcgpR1HKf5GQozAQ1tV1Kk2Ei7KCM_0VfYWlHvLDiJVjIETLY4aqegSYIH9C4YXj_S0=w600-h400-no\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Do you think I caught these motorcyclists?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/bSU1XdIGnmA_P56iz9_VAKcH-oRN6oSRYujtddqHyeNHtlhjIBHoTKu04dKx7WYU67DOCQdN6DWsk6ovigvhh6kf1KMIcaQJrmHG3kh1wxt4tKEX9BrmKR6cq5FpUGfy13s6GJdrCvr7qHWrldQQhHAH_HkgzzYnGPVqNSLNcoXVOYeJrDhQCQI-oHEr6D-J0w6BPnM5dFvZMOlHKEkasrpBeGnyjFvUglZbBitzN7FvA0mpkmv-MsL_f67YeGDr48VUtHt4rV3sJV6bC5cMG41Uln9dr4P27SDwzF_r-t7i8bFAz70BUPep55IdotOShLx0mmgiD2jK4kltvK1ISauMMqkZG7qaAUas8MhBC9Zsspntn4swKlQjH-kOkjItCnqhwE8KE7wIxxkmGH4WtE32gl9rsxLar2W3_y6OjLcBiK04_vTM8ewP6VguHO65if4ZxETBJencqjUsZRmarCYHYAg03KHcK9K4V-n4DHTfRfPXcP-eI0ncxCqw8d_Uv_o94dSqkBJqCJ0N00pycYvwEczeIMbTqo51rw1qXpC8DjgPOvCzubiMLUbsnF56rBJtcG9c_dm5dE0bJ0NCkC_JIVsoRUc=w600-h400-no\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Nope.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/SOdZdsjNC7PQijduYGtfxe7P266ABJ1C1UVBdctni6P8tcXCWcUk7Lsg0VPf6q0tsRU2n1cKMGtd0RKssK1dlS66c5oirPtX3KrzADJUqmxSP6YH94bhfGzfJQ6rfhb505U_ciSgfeBFb1Ls29BbzO_1O0lUHvlOYRhYGc2bTllo8xFlgjNKGiJ7zolz9AlG2lCML-B_Yn_-liu3hMRntkhfQobYP4hfTVtZ1uaEYQ-3vY4v64hqTHhxS4JYaLh-LYtn5ibjzaSlOet31wPI0I6a1qPxdEHdctB1riBdVPrUCUZoxlWkG8ZhmRS8SPA7dP9wevkWCzWw1LoeEnPbPl_W5kZEz0p6nXCO-wBedKwEqrcmUdanOqRvoO3uali5eLcWJGd1UJkCzqErZo1y-YvudaQGVpaltTOIK8WDS2IHmFxP0GEU3InOzrpa3XRAw5PSkLCoMFRECYl-WJW72a90O7MCQeuTfJwrRtMadx1kMpwg4wLO_jaW5rxq6GxqtlD63y4yQYUmqiKgBQ1Dj8e7nN8fXYwkjWuDT4uqS_9zT2MH-g74Zjdh2pAXJpXCnYWqTrIN-BDvYlSi3e-Qew7bUeEsblY=w600-h400-no\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>My only complaint about this year&#8217;s Challenge regards rest stop #2, at the end of the Tail of the Dragon.\u00a0 Usually they have a large array of food here&#8211;in fact, the last couple years volunteers served hot food.\u00a0 But this year the station was dramatically downsized.\u00a0 There were packaged snacks to meet my energy needs, but I was bummed because that stop is usually where I eat my &#8220;lunch.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>After entering North Carolina and passing Cheoah Dam, the road shadows the Cheoah River for about seven miles.\u00a0 I used to view this section as just a stretch to get through on the way to something more exciting.\u00a0 But in the last few years I&#8217;ve come to enjoy it more and more.\u00a0 It&#8217;s so quiet in the river gorge.\u00a0 There&#8217;s very little traffic, and the nearby ridges seclude you from the outside world.\u00a0 This gradual climb is ideal for contemplation\/reflection.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/bv6SL8pmuf5cB_OuiF4qkKIWKvu5fWG7hvWvPsQNEfMmgywt3m_zdIlteFvY6m4nni-6wlYqpJJ2gXYkIJBnJ3JsL8VFOKbGPCGik9hEuDJsJu4wmbw-0bMsP_CXrYv7bguzbIq_2bL4O461SDpCY3sQ6F4nmPYFJCskAlPQtzMbniW_dX1m0s4VtIH4NhezUGhmyycxam-YmGxCHULYyjJ3zen7wLxbwtAwfySosbTmcmOwmH0sG8RwPooaiwrug6jZocEBxkiSRxMLFHuoqhMp1_9swX8GKXROt07QWh3LMa5kUf3YsMQtEaku-sD_Wge99d3DpDhLk8G8XqX-tLultktYX_DGPkyM4E9gZKTroLbgkU23Z1VyR71NkFdohWYH6B9uGEkHFIBSgec_b7LGgCj7L1CcjD10E22-014LgsjT72UnhE998_9kRY7brE1WySfQoQ4ffq9_7tW8L8p36zrYttPOkBmuh5ErbbtNi-ab8IBcRJQea8K5QYMt3hCThDMaMG8jUhEXery4OqHuDjjsxA8wy3Kr99AhgI8qHQ5aUcnIiZMmRglybJmTBOMRTnA5Vb_5EhaF4SxPb0bFpc2XFYw=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The last 43 miles of the ride are on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cherohala.org\/\">Cherohala Skyway<\/a>.\u00a0 Here&#8217;s what the climb looks like near the start of the 12-mile uphill slog.\u00a0 It takes almost two hours of 6-8 m.p.h. grinding.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/xUQHvslacs55X5qpMuWvOAIUCBQLAevDmpuMSu8JNpvgESpNO-APwyUhWo1NgGCa2eUgxdNJpg94xRGfs8DV30f-xoh8Z4p9fG5N0TdMbpl0j1eb3ylqFyMJZuymJR2D7f0wN8vm7i0-VflMMWvqxV7PxY9tT5EMJ9igEtY-zK7b_RfDDdfgZH241PtRIZz7ZSCD3cWWOyFByDARPWeWxP3IguIztz-eH0jwe53USAztvFTogKy9t2ftV8IaQoXjKchzCRKf-IKTBOabSy9aeomh6JqJIKtm4kD0On4AMbL0oSbFrb-fwYcVBElKQVa6hy6CgIqxyAbBYfQJr15_9PRwJxKqLkjc0c7kSuwGrLy6RjMHZp3HmvmEO0HeAIIKdzg0uwuyambeccw75rw43-WJAKGpvtTZCxUhvr_tmvzBRmrHybxN0rDbJHD2PyCAGuz2rAZLnaNw9FL1VcSOQUkH1ZwhROx20Z81gj5GlZ1MJyiRWT6TgVRwQ4zl09NbXfxe-tfLmZfATfIaootTMzSa6P4YCBDlQ3FDMPpO7_MK6ZDApQxRimXN3RG3FrWcqetBpaK-qIP0zJQ4IiQd9JRy10xOK30=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This is a high-effort, high-reward ascent.\u00a0 There&#8217;s a particularly tough stretch (8-9%) leading up to rest stop #4 at mile 75, and this year did not disappoint.\u00a0 Once again I was sweating so profusely that I could barely see when I pulled off the road to refuel and regroup.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/1d4e5zb4e1ufFEwo5pJx8GCGXJS_hufpDhYdjQvXkjG807BDpNCjXnTpY4HxQC-uGuFtpZnpF702PLIAIl0zKIKgfEMruBOvqbY5Nr0mq-KSNdYX_2iR_vmXsKSKdJlFCq-NLYFLHe2nxQ4RIwbW1se11hTc8nfmMwxrGBmj7B9T_BdpuOIgSqkBMCDrI3S6TfR4O6eF-fvYIQdiIPYmiWzWOtEIeTz4ivyG4BVhOKExCmRPRkafVVF8YRTn5EXbTnhBI_0V7Ej9Tj_x10G1ZPNMGk8UEhPaPRYovknh88CDcSVGIHhCgDVntLBXqC_juHTFuK3b-f3j9wr6X_xgKocch7SXlQRfOjWNyAXDApEH430NlntznIvnqel2DDi989M1mE3OlOuQ5JecNcwKrDGP5wQtDeDERq8xB_R6pnfGOua3an2nOH4CzBO85unogrvs1FKh7j2xA1ii0pF1fvVn31nRGebkczEd-fne28n_DmLXMk_CBpCrYNJ54S0OOctBpr4NwSss14Bha0V8O6skJkbfgfvvsDO9Fedx4J3WVN65G1B55AZ9HDaY-pTc-YmWl0-y1M3ndwfAGXIPKrm4KFcPuj0=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I love this experience so much.\u00a0 Many times throughout the day I looked about and thought, &#8220;I wish I could capture this moment and save it forever.&#8221;\u00a0 Sadly, I could not.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/vBbaXVErh7MtXKNrJZj9fA76i889Bzv6GZ_yEqxQra_euCufhBZcMZQ2L3gF1w9c-blK4MsmpyPfZZctHoS1dWOwU2hqPM5w4AdpEUzgejEph3EqOI-YfbTGjIuIhn61dRUPoWkkDO8edyvIfPiFWW4nm5XIcphsnDxcPTG6Pq4ytsDfHl-PixFaSds8qcLRNcv_LgyGwimjDCdt1uj33PsderWm14z1HZCGt1GaEl3Iqe-QsOslgxJndEW2-U6HvPxseeeB5jntERl4XXiH_WUxHZSky18rXRuYLzAi2q4a78yKHtl72xqD5kVdh5lH0sMMmx56qlC4zui5v7frQGkMpsT2eMMRr4FPQ--zL-jYahWbfq9-eWShLFmDGC8BfDkUWYKIgRq8V2slUTBG24ALKpNWTGMKFZSHChWLIa6CdJ9LOH-JU-9dX0Rhvx-H_8O0h6ED5bhTEiRRgQS_SKUhg0C1c3EXtRD6hP3CjPkpvJK0qQeVAstY6ZLWGuMfHfgh7yjg8uBwVCKGBv6Zn5xOkNuWNhDcGhq7iz4LeQcUNKmH20Q5Q9YaD5mVAk07wv_DBN0FB9YC5voO4xLazgKwKemf0xE=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Mile 82, the high point of the ride.\u00a0 It doesn&#8217;t take much wind at this elevation to make me chilly.\u00a0 But on this afternoon it was nice.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/a7bKE1WJOjXf7U0QG4XBpXQ1jhVIklgR8rm5omyitv6p-GUjMH01HxlOM93eefGiXg4scjZHFIzMNuhYVucu9Ue5sov-JBnXpe-6FABERub-vYQG_DZ2x7zMRKvh3XVCjFxOeb9EMO3F8ApfaI-9z3XsuCUDn62aigiZA5RLhprYhJsbP1BqFTVFk9oMgzKXsKvV_eJRx3Xpw9lwbRIXoUj5mId7IWdwc8GQ9gFRWnOoz9GodP0YtULpboSu3TgZOPVDDR9bY9X98_uXvMce5FLm9e7QYJuaJnW9QD2Ry2sdvSSm0XHGY61DAXrUJdrjdSRvfSLtXYMd-J1DdhLjl9060GSeA4zAU0BpEjQrO0pTDw8CWheZSYR3NsRw4mtZToe_mdGwLmm2IUImppuf9GJi-NAS38OPxWi_pRze13ziRdmVhrVLD9w8-VuqW9Hv9OL2S-FzamDILXubc3TcEMSLQhhP5DwyLpD2Q04dki6GRRvz4ZrEy8J6PJi81IrxMp7Gk660CbCPZCmLV_54aP2fiq5MFi2G2Chw02qJnXGxL-fMrUB1_KfvIDI9_DmJMTml9m5DLazLCd7htB9W62vyA9EC4a4=w529-h705-no\" width=\"528\" height=\"704\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The last 30 miles are <em>mostly<\/em> downhill, but not completely.\u00a0 There are two steep, mile-plus climbs for added suffering.\u00a0 They&#8217;re elevated cramp-risk zones.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/gNujv2cMstm1dc2Mqo_hqyGi_I4IRzchr7coqhg8semMjO2ZBIlwvquHnHcuSewl0zIDvA53b9v-DM8cwXMD-urq4Iz08tPfs7XvAHsj9rQc0g8Mb2Z70f0qNaRrYLzkgeRFzxKEzrDC9xt3brd6ZMnQ2ZT5IW0ZYo0br3yvPuJY5dzee07FMo_akdBufe6WwlpyfPBEbLSdZyCnAtL69KImp4-E28TRWYGIjo9UsE3GsVPUenX7WwkY6vnhBbwKAmO5LqIkkwjkEPAxJjQNtCqUZAMsBi4uhWARcIzmA5VXfdTt947-4UBvQOaCTiEF876LJIiD8CwEySoVknJoCkEbQHxAL4QY8tL275h_HR0cPmbusy0K4xQfMBKR36858jm6T86IvYx1w-UL6o3HieooZtauCnomUVlA_kWof3F-iXzDLLHmpcHPdOQlRBVmR-mrkO_qokrrSh6ZIKi33p-oambgPBzdc4UgvrTCbHVleLJHbGFPNJ7sGFLvwPAXjNk2nO1WFdne6V_Esos10VFWxD9-piu-VlazuHDTLdw377W_c5joWcLG9Woz1J-mBVQj2yCM87ruJYtMzTjYW4NvJdwNvaA=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It clouded over when I got back into Tennessee.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/68FlfObmdpU3QjtJ54BFCIoIF9gV-FZhKSq96xukMe2VRq9Y2xNrgwSuAo4aslYfX__yOSBZcOyPlLjLcGVmE7D46CttY9iyTYqj401id1Kq6bWibhU-Xy3hbBmpltAiir9xugFVQ5IhySwH2fQSN3QqZJrty3CYDvbcYpz7fy030dkmRX8FagRVzIPNzYlfn2WUg3G4esR6JR3-6FNL9SdDYH8VbniSHspP09z1sAcvyXgB6iSYrpuflv7OR4uCwhVM23TTMAIXLv8DsB56FJrnf2YHR_L39LuJ4aAY0-ka2LWzrmkroxak0gl-2UcaKn-bFoel4l3EXzjOwzysPJvxQU5rwv2xAGEyaQW_OHRodnU9dO1G_vWKOA5uzkL5TSezLgRTrrcWM6fqcO8Guq5wsElfut8RdgyWSj883jGPb-eANqr-5yDSBH6JlKUkHddUaX7DV0t52DcgnME94pNzapwxplEiPFAUiqv-MKLOG3vX0zeckeI5f0XABaK9LJECt5UrvkG8Folkbc89PZ17CqBGNtZiETjR6vBKQYpnxDy3ATJGwdBIOr80QAbHwOoS5Cv1qS-bvWEJW3230lWCRlHOoVo=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To my dismay, my computer blanked out near the end of the 113-mile trek, so I didn&#8217;t get my riding time.\u00a0 I finished at about 4:45 p.m.\u00a0 Here I sport my finisher medal at the end of the day:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/GDlEUVHNzTN2b5jIAN2NPtaLhT5lKfJc7zhFCHBq3UOVCVvoI2ZnQFO0QqAgLaljGc1KWmqyZr8U0O0wn7wIY7mVqLt_JO0MAnOtsQyAXhyTl5HP584W5CwSK-BokSz5kLT8kIh7rEVVd9RbqX8jWIvsr9gRkC_4xdiRKRZCTT8SsD0Pat-Hcdua7U0h1eQpm7dXfO7Lwa37FJaein9CqdEcgd1iT5K8TVl-D_pHoAJa3atHUVy8CibT5veWcM9NYsv87Iq8c71gltPiULR-kUBboZUTOH8kBG8JaYtElhr-3aTng3lBYiOs4Z3zbEgm_NV3TJyZdZOO1XE4PA76ZtxC4uyAFnfsXWMi6lA2ewP5HdZuddKIS_agK1SqKRdhuNMW_l61dXX2TzbFXNhnTJZb09ldfgczjZuUgF_5QMYgaZj8dTSQt_V3FlFAmCWdnCFps36ZU9hAji2dpPUuXsxtMFY6261xsEKAkfVLUT2OaZvMavduBluLSqFbGwuATDhvdjzoWO5hCJmiqCr3mOFmdMnF8rqYXve5RlFqKnP98dQkpd5qxkjJabwko-VEeC8h8OnW94oUeXfqwuj1lhnvQJtrEO4=w800-no\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m glad I got to do this year&#8217;s Cherohala Challenge.\u00a0 It&#8217;s epic.\u00a0 And, with my joint issues, I no longer take being able to do this kind of physical event for granted.\u00a0 I hope to cross the finish line again next June.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<a href=\"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/2016\/07\/2016-cherohala-challenge-ride-report\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" title=\"Permalink to 2016 Cherohala Challenge Ride Report\"><p>On June 18, I completed my 10th Cherohala Challenge. It&#8217;s an organized bicycle ride hosted by the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen. [For previous ride reports see 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015.] The ride follows this route: My 2016 mileage is way down from recent years, partly because I had a rough winter\/spring with rheumatoid arthritis.\u00a0 But [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-uncategorized","h-entry","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2687"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2703,"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2687\/revisions\/2703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2687"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.brianarner.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}