>>> 9.10.05 - Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome - GSMNP

Description: 20 mile climb to Clingmans Dome, the best view in the park
When: June, 2005
Distance: 41 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 5,061 ft.
Information: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Clingmans Dome

Review: Twenty miles of non-stop climbing. I did the climb again, but this time on a double. It was tougher than I remember the first time I tried it, even though I had a better machine on which to ride. I wanted that triple back, but I did manage to kill my first time up the climb by 25 minutes. I think the double forced me to pace higher than I would normally.

There are some sections of this climb that must touch 7% even though it averages about 5.5%. The only moment of relief is right at Newfound Gap where you begin the final seven miles to Clingmans and about a one mile downhill near the top.

I did this ride with two friends, Mike and Steve who were riding it for the first time. Steve's wife was an awesome support caravan of one! We averaged anywhere from 8.7 to 9.7 mph.

The weather was typically unpredictable. It was great most of the way up but pretty overcast. By the time we reached the top a storm was moving in and it was about 52 degrees. As we started to get cold we began the descent... about three miles in the rain started coming down really hard. It stung pretty badly at 35 mph. We had to nurse down the first several miles in the rain before it stopped before newfound gap. It was nice and dry the rest of the way down.

An epic ride for scenery, pain and exhilaration. Still my favorite so far.