About the Upcoming “Gaps Ride”

It’s getting on to late Autumn, so this will likely be the last shot I’ll have at the north Georgia mountains this year.

We’re going to go north, to Helen, Ga. We’re going to ride the notorious “back triple.” That’s Hogpen Gap, Jacks Gap, and Unicoi Gap. It’s a bit more than 40 miles with over a mile of gain. The scenery is glorious. The climbing is challenging. The descending is a blast!

This is an exciting ride and a real challenge. Don’t let the “stories” about Hogpen intimidate you. It can be done by mere mortals. Mount your climbing gears, and shift to low ones early in the day. If you ride this conservatively, it will provide plenty of challenge, but you will not have any serious difficulty.

Do watch the weather. And remember that weather in the mountains can be very changeable and very localized. Bring more clothing than you think you will need, and make your final decisions in the parking lot, just before. ride start. Remember, long steep climbs warm you wonderfully, but they are followed by long descents that can chill you. Be prepared to adjust clothing multiple times during the ride.

Completely Optional Bonus: We can stop close to the end of the ride for food and socializing. Betty’s Country Store is on our right as we return to Helen. The store is located on the corner of Younah Street and the Unicoi Turnpike, just at the north end of Helen. It’s a neat store, with a lot of interesting merchandise. There is a super deli in the store, with a seating area. It’s a great place for sandwich type snacks and a bit of post ride relaxing. From Betty’s back to the rally point is only about a half mile.

Date: Sunday 22 November.

Ride Time: We start promptly, at 10:00 AM

Rally Point: Helen, GA. The municipal parking lot on Chattahoochee Strasse.

Conditions: We’re going in almost any weather. (No ride if it looks like snow or icing is likely.) No make-up date. This is it.

To get there from Peachtree City:

Get on I-85 and go north. Keep on right through Atlanta.

Take exit 113 to I-985N

Go 22 miles on I-985 and take exit 22 for US-129

At bottom of exit go left onto US-129

Go 2.5 miles and turn right onto Jesse Jewell Pkwy

Go 2.4 miles and turn left onto Limestone Pkwy

Go 2.2 miles and turn right onto NE Cleveland Hwy (US-129)

Go around square and take 5th right, onto GA-75

Go approx 8 miles and enter Helen, Ga

As you are coming into “downtown” Helen, be alert. As soon as you cross the bridge over the Chattahoochee, you will turn right onto Chattahoochee Strasse. The municipal parking lot is about one block ahead on your right.

Be prepared to use the envelope system and pay a $2.00 parking fee.