Pinhoti Challenge Bike Ride 12/18

[jaybird]

12/18. Pinhoti Challenge dayhike.  The only way to end the year, we’ll be BIKING a section of roadwalk located near what will become Sections  1 and 2 of the Alabama Pinhoti between Flagg Mountain and FS 603A near Sylacauga.  This is the 20th and final trek in our Pinhoti Challenge series, and gains a rating of strenuous due to the distance.  Although the path will be paved, the 23 mile trek is daunting – as the ending for a challenge should be!!  We’ll start at Flagg Mountain, where there is a stone tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps equally as beautiful as the one on top of Mt. Cheaha.  Back during the late 30’s and early 40’s, this spot was destined to become a state park.  For whatever reasons, the plans fell through, but here sits this magnificent stone structure on top of the last mountain in the Appalachian Mountain chain over 1,000 feet.  The structure and several surrounding are wonderfully maintained by the Coosa County Conservation Commission, a group of older gentlemen who lease the property from the state for $1 per year.  What an appropriate ending place for the Pinhoti!!  As we pass through the town of Weogufka, we’ll make certain to stop in at Caperton’s Old South General Store.  In Stewartville, there is a convenience store for rest stops and refreshments.  After crossing busy U.S. 280, we’ll make our way through Holman Crossroads, across the Goodwater highway and on to our final trailhead where we’ll have a celebration for those who have completed the entire challenge!  Make sure to bring a camera.  Hiking boots a necessity, as well as plenty of water and a picnic lunch.  There will be an optional dinner afterwards.  E-mail for meeting place and time,  jay_hudson@bellsouth.net

**Note: The Pinhoti Challenge has been so successful -- in January, 2011, we'll be starting the challenge over again with hike #1 on Oakey Mountain near Piedmont.

[jaybird]

The time will change November 7th, so we'll need to get going slightly earlier in order to finish by sundown:
 
Meet at 7 a.m. at Cracker Barrel at the intersection of I-459 and U.S. 280, or 8:30 at Home Depot in Sylacauga (across from Wal-Mart)  on U.S. 280 east.

[ednotmilkman]

This sounds like an unusual, but great way to finish the Pinhoti. I'll do my best t join since this is the only part I have not done under my own human power !

Gotta ask though ......, Jay, you think we need to start early because the time will change?  How long could it take to bicycle 23 miles - worst case scenario - 21 miles @ 7mph + 2 miles walking @ 2mph + an hour for breaks =  5 hours ;-) 

  Or are you planning to make it an out AND back ride ?  I'd say hiking boots are very unnecessary for this one.

[jaybird]

I made it an early day because I'm hoping that we'll have some special guests there.  More on that later.  Also, the hiking boots were thrown in for the little loop around the mountain at Flagg -- if anyone wants to look around at the structures at take that short hike.

[ednotmilkman]

sorry Jay,


can't make it tomorrow. Still busy with my work.

[jaybird]

Sorry you had to work Ed.  It was a perfect day.  We stopped in Stewartville (about halfway) and had a hot lunch at their deli counter.  The locals all wanted to talk with us and were so friendly.  The weather couldn't have been sweeter.  It was a great experience that I'll remember for some time!  23 miles on a bike sounds tough, but I'm not that sore today.  Planning on hiking tomorrow or the next day.

[stargazer]

Jaybird, Glad the bike ride was enjoyed.  You were in my neck of the woods.  The Chevron in Stewartville is only about 5 miles from my home.  The folks that hang out at the store are good people.  We hope to join you on one of the upcoming Pinhoti Challenges.  Keep us informed .  We still have many more sections to do to complete it.  We have hiked on our own for the most part and look forward to hiking with some groups.