Cherohala 07 Pt. 3

Leaving the 2nd feed area, we began the final descent out of Deal's Gap (Tail of The Dragon) and were delighted to discover that the previously rough chip and seal pavement had been replaced with a nice smooth ribbon of brand new asphalt. This is a 12% grade which winds it's way down the mountain for 3 miles, so combine this with a new smooth road and you have a recipe for fun! We flew down the mountain, past the Tree of Shame, Crossroads of Time, and Cheoha Dam, arriving at Fugitive Bridge and started the 10 mile gentle climb through Tapoco Canyon up to the 3rd feed area at the entrance to Joyce Kilmer National Forest.

Last year I was on my own in this canyon and found the headwinds combined with the gradient to be a difficult test. The headwinds were there again this year, but I had a small group which allowed us to move considerably faster than I had on my own previously. Sharing the work, we arrived at the feed area, reloaded, relieved, and returned to the road.

Upon entering Joyce Kilmer National Forest, the road becomes rough. It's a chip and seal surface, with trees growing close to the road. The roots of these trees have grown under the road in spots, causing the pavement to heave. It's bumpy and rough ride that can easily sap more energy than you planned to expend if you're not careful. Fortunately, the rough road doesn't last but a couple of miles (and a few short climbs) before you pass Santeetlah Lake and return to the smooth pavement as you begin the two and a half mile climb up to the Cherohala Skyway.

It's not a steep climb, but it's not easy either, rising at a steady 6-7%. But it begins at mile 70, following the Tail of the Dragon and Tapoco Canyon, so you've already gone quite a distance, with considerable effort spent in climbing so far...and the tough climbing hasn't even started yet.

Halfway up the climb I again realized I was riding too hard trying to match The Beast, so I eased off and let him go. He gradually pulled away from me and eventually I could see him make the right hand turn onto the Skyway before disappearing for good. My back began to ache badly (I knew I should have been doing sit ups this year, I'm too old for this kind of riding without extra core fitness). As I made the turn onto the Skyway I realized that it was time for an Endurolyte capsule, but couldn't dig them out of my pocket, so I stopped to get one out and reorganize my pockets, tossing some empty Hammer Gel packets into a trash can at the overlook area where I was stopped.

With my load lightened somewhat (what do empty Hammer Gel packets weight? A half a gram each? Less?) I struck out for the next water and food stop, 3 miles of steep climbing in the distance. The sky was partly cloudy, and we were above the humid layer of air that had dogged us for the first 45 miles. When the sun was shining, it was hot. I mean HOT! But then a cloud would cover it and the temperature would seem to drop 20 degrees. I prayed for big clouds.

My pace on this part of the climb was slow...almost 2 mph slower than last year, and the last mile leading to the Feed area at Chute Cove (9%) was agony. I found Doug and The Beast there, nearly ready to leave, but more importantly, I found Advil for my aching back.

Tomorrow, (or the day after) Part 4