[cronic]

Hey guys, I got bored today and decided to take a ride up to Table Rock. I biked up from Hwy 181 and Google Earth shows it as a 11.2 mile ride one way and a 2220 feet elevation gain. My bike computer showed it at 12 miles up. I took 3 hours to get to the parking lot with my 9 speed Motobecane fantom pro 29 and an hour to get back down. I know very slow, but this was by far my steepest ride ever. The road was very smooth and it was a nice ride with snow 3/4 of the way up. It was cold as heck, 28 was the low I saw, but all n all well worth it. Here are a few pics.

The route

A shot on the way up

About 3/4 of the way up

Table Rock

Table Rock from the parking lot. 1 mile to top from here.

Bike propped up against the signage at the parking lot.

 

[C_Heath]

sounds like a nice ride.

 

[motobutane]

I have never been bored. I also say never say never. Great pics, first time seeing Table rock. Is that your first " Thudbuster" seat post? just wondering how it works? Oh and someone told me to take the reflectors off of my wheels on my first new bike.....so I put cards in instead.

 

[Maida7]

There is also an excellent hiking trail to the top of the rock. The view from the top is spectacular.

 

[cronic]

I have never been bored. I also say never say never. Great pics, first time seeing Table rock. Is that your first " Thudbuster" seat post? just wondering how it works? Oh and someone told me to take the reflectors off of my wheels on my first new bike.....so I put cards in instead.

The reflectors are staying for now, I use this bike to commute everyday in Charlotte...... The thudbuster is my first, and it works out fairly well to cushion some hard hits, and also smooths out the ride when I have my backpack loaded with books and hit speed bumps. Thats the real reason I got it... lol.

 

[cronic]

There is also an excellent hiking trail to the top of the rock. The view from the top is spectacular.

The view is awesome, I have hiked it a few times, and would have today, but daylight was an issue. Next time I will plan better.

 

[Maida7]

Plus you should probably bring a bike lock so nobody walks off with your ride while your out hiking.

 

[Let's Ride]

Thanks for the report. There are other ways to get to Table Rock, that have a lot more gravel road. You'd probably have more fun avoiding all that "mountain biking" on 181.

Also, the next time you're up there, hike to the top. It's a great view. I used to rock climb a lot and topping out with a 360 view was always a big bonus.

The other direction out of the parking lot goes to an area call The Chimneys. It's pretty cool as well. I think the filmed part of The Last of the Mohicans out there.