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IThis is the fourth year for Tour de Cashiers Full Century. The route has received great reviews from the riders, so we are keeping it for this year’s event – with our assurances that it’s a tough course that will challenge even seasoned distance riders.
The Full Century route departs from the Metric Century and 25-miler at the very beginning, so you’ll have to commit to your length at the start. We will roll east out of town through Sapphire Valley and the Lake Toxaway area for about 30 miles of hilly forest and rural terrain in the valleys of the Horsepasture, Toxaway and (after crossing the Eastern Continental Divide) French Broad Rivers. Some stretches will be as nice as any roads you’ll ever find, unless you’re looking for a big climb or roaring descent – and those come later. Shortly after passing through the small town of Balsam Grove, the first major climb heads up towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. After 1,200’ of climbing, and several miles short of the Parkway, we turn onto a road that you’ll think should take you straight down, but which really takes you over a succession of ridges and valleys, with sharp 300’-400’ climbs in between (one of which hits 20%). Eventually you do have a long descent and then get about 7 miles of fairly level valley riding before a steep1,500’ climb over the crest of the Cowee Ridge (at this point, the Full Century riders are on the same course as the Metric, but going in the opposite direction). Then, it’s down an equal amount into the Cullasaja River valley near Franklin.
After about 12 miles of relatively flat valley riding, some of it along the river, the Full Century riders must take on the Walnut Creek climb, considered by many to be the toughest in the area. It’s a 1,900’ ascent, compressed into less than 6 miles, with half of the climbing in the last two miles and only one brief break from constant pedaling. Once you get to the top, there’s a nice 400’ descent. The Full and Metric Century routes then join for a two-part 500’ climb, a few miles of easy riding along the flanks of Yellow Mountain, and another 400’ descent. A few rolling miles through the Norton community takes you to Highway 64 west of Cashiers, for three miles on new asphalt and a fast downhill back to the Crossroads. Hope you get there by the 5:30 cutoff for dinner at the Village Green. Having made it through 10,500’ feet of climbing and 101 miles, you’ll be ready.
Note – This is a difficult route, and not a good choice for your first full century. If you aren’t an experienced mountain distance rider, the Metric Century is probably a better choice. For the sake of both riders and our hard-working volunteers, riders who aren’t on track to finish by 5:30 will be asked to sag in. Alternatively, you can cut off about 20 miles and one major climb by detouring onto the Metric Century route at mile 61, and Full Century riders who reach that point after 2:00 p.m. will be asked to do so.
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