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The Climb

We started the competitive Climb in 2004 with 46 entrants, but in 2006 participation dropped to 25. It takes us almost that many volunteers to put it on. So we are taking a pass on the Climb for 2008. Let us know if you would like to see us bring it back in 2008!

With this Saturday afternoon event, the Tour de Cashiers offers a unique full-weekend celebration of the extraordinary cycling available on and around our mountainous Plateau. Riders will start at one-minute intervals and be timed to the top of a 2.5-mile, 850’ climb. The climbing is continuous, but gradients range from almost level (briefly) to over 13% (also briefly). The average is about 6.5%. The forested route is totally free of commercial development, and ends at an elevation of 4,100’ amidst one of the area’s largest and most scenic Christmas tree farms. This route is a favorite for several area cyclists for short training rides, but it doesn’t connect through to other paved roads and is not part of the Sunday Tour rides.

The cost is $10. To ride in the Climb, you must also be registered for one of the Sunday rides and sign release form.

Click on thumbnail or link below to see full size version.

In addition to recognition at a post-event social gathering, a $50 cash prize will be awarded to the fastest overall rider. A $25 cash prize will be awarded to the winners in each of separate categories for women, for riders under 18, and for riders who have reached their 35th, 45th, 55th or 65th birthdays, but only if there are at least 5 riders competing in the particular category. (Note that the age categories have changed from previous years – the effect of passing years really didn’t seem to be kicking in before age 35). Cash awards may be subject to the winners providing proof of age.

There are rules that must be followed to assure safety and fairness:

• Riders must stay in the right-hand lane, both on the climb and on the return to the bottom.
• Riders must stay to the far right whenever a vehicle is seeking to pass – even if the rider would really prefer to cut off a bit of that left-hand curve, or pass a slower rider.
• No drafting – either cleanly pass or remain at least 10’ behind any riders you overtake.
• Riders returning to the starting area must give full deference to climbing riders. That mainly means two things – first, take the sharp descending curves slowly enough to stay well inside the right lane; second, if vehicles are approaching either of the riders, and the situation may interfere with the ascending rider, the descending rider should stop and get off the road.
• Riders must follow any instructions of the Course Marshals. Marshals will be present at the start and finish lines, and also at a number of the curves and turns.
• Riders who want to warm up may do so between starts, but may not pass or approach within 50’ of a rider who is in his or her active climb.
• Riders must be at the starting line, ready to ride, at their assigned starting times, wearing their Tour de Cashiers number on the right side of their jerseys.
• In the event of mechanical problems (e.g., a flat or dropped chain), a rider may restart one time, subject to time constraints and starting slot availability.
• Failure to follow these Rules can result in disqualification (no refunds).
• All decisions and rulings of the Course Marshals and other event officials shall be final and binding on all participants.

Parking will be available at Cedar Creek Racquet Club, which has a stone-pillared entrance on Highway 64 about 1.7 miles east of the Cashiers Crossroads – it’s on the left near the bottom of the curvy downhill section just beyond the Ingles shopping center. Registration will begin at 2:00 on the deck of the Racquet Club, and the first riders will depart at 3:00. Start times will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis, subject to restrictions that may arise if the number of riders is either significantly fewer or greater than expected. The starting line is an easy walk across the Club grounds (regular shoes recommended – just bring your cleats and park your regular shoes at the starting line). A post-ride event, to recognize winners and get to know other riders, will be held on the Club deck. This should be completed about the time the pasta dinner begins at the Village Green.

Water will be available at the start and finish of the Climb. No other food or beverage will be provided for the Climb – although we expect to have refreshments at the post-ride event.

At registration for the Climb, you will receive your full Tour ride packet and t-shirt – no separate registration will be required for the Sunday ride.

The Climb Release Forms:

PDF Format (13KB)
Word Format (22KB)