Inspiration. Photos. GPS Routes for Cyclists in the Deep South.
The 39 mile Murder Creek and 60 mile Double Murder gravel routes meander through pecan groves and past country churches on the rolling back roads of middle Georgia's Jasper County. The start is less than an hour from downtown Atlanta but it feels a world apart.
The paved Tower of Terror road route climbs and descends the hills northeast of Sosebee Cycling Park in White, Georgia. There is a tower but the only thing frightening about this 66 mile road route is a bit of chipseal. Expect lots of elevation change, some technical descending and virtually no traffic. The area has many interesting features including rushing creeks, a spring which pours out of the mountain and some truly bizarre roads.
North Georgia's 46 mile Haywood Valley route ranks among the classics. These roads are well traveled by local riders and used for organized charity rides throughout the year. The 100% paved route travels through part of the Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area, into "The Pocket" and along gorgeous Haywood Valley Rd from which the route gets its name. Expect mountain views, gently undulating terrain and little to no traffic.
Expansive ranches, well groomed gravel and WMA access roads make the 48 mile mixed-surface Blue Car Body Road route through rural Paulding County, Georgia seem far removed. Several gated roads and a short section of hike-a-bike give this route an adventurous feel. Even so, a fit rider could cycle to the start from Atlanta.
The adventurous 48 mile mixed-surface Talona Creek route is centered around the self-procliamed "MTB Capital of Georgia." Elijay is more accessible to Atlanta than the far northern mountains and this route includes a little bit of everything, from bucolic country roads past orchards and wineries to gnarly and nearly off the grid gravel and even a bit of seldom used singletrack to keep things spicy.
Georgia's 46 mile Das Boot Cup route goes up, then down, then up some more, most of it on gravel forest service roads. "You will be climbing for the next hour" explained one rider. Beautiful landscapes, lots of options for apres-ride in the City of Helen and a crossing of Duke's Creek make this an unforgettable route.
The 43 mile Conasauga Crusher gravel route reflects the rugged and remote nature of the Cohutta Mountains on the GA/TN border. Expect rough gravel, plentiful water and no cell service. A bear sighting is not out of the question.