Last Updated on June 19, 2019 4:02 pm
High Country motorists should be alert for increased vehicle and bike traffic as the 21st annual Blood Sweat and Gears (BSG) takes place on Saturday June 22. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, especially in Valle Crucis, as bikes will be more noticeable on some local roads the rest of this week.
There is a 45 mile route and 95 mile route on race day. Last year 570 riders registered for what was then the 100 mile route and 595 in the then 52 mile event.
The 95 mile route is being used due to road surface conditions on Railroad Grade Road through Todd, according to the BSG website. The update goes on to say that the narrow road received a topcoat of very loose gravel without a bonding agent and remains a safety hazard for bicycles. Also impacting the route is an auction being held at the Todd General Store to sell off inventory. The update on the BSG website goes on to say, “The auction is scheduled for 10am, the same time our first riders would be rolling through Todd. It's expected to draw a large number of outsiders to the area. The combined conditions, poor road surface and greater than normal vehicle traffic, require that we change the long route for the safety of all riders. The route will use Hwy 194 as it has in the past and mileage will remain effectively the same. All maps have been updated to reflect the change.”
Regarding the 45 mile ride, BSG's website says, “Revised for 2019, The BSG short route will be a new 45-mile route that shares the same amazing roads and climbs as the long route for the first 33 miles. Your heart will be pumping with the first climb over Rush Branch. The challenge continues with back to back climbs on Mountaindale Road and Georges Gap. You’ll enjoy the amazing scenery as you climb towards Zionville along quite back roads. And when the long route turns right towards Snake Mountain, the short route turns left towards the finish line. Epic climbs, thrilling descents and scenic mountain overlooks all mean one thing. This is going to be the best BSG ever! “
Money raised through BSG benefits local organizations and causes.
On the day of the ride which starts and ends at Valle Crucis School:
| June 22, 2019 | – 5:45am Parking Starts – 5:45am to 7:00am Packet Pick-up and Walk-up registration – 7:20am Pre-ride Announcements and Ceremony – 7:30am 95 mile Start – 7:45am 45 mile Start – 6:30pm – Post Ride Celebration at AMB in Boone |
For more information on the exact routes visit the BSG website.
