Red River Gorge Classic

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Powell County, KY, US

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Roger Bess

Road biking in the Red River Gorge and surrounding area.

43 km

592 m

Arguably the most classic of routes in the Red River Gorge, showcasing some of the most diverse, dynamic and beautiful riding in the area.

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Welcome to cycling in the @photo[Red River Gorge](2234961) .  This fully paved route showcases a little bit of everything that makes cycling in this area some of the best in the country. You can ride this route anytime of year that the sun is out but the best is definitely spring and fall. Be prepared to ride up two large climbs one of which tops out at a steepness and 15%-16% and through a one lane unlighted tunnel.

# Route

* Park in the @point[Park and Ride](d,43511.21) parking lot located next to Go Time.
* Take a left out of the parking lot and enjoy a nice mellow couple of miles to warm up along KY15 N. 
* You'll turn right on @photo[KY77](2234971) and begin the first large climb of the day -- up to [Nada Tunnel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nada_Tunnel).  This is a nice moderate climb with just over 300 feet of elevation gain over 1.7 miles averaging 3% grade with a max grade of around 9%.  Should be no problem for riders of all fitness levels as long as you take your time and just enjoy it.  
* After reaching the summit of the first large climb, you immediately ride though @point[Nada Tunnel](d,5863.87) after which you get a fun descent into the gorge. **(Be careful, this is a one lane tunnel with no lights so be sure to bring your own)** 
* Shortly after coming down from the tunnel you can look up and see [Raven Rock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_Rock_(Kentucky)) on your left before you cross over the @photo[Steel bridge](2234969) and head into the heart of the gorge.
* Around the 6.5 miles into the ride you come to the intersection of @point[KY77 and 715](d,10608.49) stay right to get on 715 and prepare to enjoy some nice moderate rollers and false flats, with no stretch of road ever truly straight or flat for the next @slice[7 miles](d,10629.72,22031.44) as you ride through the river valley.
* At @point[13.5 miles](d,21650.9) you cross a one lane bridge and enter Wolfe county, this is a good spot to catch your breath and get ready for Sky Bridge Hill.
* **Sky Bridge Hill!**  @slice[This climb](d,22876.98,24023.02) starts a half-mile after the one lane bridge, and boy is it a good one.  Get ready to grind up this leg killer **averaging 10%** with sections as steep as **15-16%** and around 390 feet of elevation gain in .7 miles.  Bring your climbing legs and breath deep!
* From here on out you are on easy street.  Enjoy a nice ride along the ridge top for the next @slice[5 miles](d,24071.43,31699.24) with a few steep rollers to make sure you know what you have done to get here.
* Turn right at 19.7 miles onto @photo[KY15 N](2234958) and continue along the ridge top for another 4.5 miles, upon passing Tunnel Ridge Road you @point[summit](d,38460.52) the last large roller and begin your descent back into Slade.  Enjoy one of my favorite descents in the area. **BE ALERT!! THERE ARE SOME BLIND CURVES, AND ONE MODERATE BUMP IN THE ROAD.**
* Coast the last couple of miles to your car or utilize the extended down hill to up your average before arriving back at your car.

# Notes
* There are several pit toilets along the ride at @poi[Martins Fork parking area](2727972), @poi[Bison Way trailhead](2727973), and @poi[Copperas Creek](2727974).
* You can fill water at a @poi[spring on your right](2727975) on your way up to Nada tunnel or at  @poi[Gladie Visitor Center](2727976).
* Most of this route should be ridable by anyone with a good bike and a little bit of determination, but if the steepness of Sky Bridge Hill intimidates you don't be afraid to turn around at the one lane bridge for a great out and back ride.
* The route is still amazing if rode  in reverse to avoid the steepest of the climbing. **Just be careful to stay on your side of the road going down Sky Bridge Hill.  It is not made for descending quickly and cars can not see you around many of the turns as they come up the hill.**

* **PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU ARE RIDING ALONG NARROW ROADS WITH MANY BLIND CURVE AND THAT OFTEN HAVE NO CENTER LINES**

* Ride safe and have fun y'all.

Red River Gorge Classic

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