If you go What: Catoosa Century Bicycle Ride When: Aug. 14; sign-in begins at 6:30 a.m. Where: Ride begins at Chattooga County High School. Cost: $25 by Aug. 4, $30 afterward Details: Helmets and signed waivers are required.
By Jimmy Espy
Correspondent
Chattooga County’s widely varied terrain is an appealing feature for area bicyclists, many of whom will participate in the seventh annual Chattooga Century Bicycle Ride on Aug. 14.
Past rides have drawn bicyclists from as far away as California, according to Mike Jarrett, a member of the host organization, Chattooga Athleltic Boosters Club. Mr. Jarrett has been involved since the first year of the event, which is a major fundraiser for the Boosters Club.
“At first I had my doubts,” he recalled. “But we went down to Rome and watched a ride and talked with people there and decided we would give it a try. Mike Dillard and Bill Moll (county residents and bicycling enthusiasts) were also very helpful early on.”
The ride “started strong” according to Mr. Jarrett, drawing 375.
“I was shocked it was so successful,” he said. “Shocked and very happy.”
Mr. Jarrett said a major attraction for many riders is the course, which includes plenty of flat riding, rolling hills and some very challenging climbs on Lookout Mountain.
Marking the course has started and takes at least two weeks to complete, but Mr. Jarrett said the ride organizers have heard many compliments from participants impressed with how well marked the course is.
The course is laid out in five increments (15, 30, 62, 100 and125 miles). The more mountainous terrain is featured in the 100 and 125-mile courses. Mr. Jarrett said six rest areas will be set up and the riders will have support groups trailing them.
The ride will start Aug. 14 from the parking lot of Chattooga County High School. Sign-in begins at 6:30 a.m.
Safety is major concern, and Mr. Jarrett said EMTs will be on hand and assistance from local law enforcement always has been available.
Riders will need to take heat into account and make sure they are sufficiently hydrated. Water will be available at the rest stops.
Weather for the event has ranged from a cool, autumnlike day to a roasting hot one.
“Even the year is was between 95 and 100 degrees we had a pretty good turnout,” Mr. Jarrett said. “The riders look at it as part of the challenge.”
In its best year the ride drew almost 500 participants, a number Mr. Jarrett hopes to eclipse this year. He said a lot of riders come from Chattanooga, Atlanta and Birmingham, Ala.
“This event has really grown into something the county can be proud of,” he said. “It brings a lot of people to Chattooga County and lets them see what a beautiful place this really is.”
The entry fee is $25 in advance (by Aug. 4) and $30 on the day of the ride. Helmets and signed waivers are required.
To find out more about the Chattooga Century bike ride or to get a ride application, go to www.chattoogacentury.com or call Matt Shireman at 706-859-1054 or contact him by e-mail at mshireman2004@yahoo.com.