62 Mile Route
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(Before 2009 this route had one significant 2.4 mi climb up to Sewanee for a total elevation gain of 1736 ft.* This year think of this ride as three pieces of the Sewanee climb spread out over 50 mi with good rollers thrown in the mix.)
Don't let the fast descent over the first 2 miles down to the itty bitty community of Raus, TN fool you. This route is challenging as it is beautiful.
First up, and only file miles in is the climb over Hilltop, the highest point in Bedford County. Be careful on this very fast descent which leads to the community of Flat Creek, TN. There's a small gas station/grocer here that's not an "official" food stop but you can purchase goodies if you like.
The first food stop is pretty early at mile 14 which you may choose to skip but don't miss the next one where only the 62 and 100 mile riders visit Petersburg, TN. You'll appreciate this second food stop at mile 30 as you climb out of Petersburg by way of Chestnut Ridge. Every good climb deserves a memorable descent and the Chestnut Ridge climb is no exception. It's a screaming descent that leads to a fast, slightly downhill run into the third food stop where the 31, 50, 62 and 100 routes all converge.
Just after the third food stop the hundred milers split while the rest ride a "roller coaster" on into historic Lynchburg, TN. There is no "official" food stop in Lynchburg but there are public restrooms and you can choose to visit one of the quaint restaurants and pay for a "sit down meal". Don't eat too much, though, because you've got one more hill before arriving back at Motlow State Community College to enjoy a nice hot shower and of course our famous Elk River Valley 100 bratwurst meal.
*Elevation calculations taken from MapMyRide.com.