Road rides?

[crockpot2001]

I am in love with the local trails but the heat and mud may be an issue as we roll through the spring/summer. Are there a few SAFE loops you know of in Augusta for road cycling with little or no cars. I emphasize safety as I have literally been run over once and hit another time. My nerves are not what they used to be.

Thanks for any responses.

Stan

[Angela]

There are roads that we have ridden that have less traffic around but I've also always felt that riding in a group has certain benefits as well. Range Road out on Fort Gorden is about 20 miles of a sensational workout and about all you'll ever see is a few other riders and an occasional Humvee. I'm sure some of our more dedicated road riders will chime in here but in the meantime, here are the links to the rides and events page for the bike shops located in Augusta in case that is of interest to you:

Andy Jordan's Bicycle Warehouse
andyjordans.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm

Chain Reaction
chainreactionbicycles.net/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm

Outspokin'
outspokinaugusta.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm

[jtaylor]

There are a number of roads between Patriots Park and Grovetown/Harlem/Thomson that are "low traffic", especially on weekend mornings. I think groups meet regularly Saturday morning at the Park. The best choice is Range Road, Fort Gordon, though there are still some sections of "public" traffic. Range Road has a short loop- 15 miles, and a longer loop, about 22 miles, if I recall correctly. The short loop is about 1000' of climbing. When it's over 100 deg this summer, I think I would rather be in the woods than out on the road in full bake mode.

[dgaddis1]

Don't forget all the roads (paved and dirt/gravel) out in Sumter National Forest. When we do connector mtn bike rides out there it's not uncommon to not get passed even once.

[crockpot2001]

Thanks for the responses. May get to tap into these this weekend. Especially looking forward to some gravel miles.

Cheers,
Stan

[money]

I am by no means a road rider, but when I have partaken in the asphalt jungle, I usually went to Fort Gordon and rode the Range Road loop. I believe it is 15ish miles with an option to turn it into 20ish. Some good hills out there as well, and the only traffic is usually military vehicles going to the ranges. They always gave me plenty of room when passing me.

[Mark Y.]

Any maps or directions for Range Road?

[Angela]

It's been a while since we've ridden out there because once they increased security due to 911 there is generally a slight delay getting into Fort Gordon as they check your vehicle out. That said it is a great training ride with lots of nice hills to work you out.

We parked a few times at Gordon Lakes Golf Club - here is the link to that and if you zoom out on the map you will see the basic loop that is the Range Road loop. There is a slightly shorter loop that is about 15 miles and with little effort you can go a little further and make the loop somewhere around 20+ miles.

Using the Gordon Lakes Golf Course as your to directions on Goggle maps or your GPS should get you to the starting point. Others might have some additional fine-tuning points.

maps.google.com/maps?jsid=5&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Gordon+Lakes+Golf+Course&fb=1&cid=0,0,15990770308367298230&near=+Fort+Gordon,+GA&sa=X&ei=U3BLT5rqK-Hu0gHa5fGzDg&ved=0CAMQkwMwBQ

[kconner]

I found this detailed Google map on the Augusta Road Cyclists website:

maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=202396429289462446185.00049b901ab09909d7875&ll=33.390746%2C-82.207088&spn=0.163535%2C0.315685&z=13

I've been eyeing this route myself for a while, just havn't had a chance to get out and ride it. I also don't know anything about the group, but here is their website:

augustaroadcyclists.blogspot.com/2011/02/fort-gordon-group-rides-sundays.html

[jtaylor]

Mark- when you're ready, we can plan a trip. You need your "A" game for this loop!

[crockpot2001]

any reports of being denied access for those that are non-Mil? A couple of the MDs I work with were pretty clear that civilians are not allowed access to ride here.

Yes, no, maybe? Should I drive a tank?

[nitro]

I know people who ride there frequently who are non-military. Just make sure everyone in the vehicle has ID and you have car registration (and sometimes they ask for proof of insurance).

[kconner]

I've got a buddy that works for the fire department out there, and he said that as long as you stay on the paved roads you should stay out of trouble. Also, apparently there is a barrier of some sort that they use to block off the roads when the range is "hot". So, if there's a barrier on the road, you're out of luck unless you want to become a moving artillery target

[Mark Y.]

Feb 27, 2012 12:10:52 GMT -5 jtaylor said:

Mark- when you're ready, we can plan a trip. You need your "A" game for this loop!

Might want to do the 15 mile loop first time out.

[harvey796]

If anyone wants to ride on Ft. Gordon let me know. I try to get out there on Thrusday afternoons and ride the small loop. It is more like 17 to 17 1/2. It's a good ride. It smells smoky out there right now. They just finished a controlled burn through a good portion of the Range Rd area.