Kevin Bilbrey

Tellico Highlands is hard. Haha. No really it is, but it is an absolutely beautiful and epic route. So, just do it.

This was my first attempt ever at this route. I had done some or most of the roads during the Vista Bikepacking ride. Although, I did not remember most of them except for the paved section of river road. The route never lets up. I honestly thought it would, but it did not.

I chose to do the route single speed, and used a gravel bike. It was actually my first ride on this bike. Ha ha. I have a really bad habit of doing this. Facepalm.

I ran 34x20, and it maxed me out. I was able to climb mostly seated, trying to conserve energy, but I was absolutely toasted by the finish. I never had to walk, but I possibly should have. I ran 29x2.0 Conti Racekings on my Niner RLT. I wish my bike would hold bigger ones. Lol. I am getting older, and my bike handling skills aren’t that great, so I need all of the squish I can get. I ran 18 psi front and rear.

I drank approximately 100 oz of water/sugary/ salty hydration mix and (2) 20 0z cokes. I consumed 8-10 gels, and 3 packs of sour patch kids (I prob should have drank some straight water at some point). My stomach was in knots at hour 5, in the meat of Farr Gap. It was hot as heck. Those 2 elements combined wrecked me, but I don’t think it slowed me down. I knew those things were only temporary, and just thought about getting in that cold river water at Oosterneck! I had nearly a clean run at the route, so I can’t complain too much. It was an awesome route that I can’t wait to do it again! Thank y’all.