climbing in tennessee..and cycling

[Cathy]

My non-climbing husband and I are planning a combo climb/cycle trip to KY and TN. Based on what I've seen and/or know I know we'll start at the Red (climb/cyle gorge) and then move towards Knoxville (Obed) and Nashville (King's Bluff). My husband will belay me (reluctantly and with as little enthusiasm as possible) but he will do it.

I am trying to find out if anyone can recommend great road cycling routes ( near any of those places or en route. I'm not sure if we'll do Slade-Knoxville- Nashville-Slade or Slade-Nashville-Knoxville-Slade.

Also, I'm climbing in the sport 11 range and any recommendations re routes or best crags to go to (to save time) at Obed, King's Bluff or near those areas would be GREATLY appreciated.

I figure we'll be in those areas about 11 days and if I can climb 4 days one of us will be happy.

Thanks

[heath]

Where are you traveling from?

[Cathy]

We'll be comign in from Toronto (Canada) via 75... Will leave here either Sat or Sunday.
thanks

[ScottB]

The Natchez Trace is great for cycling in Nashville. http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/biking-the-trace.html

Foster Falls is just a bit farther from Nashville than King's Bluff. And the climbing and scenery are far superior. http://www.mountainproject.com/v/foster-falls/105883248

[ynp1]

Kings Bluff is cool and all, but I would not bike that far to climb there. I would check out Fosters Falls south of Nashville, way better climbing, but I don't know the biking logistics... Have fun!

[Noell]

Obed is awesome. If you are climbing 5.11, then you will have a ton of awesome and unique climbs to check out at the Obed. If it's still warm, head out to Y12 and climb Herbivore and Carnivore, or head up to Little Clear for shorter routes but a greater number of 5.11 and under. Lily has one of the Obed's most popular 5.11 routes - Heresy - because you get to climb in a horizontal roof at the top (very characteristic of the Obed!). If it's cool, South Clear would be your best bet. Image Wall there has lots of fun 5.11's and a few even easier warm ups.

[DrRockso]

Go to North Clear and get on Saddam Hussein. One of the best 11's I've been on anywhere. 120 feet so bring a 70m if you have it.

[Cathy]

Wow, sooo much great info. We won't be cycling from place to place...have van will travel and then cycle loops or there&backs. Our rides will probably be around the 50m mark (80km in canadian speak)

I don't have a 70m...yet...so will have to miss SH...for now.

We'd like to spend at least one night in Nashville to check out the scene. Any suggestions re that?
And we will be van camping so any suggestions of safe,dirt bag climber places would be awesome.
Thanks for the heads up re Foster Falls. Totally into cool scenery this time of year.
Any info will be put to good use in planning our trip. Thanks again,...climber really do rock it.

[clif]

hey Cathy- i can't imagine that you haven't considered it but the blue ridge parkway can make for nice rides and it looks to be between 3 or 3.5 hours from Obed or Foster Falls.
You set the pace.

[Cathy]

Well, I would have considered it if I'd known about it. We Canucks just need ot get out more. And now that I do I shall certainly look into it...sounds interesting. Thanks for chipping in.
I always set the pace!