Bike Ride and Summit Hike - Stone Mountain Park

Meet at the Conferderate Hall Restroom area (the same spot for the Stone Mountain hikes).  

We will be riding twice around Stone Mountain on the more difficult outer loop, which is 7 miles around.  (14 miles total).  After the ride we will put our bikes away, change into hiking shoes and hike quickly up the mountain to catch the sunset (hike is 2 miles total, so our total distance is 16 miles of biking + hiking).  The sun sets at 8:39 pm, so if all goes well we can get the ride in and have plenty of time to hike up and catch the sunset.

Bike Pace is difficult to predict since it's so hilly.  I will aim for around 15mph or so. I've done group rides around the park and a strong rider can complete the outer loop in roughly 20 minutes. I'm not going to blaze away, but I would prefer to not stop to have to wait for anyone who has to get off their bike to walk up hills.  Consider this a road-bike event. Hybrids or mountain bikes are ok, but they are heavy and slow.

On that note, the outer loop is a very hilly and challenging ride.  I do not recommend signing up for this unless you have strong biking skills.  There are some substantial hills on the outer loop that are tough to climb if you're not in shape.  Conversely, there are some very fast downhill portions where it is possible to exceed 35mph on a road bike easily.  There are cars and other walkers, joggers and bikers so you must feel comfortable riding in such situations.  

  This is not designed to be a leisurely conversation-based "Silver Comet" ride.  We need to finish both loops before 8:00 pm to have time to hike to the top of Stone Mountain and catch the sunset.

 I urge you to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Stone Mountain path and evaluate your own biking abilities  before signing up.

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/sto ne-mountain-ga/stone-mountain-outer- loop-route-3297831

 http://www. stonemountainpark.com/activities/map/ove rview.aspx

Be sure to prep your bike before hand (tire inflation, etc) so we can start the ride on time.  Wheels down at 6:45 pm so try to arrive at 6:35 to give yourself time to get ready.

Note: Entrance fee to park is $10, or $35 annually (see outside-the-park parking option below)

Directions:

From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East about 7 miles to Exit 8, Stone Mountain Park Entrance. After entering, road will fork at about 1 mile - turn right.  Continue to the Confederate Visitor center (the usual meeting spot for the Stone Mountain hikes).

If you would like to try the free public parking in Stone Mountain Village, from Hwy 78 take exit 5 and merge onto GA 10. Proceed 0.5 miles to the first exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Drive a mile or so, past a gas station and a funeral parlor (both on your right). When you see City Hall turn left. There is a Marta park and ride on fourth street. From there it is a short walk on East Mountain Street to the west gate. Please note, it's about a 0.5 mile ride from the west gate to the Visitor Center