Coal Country Classic Ride & Race

Come join us for the Coal Country Classic, a 70 mile bike ride through the beautiful hills of Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. We will start in Norton, VA with a neutral rollout through downtown Norton. From there the route will follow the Powell River down to the Town of Appalachia. Once you turn right onto 160 you will hit the start of the climb to Black Mountain (the highest point in Kentucky!). After you crest of the mountain we will have our first of 2 aid stations for you to catch your breath and get a swig of water and a banana (or a cookie and some coke). Enjoy the next 10 miles of descent to the small town of Lynch, KY, hang a right onto US119 and 15 miles nice flat road through the valley awaits you. US119 leads up to second aid station, be sure to take full advantage of this because you are about to start a stretch of road the locals affectionately call “The Badlands”. Over the next 10 miles you will hit 3 climbs, , Hale Gap then Flat Gap then Fox Gap. After you cross Fox Gap it’s all downhill for the next 12 miles to the finish line.

There will be a timer going and awards for the top 5 Men and top Woman, but don’t feel like you have to treat this as a race. Bring some buddies and enjoy the fantastic roads and scenery on this route.

Day of registration opens at 8:00 a.m. in the Norton Elementary Parking Lot

Start: 9:00 a.m.

Course and Elevation profile:  https://www.strava.com/routes/23392562