2015 COHUTTA 100 UPDATE - COURSE CHANGE! After much deliberation it has become clear that a route change is necessary for the 2015 Cohutta 100. This does not affect the Big Frog 65 race. We knew that changing the course was a very likely possibility after the 2014 event due to a number of factors, mainly that the Forest Service in Georgia has not been very keen on our use of single track down there. 2014 was to be our last year of being able to use the Pinhotti 2 single track section. That is why we mentioned to many of you at the race last year that a change was imminent. However, we were graciously granted one more year of use -- much to our delight. So, we started into the 2015 event planning as usual, only to come face to face with the reality that there are just too many precarious factors hanging in limbo which could potentially cause very unsatisfactory results. The factors that are contributing to closing up the southern trajectory into Georgia are: 1. The less-than-comfortable relationship with the GA F.S. dept. due to the wear and tear on the single track down there. 2. Friction with advocacy groups because of trail use. 3. Challenging run-ins with law enforcement due to course marking. 4. Increasing disappearance of signage south of the border. 5. Increasing displeasure with the admittedly demoralizing and arduous climb back up Potato Patch. 6. The fresh laying down of what would end up being close to 20 miles of large gravel. This gravel is unrideable in spots, particularly climbs, because it is so big and loose. We assumed that by April this gravel should be packed down, but a recent ride there a week ago revealed possibly the opposite. The gravel isnt so much getting packed down, but dispersed. This makes riding quickly and efficiently even more of a challenge as the wheels are constantly being deflected by the large stones. The course change will bring the route 100% back into Tennessee. A GPS file and map should be available by early February. The basic description though, is that the Cohutta 100 route will follow the Big Frog 65 course with the addition of a 35 mile loop on the west end of the course -- north of the lollipop loop. The benefits of this route change end up being the following: 1. A course that is closer to the Start/Finish making it easier to monitor and manage. This means more control of course marking, Aid Stations, and volunteers. This translates to a safer course for the racers, with fewer possibilities of mishaps and mistakes. 2. Much easier access to volunteers and spectators. 3. A little bit easier course with a little less elevation gain -- making for a more attainable goal for many riders so early in the season. 4. The anticipation of riding a fun new course, with views of Lake Ocoee, stream crossings, and back-country trails. While we regret the losing of the fun and energizing Pinhotti 2 section, we feel that the new course will be enjoyed by all, creating a fresh challenge to look forward to this year. We sincerely apologize for this somewhat late notice of changing the route. We know that many of you have been looking forward to beating down the Potato Patch monster. We know that these changes will not only benefit us all, but also make for the best Cohutta 100 yet! Please spread the word, and we will see you in the Spring! Sincerely, Charles and Corrie Nelson
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:50:23 +0000
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