Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Bloom View Post
Consider driving to Monroe Dam. There's plenty of parking at the dam, surrounded by good hills on both sides so you can do repeats, plus there are rest rooms at a small park on a bluff overlooking the dam. I love Morgan Monroe, but if you need the practice, this might be a more digestible start...
The route I suggested to Catrin essentially cut off the begginning of the route you and I did to avoid the hill as you approach the Forest. I had her start in the park instead and more or less ride out to the turn off for Lake Lemon (at Robinson Road, I think) and then just turn around and head back on Old 37. That would allow her to hit a couple of the longer shallower climbs as you head back to the Forest. They are challenging, but with the gearing Catrin has, I thought it was doable. Plus, it's easy enough to stop to catch your breath. Then back into the Forest. There's a nice, gentle incline as you head toward the park headquarters.