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Summit of Lakey Gap

The Climbs of the Binge – Lakey Gap

June 30, 2017

Sponsor of Timed Section #1 Lakey Gap

For those of us who live in Black Mountain NC, Lakey Gap is our gateway to great cycling roads in Bat Cave, Lake Lure, Fairview and Old Fort. How many times have I climbed it? Not even Strava knows for sure since I’ve been climbing it since before Strava segments existed.

At the top of Lakey Gap, you will find a narrow spot beside the Eastern Continental Divide sign to snap a photo. About .25 mile from the summit, you may encounter locals parked alongside the road to collect water from a natural spring. If you are on a ride and in need of water, you will find this to be some of the best you’ve ever tasted.

The spring water will have to wait for another day as there will be no stopping on Binge day. Lakey Gap is the first timed section of the event and riders from all three routes will enjoy this challenge.

Here are Brent Bookwalter’s thoughts about the climb:

When I ride from our home in Asheville out to the Binge route, the climb to Lakey Gap serves as a perfect warm up effort of my ride.  Lakey Gap fits into the Binge route in the same way, offering the first major challenge in all three Binge routes.  Though it is not the longest nor steepest climb in the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo, it offers smooth pavement, sweeping curves and long range views of the Black Mountains to the north.

In addition to being part of the Gran Fondo on Saturday, I’m looking forward to giving Binge Tune Up riders a sneak peak of the Lakey Gap climb on Friday October 27.  This will be the perfect climb to tune up for Saturdays big ride and it will be a great chance for some reconnaissance for anyone looking to triumph on this timed segment the following day. After a quick regroup and photo op at the continental divide during the Tune Up, descending Lakey Gap back into Black Mountain will give me a chance to share some descending tips as this is also one of my favorite downhill sections in the area and an idea place to hone our downhill skills. — Brent Bookwalter
So there you have it…want to enjoy this climb with Brent & Jamie while getting some pro tips on descending? Sign up for the Tune Up soon because space is limited to 30 riders. Then, enjoy Lakey Gap during the Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo where your performance will be timed and compared to some of the top pro riders in the world.

Lakey Gap is sponsored by EmergeOrtho (formerly Blue Ridge Bone & Joint)…the same folks who helped repair Jamie Bookwalter’s torn ACL & MCL. Looking for help with a sports injury? Here’s Jamie’s testimony:
After I tore my ACL and MCL (and partial meniscus too!), I did extensive research to find the best surgeon in the Western North Carolina region. I talked to people throughout WNC, and it was obvious that EmergeOrtho (Blue Ridge Bone and Joint) was the premier choice. EmergeOrtho also made sure all of my service providers were in my insurance network. I’m only in month 3 of my recovery, but so far I’m very happy with the results of the surgery — Jamie Bookwalter

Sponsored byEmergeOrtho
Length1.8 miles
Total Elev Gain460'
Max Grade8.8%
Avg Grade5.0%
Category4
Comes at milePiccolo - Mile 3.9
Medio - Mile 3.9
Gran - Mile 3.9

Summit of Lakey Gap

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