The Climbs of the Binge – 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

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