Cycling – Road Route – Guntersville- International Ride of Chicken Houses

As expected from the name, this tour of one of the top chicken-producing counties in the state will pass many chicken houses. But, this 38-mile ruggedly beautiful ride gives a lot more than its length and goofy name indicates. Beginning at the Guntersville Recreation Center, this route crosses the AL 69 causeway and immediately climbs the freshly paved Georgia Mountain Road to begin a raucous tour of the aggressively rolling roads across Brindlee Mountain. With a bit of navigation, the route rewards the adventurous rider with many roads that swoop and sweep through the rural sections of Marshall County.

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Skill Level:

Intermediate/Advanced – There is one long climb in the first 4 miles of the route and a very fast, 50 mph descent near the end of Fry Gap Road on the return from Arab. Much of the pavement after the first climb and throughout the Union Grove segment after Scant City is abrasive chip seal. Rugged Beauty = Kind of Bumpy. Heavy duty training tires on this route are recommended.

This route requires some careful navigation as some of the intersections lack road signs. This route description will give landmarks for those intersections.

A 2-mile segment of the route traverses AL 69 from Georgia Mountain Road to Scant City. The road is high speed, but there are shoulders, wide lanes and good visibility for the entire length of the segment.

Variations:

It is possible to bypass most of the rougher roads in Union Grove by shortcutting on Eddy-Scant City Road to Friendship Road. Follow Friendship Road towards Arab.

Start and end the ride at the City Park in Arab just off of Fry Gap Road. This loop places the major climbing later in the ride and allows for an after-ride lunch at the famous L-Rancho Café on Main Street in Arab.

Afterward:

As a lake resort town, Guntersville offers many dining opportunities not found in other towns this size. There are many dining options along Gunter Avenue/US 431. It is possible to ride your bike right up to any of the establishments around the historic square in downtown.

Squig’s BBQ – 3633 Highway 227 (East of the causeway on the way to Lake Guntersville State Park, near Goldkist Plant), 256-582-8857. Open for lunch and dinner.
Covington’s Café – 524 Gunter Avenue (US 431), 256-582-5377. Open for lunch. Sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts.
Two Brothers Philly Cheese Steak and Pizza – 373 Gunter Avenue, 256-571-0109. Open for lunch and dinner.
Crawmama’s – 5002 Webb Villa (Near Guntersville High School), 256-582-0484. Seafood, steaks, gumbo, crawfish. Open for lunch and dinner.
Death by Chocolate – 2328 Taylor Street (on the Courthouse Square), 256-582-3557. Espresso and gourmet coffee, desserts and confections. Open 7 a.m., M-Thu. Lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Char-Burger - 3848 AL Highway 69 (west of the Causeway, at Gunter Mountain Road), 256-582-3502.

During the ride:

L-Rancho Café – 41 North Main Street, Arab, 256-586-9913. Check out the regionally famous country cooking hangout on Main Street and learn about the unique history of this knotty pine-walled restaurant. Open for breakfast and lunch.

For more info:: None

Contact any of the following for additional information:

Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau: Street Address:
200 Gunter Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976
Phone#:1 (800) 869 - LAKE
www.marshallcountycvb.com