Skill Level:

Intermediate This ride presents no major challenges other than some big rollers at the beginning of the ride and the need to carefully navigate. A fit beginner rider can accomplish this ride without too much difficulty. 

Route Info:

34-mile rolling scenic loop around Opelika that departs and returns through north Opelika historic district, historic Gold Ridge area and Johnny Ray Rail line. The ride passes several historic buildings en route in the Gold Ridge and Oak Bowery areas, plus the twin silos that give the ride its name. 

Variations:

The route can be extended to follow the EACC Johnny Ray Century 100-kilometer and 100-mile routes. Painted route markings are on the course. Contact the East Alabama Cycling Club (www.eastalabamacycling.org) for details about the longer route. 

Features:

The route features rolling hills with no extended climbs. Roads are low traffic with fair to good pavement, with few rough patches in areas. 

Route Legs:

• Leave from the north parking entrance onto Avenue A.
• At first light, turn left. Cross RR Ave. and tracks. Pass through Historic Opelika.
• 8th St. bears left and becomes Renfro.
• Renfro turns into 10th as it crosses Bonita Ave.
• 10th turns into Oak Bowery as it passes Blackhawk Drive.
• Follow Oak Bowery all the way out of town. Pass golf course, cross Grand National Parkway. Oak Bowery becomes Stonewall at Grand National Parkway. Cross tracks before turn onto 147.
• Note: SR 147 is busy on Auburn Game Weekends. Avoid this road on game day.
• RR Crossing 2.3 miles after turn onto CR 21.
• Second right after turn onto US 280.
• Begin long, ininterrupted stretch of road.
• Take next immediate left turn onto CR 9.
• Turn right after turn onto CR 9.
• CR 9 ends at CR 48.
• Cross Hwy. 431. Two stores on Hwy. 431. Take next right onto 1st St.
• 1st becomes CR 83 in 1.7 mi.
• Turn right onto 389 before tracks.
• First right from 431 in less than 1 mi.
• Follow Hillflo as it turns left and becomes Rocky Brook Rd.
• Follow Rocky Brook all the way through the outskirts of Opelika. At 3rd St. bear right onto 6th Ave.
• Left in five blocks onto 8th. Cross tracks and RR Ave.
• Next light after tracks up hill.
• Finish in parking lot at park.

Afterward:

Papa Joe's Barbecue, corner of 2nd Avenue and 9th Street.

• Dining on South Railroad Avenue, just around the corner from the start.
• Dining on 2nd Avenue.
• "Front Porch Tour" of historic homes. Details at Chamber of Commerce.

 

Notes:

• Early in the ride, Hwy. 147 toward (6 miles out) Auburn will have heavy traffic on football game days. Plan ahead to avoid football game weekends.
• There is a short section on US 431 at 17.8 miles into the ride that can have some fast traffic. There is a left turn onto SR 290 in a blind curve. Use caution when executing this navigation.
• No stores en route. Carry enough water for 34 continuous miles.

For more info:

None

Contact any of the following for additional information:

Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel - Lanett Welcome Center

Street Address:
P.O. Box 234
Valley, AL 36854
Phone#:334-576-2116

East Alabama Cycling Club

Street Address:
 
,    
www.eastalabamacycling.org

Opelika Chamber of Commerce

Street Address:
601 Avenue A
Opelika, AL 36803-2366
Phone#:334 745-4861

The Bike Shop

Street Address:
147 N. College St.
Auburn, AL  
Phone#:334 821-6066