This is an information page about the event, what you can expect, places to stay, etc. Feel free to post questions on our Facebook page. We will share the answers here for all to see.
RULES:
HORSES have the right away, ALWAYS!
Cyclists must STOP for horses in Love Valley and WAIT for instruction from the rider. Horses may spook and buck riders off – be polite and STOP!
The relationship between cyclists and the residents of Love Valley is STRAINED due to some bad apples in the cycling community. Don’t be one!
F.A.Q.s
What is the Love Valley Roubaix and what’s special about it?
- If you’ve never been to Love Valley, it’s like traveling back in time to the old western days. Nestled in the Brushy Mountains just north of Statesville, Love Valley is an authentic western town. It has a dirt road downtown with hitching rails for horses and a dirt road downtown that includes a general store, hardware store, blacksmith shop, saloon, and few other businesses. You can read more about the history of Love Valley here.
What are the distances and what is the course like?
- This year there Love Valley is a three-day event with four routes. On the registration page, you’ll be able to choose Saturday, Sunday, or the Omnium. The course terrain consists of gravel, dirt-packed roads, and paved roads. You can expect to encounter 50/50 gravel/road.
- Friday: Registration starts at 5 pm at the intersection of Fox Mtn Rd and Bacon Rd. The Hill Climb will start at 6 pm. Riders will park along Fox Mountain Road. Each rider will go one at a time with 1 minute in between riders.
- Saturday: Registration, Start/Finish at 168 Henry Martin Trail. Registration will be from 7:00 am – 8:30 am, don’t get there late. Things kick off at 9 am. The 50-mile and first part of the 100-mile is the same course and have 1 rest stop at mile 26. The 100-mile event will have a water stop at the intersection of Bacon Rd and Fox Mtn. Rd for the second time (mile 51) and riders will pass the same rest stop twice on the second half at miles 67 and 90. (This station shuts down at 4pm) DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE the second part of the 100 miler, over half the climbing is in the second half. If you are riding under a 10mph avg be prepared with lights.
- Sunday: Registration, Start/Finish at 168 Henry Martin Trail. Registration will be from 7:00 am – 8:30 am, don’t get there late. It’s the classic route! Things kick off at 9 am. 2 rest stops at miles 14 and 31(approximate). Seismicity in the Balls Mill Rd area has made the climb even tougher!
Things of importance
- -Parking: The lot in front of Miss Kittys is off-limits to riders. Do not park in front of driveways. Easy parking on the side of the road on Bacon Rd and Fox Mountain. A map of parking lots can be found at http://www.
lovevalleyroubaix.com/parking- -Food: We are finalizing these details but there will be food for riders and if you are Vegan/Vegetarian we will have an option as well. Nonparticipants can pig out for a fee.-Timing: David with The Sport Management Group, Inc. is joining us again this year for your chip timing needs. -Course markings: Riders are responsible for knowing the course. Please download the map for your event(s). We have minimum painted arrows at turns. Pink arrows for Saturday, White arrows for Sunday. We are not able to paint on the gravel so we highly suggest using GPS routes to keep you on course. A list of routes for download is available belowmap/ -Cell Service: It’s pretty spotty out there, do not rely on cell service. We will have sweep vehicle(s) on course and Emergency Radio Service out on course.
-Bathrooms: We will have 2 Porta-Johns at the Start/Finish area
-Rest stops: We will have stocked rest stops on Saturday and Sunday (see above for location each day). If you want to bring your own drop bag please make sure it has your name and what rest stop you would like it to be at and bring it to the registration tent. We will have a sign for drop offs. Anything left in drop bags will be brought back to the start/finish after the rest stop shuts down for the day.
-Dogs: You will be riding in the country and country folk have dogs that run loose so keep an eye out. If you are bringing your own pupper to the event with your family please make sure they are on a leash.
–Horses: Yield to them!
-Open roads: You will be on open roads that may have traffic. Please obey all rules of the road. Stop at stop signs and signal your turns. Front and rear lights are highly recommended for your protection.
What type of bike do I need?
- Because the course includes a combination of terrain, you’ll want a bike that is cross-country or gravel-specific. If you have a road bike, we would suggest thick-walled tires to enjoy the event.
What is the weather like this time of year?
- Although we can’t predict the weather, we can tell you that in years past, it typically has been cold and rainy which just adds to the grit and glory of conquering Love Valley—it brings out the toughest of cyclists.
Can I use a GPS?
- Absolutely and we certainly encourage it. We will provide riders with a downloadable file of the course map. We will have minimum markings on the course with painted arrows
- Friday Night: Hill Climb for Omnium Riders Only. Seconds count. https://www.strava.com/routes/23019486
- Saturday Route :50 mile https://www.strava.com/routes/16183673Saturday Route: 100 mile https://www.strava.com/routes/22566826
- Sunday Route – the Roubaix: https://www.strava.com/routes/16445135
Ride with GPS Routes
- Saturday 50
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31808606 - Saturday 100
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31439818 - Sunday Classic Route
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31808331
Are there any hotels nearby?
Can I find LVR on Facebook?
- Yes, and the link is right here! We’ll post any updates or upcoming rides to help prepare for this year’s race.