"Thousands line the road in this annual rite of spring cheering their larger than life heroes.
Urging, at times, even helping them victory.
They ride in the tracks of bygone legends dreaming of distant fame and glory.
But glory is not without a price.
These bloodied and battered warriors struggle through the rain, the cold, the mud, on roads better suited to oxen cart than bicycles.
But for the victor there is glory, immortality and a place in history amongst the giants of the road.
Since 1896, the greatest bike racers on earth have come to test their very souls in this brutal and beautiful spectacle".
CBS Sports – 1987
Distance: ~48 miles
The European Classic: Paris-Roubaix is the most famous of the single day classics. This race of ~260 km heads north of Paris to the Belgian border. It is famous for ~20 sections of "pavé" or ancient cobbled road that wears down all but the strongest and has been given the nickname L'enfer du Nord (The Hell of the North). Usually won by a big, strong rider but more luck is involved than in the Ronde van Vlaanderen.
"This is a race that suits me when I'm having a good day. On the other hand, if you don't have the legs, this is the worst place you could possibly be." - Jo Planckaert, 2004
GTC Classic Course Description: This ~77 km ride contains ~18 km of unpaved roads spread over 15 sections on quiet roads in Walton county (a shorter 50 km option is available). Break out those old Campionato del Mundos and join us for the fun! Maps provided.
Directions: Ride leaves from Walker Park elementary school in Walton county. From I-85, take highway 11 south towards Monroe (almost all the way to Monroe). From highway 78, make a left on highway 11 in Monroe and follow ~2 km to Walker Park ES (on your left).
Course Map: l'Enfer du Walton Ride Map (.pdf)
(To download the map to your computer, Right-Click on the link and select "Save Target As...")