Grit, Good Times, and Some Classic Carolina Gravel
Ah, spring in the Carolinas. Unpredictable weather, predictable pollen, and whatever the Bootlegger 100 throws at participants. With the closure of parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this year’s 100 served up just 85 miles. But that was more than enough to provide for good times and plenty of stories along some of western North Carolina’s rugged, scenic roads -- and off roads. The team at Pisgah Productions put on this annual affair, renowned as one of the most challenging and visually stunning gravel rides in the region. The two route options start and finish in downtown Lenoir and traverse the must-see wilds of Wilson Creek Gorge and the Grandfather Ranger District.
Charlotte Cyclists on the Scene
Folks we talked to said this year’s Bootlegger saw plenty of entrants the Charlotte cycling community, with many familiar faces at the start line. For first-timer Josh Kollmann, the event was a new adventure and a key part of his training for the legendary Unbound Gravel race. “It was sick, bro. It was great… it was just awesome,” Josh told us. Literally, it was like he was still buzzing from the experience.
Josh has been a friend for years. He’s also the founder and owner of Carolina Sports Clinic. He tackled the 85-mile Bootlegger course, which includes the infamous Maple Sally Road; a relentless climb that left a lasting impression. “It’s like the stairway to the heavens. You climb for a bit, then there’s this angry descent, and then you climb again. I felt like I was climbing for a couple days,” he said. Despite encountering sections with fresh, chunky gravel and evidence of hurricane Helene’s damage, Josh praised the event crew for keeping the course safe and well-marked.
A Veteran’s Perspective
Christy Cooley is a pretty familiar with what the Bootlegger generally dished out. This was her sixth or seventh time there. “This race for me is probably my nemesis. I’ve had mechanicals, I’ve completely bonked, I’ve ridden in the peanut butter rain. Mentally, this race kind of wears on me,” she admitted. But this year, she said, conditions were nearly perfect, with blue skies and just enough warmth to make for a comfortable ride. Christy took on the 85 miles, which she described as “challenging,” but totally worth it.
“I'm pretty good about pacing myself and knowing the long day ahead,” she added. “I'm not a super aggressive person at the start, which is which is fine when you have a long race, you can make up time along the way.
True to form, Bootlegger graced Christy with a little race-day hiccup when a dead shifter battery forced an impromptu pit stop. Thanks to the help of a friend and a friendly local, she was back on the road. “Sometimes it’s really good to have a buddy nearby to get through those situations,” she said, highlighting the supportive spirit that defines the Bootlegger community.
Worth the Effort
Both riders emphasized the beauty of the course and everything that comes with finishing an epic ride. The Bootlegger’s routes wind through remote stretches of forest, over recently rebuilt gravel roads, and past landmarks like Coffey’s General Store and the fabled Maple Sally climb. The event’s well-stocked rest stops, clear course markings, and post-ride atmosphere make it a regular must-do for cyclists from all over.
Whether you’re a gravel veteran or a newcomer seeking a true test, the Bootlegger is a great challenge, and a showcase of some great gravel. As Christy put it, “I strongly encourage anybody to ride in Wilson’s Creek… it is absolutely beautiful.” Want to know more about it? Pop in to see us here at Bicycle Sport and we’ll tell you all about our experiences riding out that way. And while western North Carolina continues to recover, they could sure use the company.