Ever since I got it in my head to ride the upper part of the TD route next Summer, I've been riding my new Broadaxe out on every gravel and dirt road that I can find. I came across the Forest Service maps (posted in another thread) and am learning how the local forest service roads and trails all interconnect here in the Cherokee forest. Although yesterday's ride was still about conditioning and enjoying a cold light rain, I did spend a good chunk of the day exploring out on some dead end roads and other trails between South Holston Lake and the mountain itself.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/634515576I've found some trails and roads that should get me to the top of the mountain to the trail that runs along the ridge. As long as I can find some up, along and over routes, I can piece together some real good 50+ mile routes with no trouble. All in all it was a great day. The wife was miffed that my 2 hour ride ended up being 4, but she got over that eventually.