North GA bikepacking options?

[Deathgrip]

I've found the TNGA route, which seems like a viable option in sections, but also seems like a really intense-terrain experience. Hoping to find some fire roads in the NF up in the north GA mountains, and maybe some local yokels to ride with. Anyone?

Riding an Ogre with panniers, but working on the kit.

[craigskiles]

I'm not local but am willing to drive up from Central Florida for a week of riding in the N. Ga Mountains.   
Do you have any scheduled dates? 
What speed and mileage do you plan to average?

[dgjessee]

Deathgrip, how many says do you have? Soooo many options. Happy to suggest if you give me an idea of mileage and days.

[Deathgrip]

Craig - don't have anything scheduled, but welcome you to come up and ride. I'm not a terribly strong rider, so probably 10-20 miles a day, max. Depends on the climbing, honestly.

Dgjessee - Thanks! I'd love to find some good fire roads to start with and work my way up to riding mixed terrain and singletrack. Ideal trip would be 3 days or so, mileage isn't so important to me. I just want to get out there and explore. Any help is much appreciated!

[dgjessee]

here's a good loop to start with. It's got a lot of climbing and there is about a 5-10 mile paved section near Suches, but almost all dirt. You really can't avoid climbing in North Georgia and it just builds character ;-) Resupply available in Suches at a gas station and then again at the intersection of Cooper Creek Rd and GA-60. I marked a bunch of decent campsite areas (really they are just telling you there's a good selection in that vicinity). The first 60 miles are pretty much all dirt roads. The last 20 miles or so are mostly single/doubletrack. Dont get too worried if the track doesn't line up completely with the trail. Just do your best to follow the GPS at intersections and you'll be fine; a lot of re-routes that aren't represented in my trail software yet. If you want longer, I'm happy to help add some other stuff on. At the same time, there are pretty obvious ways to cut off portions if you look at a topo; let me know if you need advice there. I hope you enjoy it!!

[Deathgrip]

Good stuff man, thanks! I'll check out the maps... This coming weekend is all mine, so if the weather's half-decent I'll be up there. I'll be sure to report back.... Thanks again.

[Deathgrip]

BTW - I found this super cool site to put the gpx files into... rather than browsing through my wonky GPS device: http://www.mygpsfiles.com/app/

So - is this loop easier to climb one way versus the other? Looks like exactly what I was hoping for! Probably make it a 3 night, 4 day adventure, just to get my feet wet. Fun!

[dgjessee]

Umm... It's probably easiest CCW. I also put the single track at the end so you could work up to it, as you say. The biggest climb you've got is gonna be cooper gap road, then Lance Creek at the end. Definitely some other climbs but nothing on par with Cooper Gap (it hurts).

I might head up that way for a day ride on Saturday. Is that when you're thinking you'll start?

[dgjessee]

How'd the trip turn out?

[Chunt]

Cool route Daniel! Off the beaten track, but not so far off to dissuade someone from doing it solo. Lots of camping options and water along this route as well. That section of Bull Mtn at the end is a nice touch.