Well we completed this route as well as many others in NC,TN,VA, and KY over 4 days in the mountains. I'll see about a seperate ride report on other routes, but here's my take on this one. All of the roads were in good condition as far as paving and lack of heaves. Leaving Big Stone Gap, we rolled through Appalachia, VA and headed up route 160 (and I do mean UP). The road climbs Black Mountain pretty aggressively till you reach the top somewhere over 4000 feet. Views are pretty open, but there are no pullouts to stop and look. Unfortunately on this side there was a good bit of gravel washed into the roadway and we had to climb a bit more conservatively than usual. Coming down the KY side was more wooded and dropped a bit more gradually. Overall a good ride which would be even better if/when the gravel gets off the road. After a brief stop in Cumberland, KY , we were headed northeast on 119 through alot of fun sweeping turns. We turned off of 119 at 932 and headed into a narrower road through the backwoods. Road was great fun - again with many nice turns and good road condition. I rode so many good roads this past week I've lost some of the detail I was mentally arranging for this post during my ride, but let's suffice to say this is a fun circuit over and through the mountains if you get a chance to do it. Mountain riding season is upon us - go get you some!
Carl