The Log Cabin Ride

This is the route that I learned to call the Log Cabin Ride. I was first led out here a few years ago by a neighbor and some bike shop boys. I had no idea where I was, but it was good riding.
The Map My Ride link above maps the ride from my house, but when other riders join me, we usually meet at the BDB. The ride goes out through Pleasant Valley and Chenal, before getting slightly more rural further west. For a neat view of the ride, follow the link above, then click on "route" and "Open in Google Earth". Once again, I question the elevation numbers on map my Ride. My Garmin shows close to 5000 feet of climbing on this route.

The "Log Cabin" is a 14,000 square foot home overlooking a small lake and sitting on 75 acres of hilltop off of FernCrest Road in western Pulaski County. It is spectacular AND it's available for $4.3 Million. With a 30 year conventional mortgage, that's a little under $20,000.00 per month after $850,000.00 down. That's a lot of Italian bicycles, even if they're the new Pinarello Dogma with Shimano electronic DuraAce at $17.000.00.
Anyway, the ride has some hills, not the least of which is Ferncrest, which takes you past the Log Cabin as you climb up and over the ridge to Col. Glenn. The photos above show friends Tom and Heather paying the price of admission to the more pleasant ride across the top of the ridge and, of course, a shot of the Log Cabin.

Coming back in on this lollypop of a route, you get to climb a bunch of sharp little hills on Chenal Valley,Pebble Beach and Valley Club before you return to descend River Mountain Road and those climbs can take their toll by the end of the ride. Of course, climbs mean descents, too, and one of my favorites is between Col. Glenn and Ferncliff Camp.It is long and fast, making several sweeping turns on smooth pavement over the course of a mile or two in the shade of thick woods. Very nice. Traffic isn't bad, with Ferndale Road from Denny to Kanis probably being the busiest stretch and refueling is convenient at the friendly store at Kanis and Ferndale.
This is a good midlength town-and-country ride, about 46 miles from the BDB, that can make a fine addition to your list of weekend options.