Skill Level:

Intermediate-Advanced Though this loop is relatively short, the route has a short 1-mile climb that exceeds 10 percent for two sections. It is steep enough to be a challenge to novice riders. For advanced riders, this route is an excellent training loop as the roads outside of downtown and the climb allow for extensive intervals, a challenging climb with a proper cool-down for the return to Huntsville. 

Variations:

This particular loop from downtown serves as the base for a large number of possible rides ranging up to 100 miles. Contact the Spring City Cycling Club (www.springcity.org) for information on organized rides in the area and routes. 

Features:

This loop can start at any point in Huntsville, but is best attempted from downtown near Big Spring Park, Five Points or the Visitor’s Center on Church Street. A good portion of the route is on shaded roads with relatively little development, but not many stores. At 30 miles long, most riders would not require a water stop. If attempted late in the day, you are treated to a nice sunset view of Huntsville at the crest of Cecil Ashburn Drive at Blevins Gap. Do not attempt this ride with less than two hours of daylight left.

The downtown start location places the rider near many restaurants and Big Spring Park and gives a convenient start point for cyclists visiting Huntsville or staying in downtown hotels. Running the route clockwise allows for a rapid exit from downtown in less than 4 miles. 

Route Legs:

• Go east on Williams.
• Immediate left onto Church at Art Museum.
• Madison County Visitors Center at corner of Meridian and Cleveland.
• Left after passing under freeway and crossing tracks. Note: Meridian busy from 4:00 to 5:30.
• Look for A&M University at turn.
• Immediate left after tracks!
• Right at 4-way stop.
• Cross US 72.
• Runs parallel to US 72 East. Stores on left on 72.
• Old Gurley ends at 72. Cut through parking lot of Ingram Heating and Cooling. Take next right downhill onto Wall Road.
• Wall Road.
• Look for right turn marked with paint arrows after new subdivision on left.
• Windwood merges into Dug Hill.
• Left after fast downhill. Be prepared to turn as Dug Hill Road bends to right.
• Dug Hill Ts into Caldwell.
• Cross US 72. Caldwell becomes Miller at US 72.
• Miller Ts into Old Big Cove.
• Right at first and only light. (Do not miss this turn or you will end up at the Tennessee River.) Begin 1-mile climb.
• Cross Bailey Cove Road.
• Right at next light.
• Cross Carl T. Jones Road. 1.5 miles to Drake Avenue. Left at 4-way stop.
• Over hill. Right onto Whitesburg at light. Follow Whitesburg left at split at next light.
• Cross US 431. Whitesburg becomes Madison St.
• Cross over Big Spring. Left onto Lowe at next light.
• Right at next light.
• Left at Art Museum.
• Finish at Big Spring Park.

Afterward:

One of the best aspects of starting a ride in downtown Huntsville is ending the ride in Downtown Huntsville. After working up a big appetite, Huntsville offers many dining opportunities, from basic country cooking and barbecue to high-end cuisine and everything in between. Directly on the route you can find:

• Rockabilly’s Barbecue – Corner of Pratt and Meridian streets. Classic Southern barbeque in a retro-futuristic Jetson’s-styled building. Recommend the beef brisket and chicken.
• Furniture Factory Bar and Grill – Just off Meridian near the corner of Cleveland Avenue. A wide-ranging, well-prepared menu with locally brewed Olde Towne beer.
• Roman Holiday Café – Cecil Ashburn Drive, near the intersection of Bailey Cove Road. Italian gelato, espresso and pannini.

Downtown:

• Humphrey’s Bar and Grill – Washington Street
• Pauli’s Chophouse – Washington Street
• Jazz Factory – Northside Square
• Kenny Mango’s Coffeehouse – Northside Square
• White Rose Café – (Traditional country fare) – Northside Square
• Bistro del Soleil – South-side Square
• Papou’s – (Greek) – Southside Square

Five Points:

• Starfish – (Seafood) Russell Street
• Sazio – (Mediterranean) – Russell Street
• Thai Garden – On Wellman Avenue near Andrew Jackson Way
• Mullins Drive-In – (Country cooking. Open early) – Andrew Jackson Way
• Po’Boys Factory – (Cajun/New Orleans) – Andrew Jacson Way

 

Notes:

There are few opportunities for stopping along the route that are convenient to reach. There are some stores at 10 miles into the loop just off Old Gurley Road on US 72. There are a few ice cream shops and a gas station at the base of the descent from Blevins Gap at the intersection of Bailey Cove Road and Cecil Ashburn Drive. Running the route in reverse will place the convenience stores in the last section of the route.

• Old Gurley Road – Stores on US 72.
• Cecil Ashburn Drive

Meridian Street North is busy during rush hour from around 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more info:

None

Contact any of the following for additional information:

Ardmore Welcome Center

Street Address:
28232 Upper Elkton Road
Elkmont, AL 35620
Phone#:(256) 423 - 3891

Bicycle Works Inc.

Street Address:
5000 Whitesburg Drive S #140
Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone#:(256) 650 - 6282

Bicycles Etc.

Street Address:
8100 Memorial Parkway SW #A
Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone#:(256) 881 - 6947

Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Street Address:
500 Church Stree, Suite One
Huntsville, AL 35801
www.huntsville.org

Madison Cycles

Street Address:
8760 Madison Boulevard, Suite J
Madison, AL 35758
Phone#:(256) 461 - 9963

Spring City Cycling Club

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
www.springcity.org

Trailhead Inc.

Street Address:
604 Andrew Jackson Way
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone#:(256) 534 - 1333