|
|
|
The Balltown Classic route will follow the same general route as it has in previous
years. This is, for the most part, an out and back with is only a short loop through
Balltown that is not re-ridden on the return trip. It is this section of the ride
that includes some of the steepest hills of the day. |
 |
The route starts with a tour of about 40 miles through the rolling farmland of central
Iowa, then moves into a bit steeper terrain at the Makoqueta River. Climbing north
and a bit west we arrive at the halfway point of the route, the highest elevation of the day.
The road along the Mississippi bluffs into Balltown is a series of steps up to about
1200 feet. This is the second rest stop and checkpoint. After Balltown there is a sudden, fast drop into the Mississippi River
Valley and a short series
of hills and turns to rejoin the route back to DeWitt.
The route is 200 miles. The riders leave from the Super
8 Motel in Dewitt at 5 AM sharp. There will be a short meeting and mass start at
that time. Headlight and taillight are required. |
For the most part, the ride follows low trafficked, county and state roads. There are
a few sections through small towns, but none of the route is on busy highways for
any distance. The beginning and end of the route follows a main thoroughfare in
DeWitt.
The route is well marked with painted arrows on the pavement - in previous
years, the riders loved the markings, in fact, most said that there was no need
for a cue sheet. Even so, each rider is provided with a map of the route and
printed directions.
The UMCA has rated the Balltown a difficulty of 1. This is the same rating
all doubles receive, since double centuries are the shortest rides in the Ultracycling
Cup Series. The
route is not the most difficult of events, but it is a challenging one nonetheless.
|
Balltown Route Topo |
|