2023 Bootlegger 100 – Long day in the saddle.
The day started out with not very promising weather. The evening before the 2023 Bootlegger 100, a big storm rolled through that continued to bring rain in the early morning. But by the time of the race start, the showers ended. The skies didn’t clear until around noon.
The 2023 Bootlegger 100 is a gravel race that starts in Lenoir, North Carolina, USA. Lenoir is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes Northeast of Asheville, North Carolina. Lenoir is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and closely located to the Pisgah National Forest, where a lot of the Bootlegger 100 takes place.
Epic!
The best way to describe the whole experience is Epic. From the views, the course, and the Pisgah Productions hosting. Though, there was quite a bit of suffering, some sketchy descents and corners, and some tough competition, it was an amazing day.
This was my first time climbing over 10000 ft in one ride. It was a bit brutal. I should have chosen different gearing, but sometimes it is best to ride what you have. And that’s what I did.
The Course
For the 2023 Bootlegger 100 there are two options to enjoy the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. First is the Bootlegger 10 that is 107 miles long and over 10000 ft of climbing. The second is a 58-mile course that is about 4500 ft of climbing. Both courses have multiple aid stations along the way.
Schedule of Events 2023 Bootlegger 100
Friday
5:00PM – 10:00PM — Sign in OPEN
Saturday
5:30AM – 7:30AM — Sign in OPEN
7:45AM — Racer Meeting at START
8:00AM — START
2:00PM — 100-mile cutoff at Rest Area 3
6:00PM — Raffle drawing
9:00PM — Final cutoff
Awards will be presented as soon as possible after the third racer in each division finishes.
The Rules
- Have fun!
- Racers must wear an approved cycling helmet.
- Racers must burn front and rear lights.
- Racers must complete the event on the bike they started on.
- Racers may receive outside support within 100′ of official rest areas only.
- Racers may receive support from other participating racers at any time.
- Racers must stay in single-file except to pass.
- Racers must obey all local traffic laws.
- Electric-Assist (E-Bikes) are prohibited
- The race director reserves the right to disqualify any racer for any reason.
Parking and Accommodations:
The city of Lenoir has quite a few municipal parking lots. I had no trouble finding a spot the evening before and there were plenty of parking spots day-of too. The City of Lenoir allowed for Car/Van/RV camping in their parking lots. There was a least one hotel, but there are probably more in the area.
The course was clearly marked with orange course making tape and big orange signs with arrows on them.
The race was RFID timed. The timing chip was located on the number plate.
No Refunds given.
The Race
The 2023 Bootlegger 100 gravel race started with heading out of town with a semi neutral role out and a lead out escort from the local Police. There was also traffic control at key intersections. I knew it was going to be a tough course, but I still tried to stick with the front group as long as I could.
Before even hitting the first section of gravel, the race was already starting to string out. I put in a few hard efforts and managed to close the gap and make it to the front group.
Once we hit the first climbs the race blew up. I would get passed by quite a few riders on the climbs, but once we hit the descent, I would bomb passed many of the riders. Quite a few of the descent were technical and since it had rained the night before they were slick in a lot of places.
It was a long journey of almost 107 miles and 10604 ft of elevation gain. Total moving time was 8 hrs and 18 mins. The day started out a bit rainy and chilly but warmed up to a nice 58 F. Check out my 2023 Bootlegger 100 Strava File.
If you are really into climbing and love riding is beautiful places, this is a great gravel race to attend.
The even is well hosted and the rest stops have plenty of goodies to satisfy most rider’s needs.
Post ride Burritos. I could have probably eaten a few of these.
It was a bit muddy at the 2023 Bootlegger 100.
JayLo making his way to the finish line
The event winners.
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