If your just trying to go for a fun ride. This looks great. However, if you are trying for a formal SS1000 cert then I think your route has 2 problems.
The first problem (as already mentioned) is the fact that the non-slab roads (Blue ridge parkway, deals gap, etc) are not particularly good for making time. In fact, if there is any amount of traffic it could very likely cause you to fall behind to the point you will miss the 24 hour window. (All this is IMHO). The recomendation that has been made before at other times and places about making your first SS a straighforward one is a good suggestion. (I am working on the assumption this will be your first SS ride). When your getting the first one you want to concentrate on doing the distance and making sure all the documentation is in order. And if you have never done a ride like this what most people fail to realize is that the first 750 miles is easy, its the last 250 that's difficult. By adding in all these slower roads you are adding an extra layer of difficulty. And it would really kind of suck to do this whole ride and then miss the 24 hour window by 1/2 an hour.
The second problem is more technical. The IBA does not like routes that are overly repititous. Although on the surface this does not look that way the zig-zag east and west to grab the deals gap could pose a problem. How does the IBA know you actually did this. Through receipts. The rule of thumb I follow is to get a receipt at each turn. Which means you need to know where the gas stations are and when they are open so you can hit them when they are open. Personally, I would expect that you need to get a receipt at the following locations (roughly) Kingsville, Boone, Bryson City, Madisonville, Robbinsville. Not only do you have the hassle of getting valid computer receipts at each of these spots. Do you know ahead of time a gas station is there and will be open? You dont want to waste precious time running around looking for a gas station. And even if you know right where the gas stops are, you are still stopping more often than you otherwise might want to just to get a receipt. Ultimately I would recomend you contact the IBA with this route before you go and do it to see if they will accept it.
Dont get me wrong. If your interested in doing this by all means, go for it! But like I said, in the very least I would recomend firing off your route to the IBA before you actually take the time to run the miles.
Hope this helps
- Colin
