PDF Version of Map (larger) and Turn List
This ride travels through central Cabell County. It is a scenic ride with great vistas from Barkers Ridge north of I-64 and small farms south of I-64. It is one of the easier loop rides of this distance. The climb to Barkers Ridge is about three tenth of a mile. The worst hill is below I-64. It is very steep but less than three tenth of a mile in length. The only store on the route after leaving Milton is at the crossing of route 60 at Ona. This has all the amenities and good restrooms and is situated about half distance. This ride is very similar in difficulty to the Mud River ride with which it shares some milage. All descents on this route have sharp 180 degree S curves, so be sure to ride under control.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START:
TAKE I-64 TO MILTON. At the stop sign on the exit ramp, follow the sign to Milton. At the intersection on route 60, turn right. At the stop light, take a left and follow the road across the bridge (about 3/10 mile) and park in the areas of the ball fields. Can also start at the Milton Park n Ride. Will add a mile or so to the distance.
RIDE DIRECTIONS:
The instructions for riding the loop in a counter clockwise direction which takes the best advantage of the terrain and avoids a long climb up to Barkers Ridge in the other direction. Mileages are to be used as reference. Milage recorded by various cyclometers may vary.
0.0 From the parking area, head back to Milton and go straight at the light across route 60.
0.4 Right turn at the first street beyond route 60 at the Milton Community Park.
0.5 Left turn after two streets. You will encounter a couple small hills in the next three miles.
4.1 Right turn onto Dudley Gap Road. Short steep climb when you reach Barkers Ridge.
6.1 Left turn onto Barkers Ridge Road. (Do not go over the hill.) After the turn, you will continue a gentle climb to the top of Barkers Ridge.
8.6 Straight at the intersection of Coppers Ridge Road.
12.2 Straight at Stop Sign.
12.3 Straight at Stop Sign at intersection of Big Seven Road.
13.0 Begin descent from Barkers Ridges.
17.6 Straight at intersection of Prichard Road. This is the first rise since Barkers Ridge.
18.2 Beware of bridge surface at Howells Mill.
19.4 Pass under I-64.
20.3 Straight across route 60. Stop for food, drink, restrooms at Exxon station on the left.
25.7 Straight at intersection of Roach Road. Site of
Susannan Baptist Church, established 1873.
26.7 Top of Hill. Sharp S curves on descent.
28.5 Left at intersection of Trace Fork Road.
28.8 Left at Balls Gap. Road sign at intersection.
29.7 Start climb of short but very steep hill.
32.4 Left at intersection of Mud River Road t Balls Gap.
35.2 Left before the bridge over Mud River (unless there is the potential for high water).
39.7 Left after the RR underpass.
40.6 Back at parking lot.
RIDE ON THE RIGHT ---- WEAR A HELMET!