During the US prohibition era of the 1920's & 30's, the government made white lighting shine. Most of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, parts of Virginia, and other states, were considered dry. So, naturally smuggling was occurring regularly along the backwoods roads. This route covers a small section of the southern states historically known for the production of Moonshine.
From the outskirts of Mars Hill, NC, t...
Read moreDuring the US prohibition era of the 1920's & 30's, the government made white lighting shine. Most of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, parts of Virginia, and other states, were considered dry. So, naturally smuggling was occurring regularly along the backwoods roads. This route covers a small section of the southern states historically known for the production of Moonshine.
From the outskirts of Mars Hill, NC, the race is tucked away along a valley road amidst the rustic Appalachian mountains. The riders head north upon the undulating hills of Route 23 into Tennessee. The scenery is breathtaking, and an ambitious group may slip off the front, while the peloton is sightseeing, until they emerge from the mountains' shadows in Johnson City. Continuing northwest, the peloton should capture escapees along the flat stretch, as Bays Mountain grows on the horizon. Nearing Kingsport, the route climbs over Bays' east side, before crossing into Virginia and the feed station in Gate City.
The pace quickens, turning west at Daniel Boone Rd, and north on Lonesome Pine Trail, as the route twists and turns over the western hills of Virginia. Black Mountain mocks them from the distance, diverting them around before they can cross into Kentucky. The final road to Hazard is another long country valley road, continuously curving and changing names, before a straight flat finish set alongside the Kentucky River banks.
