The ride begins traveling northeast toward South Pittsburg on rolling roads with some rough pavement. The climb out of South Pittsburg has a 9% average grade but it's fairly steady with trees shading most of it. After the climb the quiet and well-paved road travels over many long rollers that make for a good natural interval workout (improving your appetite for lunch in Sewanee).
Entering Sewanee the route takes the more pleasant bike path along the south side of US-41 to avoid the moderate high speed traffic and the rumble strips cut into the edge of the road. There are four restaurants located near the end of the bike path in Sewanee, close to the US-41 and University Avenue intersection:
Sewanee is a college town, home of the University of the South, so hours of operation change often. More info on the restaurants can be found at the university's Where can I eat? webpage.
Lake Cheston in Sewanee is a worthwhile 2-mile side trip in the summer, a small swimming lake with shade and a small beach. Bring a float and a towel for a relaxing after-lunch cool down. Directions to the lake are included on the cue sheet; here's a map.
The return road TN-56/AL-117 includes a long descent with a moderate grade that begins about four miles after leaving Sewanee, with two switchbacks near the top. After the descent it's mostly flat roads all the way back to Stevenson, scenic, quiet and easy (allowing for good digestion).
The ride starts at the Stevenson Middle School located in the small town of Stevenson, Alabama. From Huntsville, Stevenson is about an hour's drive east on US-72. To exit from US-72 near Stevenson, bear right on the ramp off the highway and turn left/north onto AL-117. The school is located one mile north, on the left. The school is large and hard to miss, with parking in front.
