Bike Course
The bike course is relatively flat with a few rollers and false flats going south. The return trip home has several fast downhill sections. Nowhere on the course are there technical turns. To compare it with other courses, I would rate the bike course as slightly easier than IM Louisville. During our training ride we saw several other riders and they said the course is very popular on Saturdays or Sundays with minimal car traffic. The roads were mostly smooth with a small 5 mile section of old cracked pavement when you first start the two loops. The course is also marked with orange paint to help with navigation, although in some spots it was faded.
The run course travels east along a pedestrian trail before transitioning to the road. From there it travels over a bridge then back over a wooden pedestrian bridge. The course is fairly flat with a small hill between mile 1 and 2 that zig zags up the pedestrian trail.
Adventures
Rock City - It is a beautiful natural trail through rock formations on the top of Lookout Mountain that leads to a waterfall. We would definitely go again. Plan 1.5 to 2 hr for your self guided tour.
Ruby Falls - It is a guided tour through a cave to an indoor waterfall. It takes about 1.5 hr with several unique stalagmite formations along the way. I really enjoyed it, but you have to be patient with the slow journey.
Incline - It is a train ride up the mountain. It's claim to fame is the fact that it is the steepest incline in the USA. A round trip takes about 1 hr. It was interesting, but not worth the money.Hunter Museum - It is a museum that overlooks the Tennessee River with several historic works of art. It is on the run course and the area has several cute restaurants.
Cloudland Canyon State Park - This was our campsite. We rated it as our favorite campsite so far. It was on top of a mountain with breathtaking views, hikes, and two gorgeous waterfalls. They also have Yurts (wooden floors and walls with a canvas roof) and Cabins.
Hang Gliding - On our bucket list. Tandem trips cost $249 to $299. The instructor said it is the number one ranked hang gliding location in the world.
Train - There are several short train trips around the city. We plan to ride the train on our return trip during IM weekend.
Whitewater Rafting - It is advertised as the best whitewater rafting east of the Mississippi.
FoodSugar's Ribs - Fabulous ribs at a local hole in the wall diner.
Terminal Brewhouse - This is where we watched the World Cup finale and enjoyed some homemade craft beers. They also have delightful pot roast nachos and a stout ice cream beer float.
Tremont Tavern - Huge beer selection and delicious sandwiches. It is located on the run course for potential spectators or thirsty athletes.
Cloudland Cavern - Near Cloudland Canyon State Park. It is supposedly the best steakhouse in Chattanooga, but only open Wed to Sunday.
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