Farms, Rocks, Forests 600K

This 600K consists of two loops, a 400K and a 200K, both of which start and end at the Day’s Inn in Columbus, Indiana.  Riders may choose to sleep between the two loops or ride straight through.

The 400K loop is identical to the Limestone Circuit 400K, and takes riders through Bloomington, Bedford, Shoals, Salem and Brownstown before returning to Columbus.  The terrain on this part of the ride is quite varied, and includes heavily wooded areas in the Hoosier National Forest and extensive farmland.  There is quite a bit of climbing between Beford and Salem.

The 200K loop is a rectangular in shape, and goes first to Batesville, then to North Vernon, and then to Seymour before returning to Columbus.  Unlike the 400K loop, this loop is more uniform, and takes in mostly farmland.  Apart from the occasional desccent down to a creekbed and back out, there is relatively little climbing on this route.  It can, however, be quite windy, and, with open farmland on both sides of the road, there is no place to hide.  With very few exceptions the roads on this route are quiet, and away from heavy traffic.

There are relatively few services on the 200K loop.  This is especially true of the first 50 miles, from Columbus to Batesville; you will not find any services between the controls.  This is also mostly true of the stretches between controls for the rest of the route.  This means that it will be especially important to stock up at controls, and to have reserves on hand.  And if is a hot day, you will need to get water at every opportunity, and carry as much as you can.