Fannin County resident Linda Sledge just completed the Trans North Georgia (TNGA) bikepacking adventure ride for the fifth time at 74 years young.
Although there were moments when Sledge wanted to quit, “Dropping out was not an option. It’s a mind over matter thing.
“A lot of things happen out there and you can get into really serious trouble, and I’ve known that from years of adventure racing. ...I was just determined I was going to finish at any cost and at any length of time, and sure enough, I finished,” Sledge said.
Sledge started the TNGA bikepacking ride in 2017 for the first time, and she completed the trek in four days and 12 hours. Sledge finished this year’s ride in six days and two hours.
The TNGA is a 350-mile route that snakes through the southern Appalachian Mountains from South Carolina to Alabama. The route is comprised of formidable single-track, steep abandoned Jeep tracks, and endless National Forest roads that will test the will of any bikepacking enthusiast.
About mid-way through the ride, bikepacking riders travel through the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness, follow the Toccoa River over the old iron bridge and approach the Aska Trail network nearing the City of Blue Ridge.
“You have to deal with the elements and so this year we had to deal with lots of rain, and we had that storm that came through right before we started. ...The trails and creek crossings and river crossings were just horrendous, and the trails were just really washed out, which made it harder to ride.
“But, we got it done, and it’s kind of a miracle. Most people think I’m crazy for doing it, but my friends don’t because they know me. ...My husband is very supportive too...he wants me to do it again next year, and I said, ‘no I don’t think so,’” Sledge said.
Although Sledge does not plan to participate in the TNGA bikepacking ride next year, she has enjoyed the challenge and the journey of the ride over the last five years. “I just know every turn by heart,” Sledge said.
Sledge encourages anyone of any age to consider bikepacking and adventure racing, or any activity that will get them outdoors to enjoy the nature and beauty that Fannin County has to offer.